Dog Bites

It is important to know and teach children the basic rules of interacting with dogs. In general, you should always refrain from approaching or petting strange dogs, especially when the owner is not around. If a dog displays signs of aggression, agitation, or fear—such as growling, bristled hair, stiff posture, or pinned-back ears—stay away. Always ask owners about a dog’s temperament and whether or not it is okay to approach the dog before doing so and remember, even a familiar pet can attack if it feels threatened.

While dog bites and animal attack injuries vary in severity and location, some types of dog bite injuries are more common than others. Any dog bite should be taken seriously and evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper treatment and minimize potential complications.

Some common types of dog bite injuries are:

• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Infections
• Rabies
• Death

Take the first step toward obtaining compensation and contact personal injury lawyer Robert Zakaryan at Zakaryan Law Group if you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite. We have skilled dog bite lawyers ready to discuss your claim and assist you in your quest for financial compensation for a dog bite injury.

In some states, liability against dog owners can be difficult to prove due to the “one bite rule” which states that victims have to prove the owner’s prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive behavior.

California does not practice the one bite rule but instead has a strict liability statute regarding dog bite attacks. This means that dog owners in California are responsible for the aggressive behaviors of their dogs whether they had prior knowledge, or their dogs had shown signs of aggressiveness in the past. It does not matter if this was the first time their dog bit someone or if their dog was a known vicious dog. A person only needs to show that the dog bit them while in a public place or lawfully in a private place.

Exceptions to Owner Liability
There are some cases in which the dog owner, keeper, or handler may not be liable for injuries or damages, even when their dog bites someone. This includes instances where dogs engaged in police or military duties are provoked or harassed. In such cases, the agency responsible for the dog must have a documented policy regarding the management of working dogs.

Should an individual be trespassing on private property or in the act of committing a crime, such as burglary, and is then attacked or bitten by a dog, they would not be eligible to claim damages from the dog’s owner. This is because the victim of the dog bite was not lawfully present on the private property.

Suffering a dog bite can lead to substantial physical, emotional, and mental trauma, all of which can be expensive to manage. Victims of dog bites may be eligible to receive substantial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages based on the nature of their losses and the anticipated impact of their injuries on their lives. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries due to a dog bite attack, you may have a right to compensation.

Types of compensation you may be entitled to include:

• Medical expenses
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement/Disability
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Punitive damages
• Physical therapy
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Whether you were injured by a dog, or your child was bitten, our team is ready to fight for justice. You can count on Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Zakaryan Law Group to give you the one-on-one attention you need and discuss dog bite compensation and who may be liable for your injuries.

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims after a dog bite injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. Once this time has passed, you will no longer be able to make a claim for compensation. It is important that you contact an experienced California dog bite lawyer right away so that they can help protect your rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.