Salinas is home to many large grocery markets and supercenters. Walmart is just one of these supercenters, with locations in Salinas at both North Main Street and North Davis Road. You may frequent your local Salinas Walmart for many goods, from grocery items to clothing. Though you wouldn’t expect to see a dog inside a store, you could run into a costumer and their dog in many other areas, such as a parking lot or garden center. This means that there are many opportunities for a dog bite attack to happen at a Salinas Walmart.
No matter where a dog bite incident occurs, it can be both traumatic and painful. Having support from a California dog bite lawyer can ensure that your rights are being protected after one of these catastrophic incidents. At Maison Law, we represent California residents in their dog bite injury claims and will provide you with the resources that you need to get back on your feet. Please contact us as soon as possible after a dog bite incident so that we can help you get started on your claim.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in a Salinas Walmart?
When it comes to dog bite incidents, California follows strict liability laws. This means that, under California Legal Code Section 3342, a dog owner could be held strictly liable for injuries or damages that their dog causes when a dog bite occurs. This law applies anywhere, which includes at a Walmart. An injured party will only have to show the following:
- The owner was responsible for the dog that bit you
- You were on the store property at the time of the incident
- The bite led to your injuries and other related damages
You may wonder if Walmart shares liability at all in a dog bite incident that occurred on their property. Walmart has a strict no-pet policy but this does not mean that owners will abide by the rules. Walmart and other California businesses owe a duty of care to customers on their property. Because of the no-pet policy, employees or managers are supposed to ask a customer to remove their dog from a store. If an employee or management knew about the presence of a dog and did not ask the owner to remove them, you could possibly hold the store liable if you are bitten.
Steps to Take After a Salinas Walmart Dog Bite Attack
The steps that you take following a dog bite incident in a Salinas Walmart will not only protect your health and well-being, but they could also make or break your claim in the future. Here are some steps that you should take in response to your dog bite attack as quickly as possible:
- Seek immediate medical attention to check for injuries or if the dog was seriously ill.
- Document exactly where the incident took place and the details surrounding the bite.
- Follow up with doctor’s orders as necessary.
- Report the incident to Walmart and local animal control officers so that it is well-documented.
- Identify any witnesses and obtain their contact information.
Damages in a Dog Bite Claim at a Walmart
In any California dog bite claim, there are certain damages that you may be able to receive for both monetary and non-monetary losses. These could include any of the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred or expect to incur in the future
- Pain and suffering damages
- Reimbursement for lost income and future lost income
- Property damages caused by the incident
- Punitive damages when gross negligence was at play
It is crucial to understand that each dog bite claim varies from the next. This means that you may not receive the same amount in damages as somebody else who was injured in a dog bite attack. However, the unique circumstances of your case will determine who is liable and how much you will receive in damages. You should only have to focus on your physical recovery after a dog bite at a Salinas Walmart, which is why you should have a legal advocate on your side who can fight to protect your legal rights.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer After an Attack
When you shop at a Salinas Walmart, you never expect to encounter a dog and experience a devastating dog bite attack. When this happens, you have rights and options under California accident law. Our experienced and knowledgeable California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law are here for you every step of the way as you navigate the complex legal system. Please contact us today for a free and fully confidential case consultation.
