Being a dog owner in Santa Monica is usually filled with wonderful experiences. Walks, playing in parks, and constant companionship are all perks of having a dog. But there are times when a dog can react aggressively in a situation that leads to them biting or attacking someone. While unfortunate, it’s also extremely dangerous. Dog bites often lead to serious injuries for the victim, either from the actual bite or later when the wound becomes infected. Either way, California law provides extensive protection for victims of dog bites.
Santa Monica Dog Bite Victims Can Trust Maison Law
At Maison Law, our team of experienced Santa Monica personal injury lawyers is proud to stand up for victims of these unfortunate incidents. When you or a loved one are bitten by a dog in Santa Monica, we can explain how the law works and give you an idea of your legal options. Then, we can help you file a claim to get the available benefits and support that the law provides.
After suffering a dog bite, time is of the essence. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more.
We understand that being the victim of a dog bite incident can be a traumatic experience, and we’re here to help. Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
What Injuries Can Happen in a Dog Bite Incident in Santa Monica?
While they may seem random, dog bites are a frequent occurrence in Santa Monica and throughout California. No matter what caused the dog to attack and bite you, these incidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Even though every dog bite incident is unique, they often result in these common injuries:
Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, from minor wounds to more serious injuries that require medical attention. Here are some examples of injuries that can happen in a dog bite incident in Santa Monica:
- Puncture wounds – These are common injuries in dog bites, as a dog’s teeth can easily pierce the skin, causing puncture wounds. These injuries can be deep and may require stitches.
- Lacerations – A dog’s teeth can cause deep cuts or tears in the skin, which can be difficult to repair and may require surgical intervention.
- Infection – Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to an increased risk of infection. If left untreated, infections can cause serious health problems.
- Nerve damage – Injuries to nerves in the affected area can result in numbness, tingling, or loss of function.
- Broken bones – A dog bite can cause fractures in bones, especially in the hands and feet.
- Emotional trauma – Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, causing emotional distress and anxiety in the victim.
In the immediate aftermath of a dog bite, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor. A doctor or other healthcare professional can evaluate the wound, provide proper treatment, and determine if any further care is needed. Additionally, seeking medical care creates a record of the injury that can be used in any potential legal claim.
Can Dog Bites in Santa Monica Be Prevented?
While not all dog bites can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten by a dog in Santa Monica. Here are some tips:
- Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs – Avoiding a dog bite is easier if you don’t approach a dog you don’t know, especially if the dog is tied up, behind a fence, or in a car. If a dog approaches you, do not run away or scream. Instead, stay still, and avoid making eye contact.
- Ask for permission before petting a dog – Always ask the owner’s permission before approaching or petting their dog. Do not assume that a dog is friendly or that the owner wants their dog to interact with you.
- Avoid provoking dogs – Obviously, provoking a dog makes it more likely to react aggressively. Thus, never tease, hit, or pull a dog’s tail or ears. This can provoke the dog and increase the risk of a bite.
- Keep dogs on a leash – If you’re a dog owner, keep your dog on a leash at all times when in public. This will prevent your dog from running up to unfamiliar people or dogs.
- Teach children how to behave around dogs – Teach children to respect dogs and not to approach or pet them without permission. Teach them to avoid making eye contact and to stay still if a dog approaches them.
- Seek professional help – If your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help identify the cause of the behavior and provide training to correct it.
Remember, responsible pet ownership and cautious behavior around dogs can go a long way in preventing dog bites in Santa Monica. However, if you are bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Liability and Dog Bites in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica and throughout California, dog bites fall under the category of “strict liability.” This means that, according to the law, the owner of the dog is strictly liable for:
- Any damages suffered by a person who is bitten by the dog
- Regardless of whether the dog has shown any prior viciousness or the owner knew of the dog’s viciousness.
This means that the victim of a dog bite does not have to prove that the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous, in order to hold the owner responsible for the injuries.
However, there are some exceptions to this strict liability rule where the dog’s owner may not be held liable. If the victim:
- Provoked the dog
- Was trespassing on the owner’s property
- Was engaged in illegal activity at the time of the bite
After you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to report the incident to animal control. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health can investigate the incident and determine if the dog is dangerous or if the owner has violated any laws or regulations. After that, consider contacting our experienced dog bite lawyers to discuss your legal options.
Legal Options For Santa Monica Dog Bite Victims
A California dog bite falls under the category of a personal injury claim. Thus, dog bite victims in Santa Monica have several legal options available to them to seek available benefits and support for their injuries.
Furthermore, because of strict liability laws that are in place for dog bites, dog owners–more specifically, their insurance company–are responsible for any damages. This means that victims may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the dog’s owner to recover damages, which typically include the following in a dog bite case:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Punitive damages
Additionally, if a third party, such as a landlord, was aware of the dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to take appropriate actions, they may also be held liable for your injuries.
Overall, it’s important to remember that the claims process in California can be challenging. Even in dog bites cases where liability is virtually unquestioned, you’ll still need to deal with an insurance company to get compensation. If you have spent any amount of time dealing with these companies, you know how difficult the process can be.
That’s why it’s important to work with our experienced team of California dog bite lawyers. We know how to best approach these cases, including how to negotiate and deal with insurance companies and their representatives.
Experienced Legal Guidance From Santa Monica Dog Bite Lawyers
Nearly every dog bite incident is unfortunate and tragic. Dogs are faithful companions, but sometimes that means they go too far in their instinct to defend their territory. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Santa Monica, it’s important to seek experienced legal guidance from Maison Law’s qualified dog bite lawyers.
We can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today to set up a free consultation.
