California Premises Liability Attorney: Navigating Dog Bites

While dogs are often referred to as “man's best friend,” dog bites and attacks remain a common occurrence in California. The experience can be traumatizing, even if the physical injury isn't severe. Victims of such incidents deserve full compensation, including coverage for pain and suffering.

At Bulut Law Corporation, our team of Personal Injury attorneys in Southern California ensures clients receive fair and comprehensive compensation. We are well-versed in the law, understand the local community, and possess the expertise to handle insurance companies and other responsible parties. Reach out to us at ((424) 344-8688 to arrange a complimentary consultation and discover how we can support you during this challenging period.

Dog Bite Statistics According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur each year, with approximately 885,000 necessitating medical attention. Although fatalities are rare, they do happen sporadically.

Why Do Dogs in Southern California Bite People and Who Is At Fault? 

Dog owners are typically responsible for their pets' behavior, making them liable for any resulting injuries. Two primary legal concepts determine fault in dog attacks and dictate compensation: strict liability and the one-bite rule.

Strict Liability: This theory holds dog owners accountable for attacks regardless of preventive measures. However, if the owner can prove the victim provoked the dog, they may defend against the claim.

One-Bite Rule: This pertains to prior knowledge of a dog's aggressive tendencies. If the owner was aware or should have been aware of the dog's potential for aggression, they must take precautions to prevent harm. These legal theories vary by jurisdiction, necessitating consultation with a California personal injury attorney to understand the applicable laws.

Examples of Why Dogs Bite

 Dogs may bite for various reasons, including stress, training, fear, past abuse, protective instincts, illness, or provocation.

Provocation and Dog Bites It's crucial to note that provocation is a key factor in dog bite cases. Acts like hitting, trapping, pulling, or stepping on a dog can incite aggression. However, common actions like walking toward a dog, petting, or feeding it are generally not considered provocation.

What to Do If Attacked by a Dog in California In the event of a dog attack, prioritize medical care and gather necessary information, including the dog owner's details, witnesses' contact information, and scene documentation.

Most Damaging Dog Bites by Breed While breed may influence bite severity, studies suggest that bite damage is often not breed-specific.

Common Injuries from Dog Attacks in Southern California

 Dog attacks can result in severe physical injuries such as lacerations, infections, nerve damage, dismemberment, paralysis, chronic pain, and scarring. Emotional distress and PTSD are also common, particularly among children who are more vulnerable to dog attacks.

Children are the Most Vulnerable Young children are especially susceptible to dog bites due to their lack of awareness. They may approach unfamiliar dogs assuming friendliness, leading to tragic consequences. Protecting children from dog-related injuries requires heightened vigilance and education on dog safety.

If you or someone you care about has experienced an injury due to someone else's dog, the owner could be responsible for the harm caused and may be liable for compensation. At Bulut Law Corporation, our personal injury lawyers in Southern California are dedicated to ensuring that individuals who have suffered injuries or, in rare cases, lost a loved one due to a dog attack, receive full compensation. Reach out to our office at (424) 344-8688 to arrange a complimentary consultation and gain a clearer understanding of your unique dog bite injury case.