Stockton Injury Lawyer Blog

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.

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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.