Maison Law represents dog bite victims in Turlock. California law holds dog owners “strictly liable” for any injuries and damages caused by their dog, and one of the most common situations where these incidents happen is where you’re out for a run and the dog instinctually chases and bites you. While unfortunate, you do have legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
There’s no legal requirement in Turlock or anywhere else in California that says you need a lawyer to file an injury claim. In fact, if your injuries are relatively minor, you probably don’t have to worry about filing anything at all.
Unfortunately, though, a dog bite often results in serious injuries, particularly if you were running at the time. When a dog chases you, you not only have to deal with the actual bite injuries, but also injuries from being knocked down. All of this adds up to a situation where you may need the help of our lawyers.
We’re here to support you through dog bite claims and similar incidents. Here’s what we offer:
- Free assessment of your case, explaining your legal options
- Thorough investigation to determine fault, usually the owner
- Help gathering crucial evidence like medical records and photos
- Handling of the legal process, so you can focus on recovery
You don’t go out on a run expecting any injury, let alone a dog bite. Still, this happens a lot, particularly in certain neighborhoods and areas throughout the city. So, when you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to understand how the law approaches them.
How Does the Law Approach Dog Bites in Turlock?
Dog bite law in Turlock follows the same framework as state law, which imposes “strict liability” on dog owners for any injuries caused by their pets. This means that owners are:
- Legally responsible for covering victims’ injuries, regardless of whether or not they knew their dog was aggressive or has a history of biting people.
However, there are nuances to consider. For instance, if a dog bite occurs in a location like a city dog park, additional legal options such as premises liability may come into play.
Even if the law holds dog owners fully responsible for bites, your compensation might decrease if you played a role in the incident. California follows comparative negligence, so if you were partly at fault, your damages could be reduced. Actions like trespassing or provoking the dog could affect your claim’s outcome.
Damages and Strengthening a Dog Bite Claim
As you might expect, getting bitten by a dog can result in various injuries. Add to that being on a run, and there’s the further issue of being knocked down and those resulting injuries. Typically, this involves things like:
- Puncture wounds, especially on your feet, ankles, and legs
- Nerve damage
- Muscle tears
- Cuts and bruises
- Head injuries from falls or being knocked down
- Risk of infections
To seek damages, you can file either an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the dog’s owner, typically through their insurance company. In these claims, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing care and rehabilitation
- Support for pain and suffering
- Coverage for emotional distress
- Reimbursement for lost income and wages
- Repair costs for any property damage
- Punitive damages if the owner’s negligence was severe
Strengthening Your Claim
Obviously, these damages are very important to your physical, emotional, and even financial recovery from the incident. But because an insurance company is going to do whatever they can–even in a dog bite claim, which has strict liability–to try to devalue your claim, you need to do what you can to strengthen it. Here’s how:
- Get help from a doctor right away – When a dog bites you, it’s important to see a doctor quickly to stop any problems from getting worse. Prior to getting to the doctor, make sure to wash the wound or bite area with soap and water, and use antiseptic solution on it.
- Find out who owns the dog – If you can, get the name and contact info of the person who owns the dog. Also, ask anyone who saw the bite what happened. Knowing this information helps figure out who’s responsible and can help your legal claim.
- Tell animal control or the police what happened – Report the bite to Turlock Animal Services and, possibly, the police. They can handle the situation and make sure the dog doesn’t bite anyone else. Animal Services usually also has vaccine and incident history on the dog that bit you.
- Write down what happened and take pictures – Keep track of what the bite looked like and where it happened. Write down when and where it took place and anything you remember about the dog and its owner. Also, take photos of your injuries and where the bite happened.
By doing these things, you can take care of yourself and protect your rights after a dog bite. However, the best case scenario is that you don’t get bitten at all. As a runner, this isn’t always possible. That said, it can help to understand where and how these incidents happen.
Why Do Dogs Bite Runners?
Dog bites can happen in California, even with dogs that are trained and behaved. Any dog can be tempted to chase after you while you’re running because of their natural instincts. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid running altogether. Instead, it’s wise to be ready and have a plan in case you come across dogs during your run–which you probably will in Turlock. So, here’s a few of the more common reasons that a dog will try to bite a runner:
- Instinct – Dogs have natural instincts to chase after moving objects, like runners. This behavior can sometimes escalate into biting if the dog gets overly excited or feels threatened.
- Protectiveness – Some dogs might see runners as intruders or threats to their territory. They might bite to protect their space or their owners.
- Fear or anxiety – If a dog feels scared or anxious, it might react by biting. Runners moving quickly or unexpectedly can trigger fear in some dogs.
- Pain or illness – Dogs in pain or discomfort might lash out, including biting. If a runner startles a dog that’s already hurting, it could lead to a bite.
- Inadequate socialization – Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized may not know how to react to runners or other unfamiliar situations. They might bite out of fear or confusion.
- Prey drive – Some dogs have a strong prey drive, meaning they’re inclined to chase and catch smaller animals. A runner might trigger this instinct in certain dogs, leading to chasing or biting behavior.
As with any dog bite situation, it’s crucial that you do everything you can not to provoke the dog. Always stay cautious if you’re running in an unfamiliar area, and make sure to report any dogs running loose or showing aggression.
Dedicated Turlock Dog Bite Lawyers
A dog bite is an unfortunate reality of living in Turlock, but it’s even more frustrating when it happens because a dog isn’t properly leashed or trained. Still, when you get bitten while out on a run, it can have long-lasting consequences for you and your family. Our dedicated team of dog bite lawyers at Maison Law can help you in such situations. To get the recovery process started, contact us today to set up a free consultation.
