Stockton Injury Lawyer Blog

Broward County, Florida officials are giving dangerous dogs a "second chance" to stay off of "doggie death row," the term applied to Florida's dogs who are awaiting euthanasia after violating that county's one-bite rule. County officials have now changed the standard, euthanizing dogs after a second attack.

Dog bites are serious injuries - over 1000 dog bite victims are sent to emergency rooms around the country each year. The impact of a dog bite can be lifelong, with victims not only facing injuries, but potential physical and emotional scars as a result of the animal attack. If you have been injured in an animal attack or bitten by a dog, a knowledgeable California dog bite lawyer can help.

California dog bite laws are strict. Under California Civil Code Sec. 3342, the owner of any dog who bites another person is responsible for the injuries - even if the dog hasn't been vicious before and even if the owner has no knowledge of the dog's potential to be vicious. This means that if you are bitten, the dog owner may be responsible for your damages including medical costs, damage to property or personal damages, and emotional distress damages. You may even be able to recover punitive damages if the dog owner behaved in a reckless or malicious manner.

Continue reading "California Dog Bite Law Tough On Owners of Dangerous Dogs" »

The Centers for Disease Control has designated May 16-22, 2010 as National Dog Bite Prevention Week in order to raise awareness of the seriousness of dog bites and the resulting injuries.

Millions of Californian are bitten by dogs each year, and statistics show that one-fifth of all those bitten require medical attention - ranging from antibiotics, to stitches to reconstructive surgery.

Although children tend to be the most at risk, each year a substantial number of California utility employees have received dog bites requiring medical attention. When a meter reader or gas service representative, or any other service professional enters a homeowner's yard to provide customer care, unrestrained dogs may feel threatened and protective, and subsequently attack.

California utility companies have issued the following tips to prevent dog bite injuries:

• When you have scheduled service visits, keep your dog inside or restrained
• Post a "beware of dog" sign
• Train your dog to obey at least simple commands such as "sit," "stay" and "no"
• Keep all of your vaccinations up to date

California law provides that dog owners as always responsible for dog bites. An owner is responsible for ensuring the dog is under control in all situations, especially if they own a dangerous breed and know the dog may bite.

Continue reading "National Dog Bite Prevention Week Seeks To Raise Awareness and Reduce Dog Bite Injuries" »

Experiencing a dog bite attack can be a very traumatic experience, oftentimes resulting in serious personal injury. California law used to mandate that the owner of the dog have notice of the dog's propensity to bite. No longer as California law did away with the "One Bite Rule". Now, if you are bitten by a dog the owner of that dog is responsible for your personal injuries regardless of the dog's history. It may very well be the first time that dog has ever bitten someone. That fact no longer matters as the owner is still liable for your damages.

A complexity I often see is when the owner of the dog rents the house in which they reside. This is a problem in that a renter will either a) not have insurance or b) have insurance that doesn't cover this type of incident. There are numerous elements that need to be established to hold a landlord liable for the acts of the tenant's dog in a bite situation.

Regardless, the assistance of an attorney is beneficial in both situations to preserve evidence of the attack, determine the coverage applicable to the owner of the dog, and to make sure you get proper compensation for your damages when you are bitten by a dog.