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In the State of California, Civil Code §3342 outlines liability in dog bite cases. Based on this statute, dog owners are responsible for the damages caused when their dog bites a person who is lawfully in a private place or in an otherwise public space. The law holds dog owners responsible regardless of whether the dog owner had knowledge of the animal’s aggressive tendencies.
Monetary Compensation is Necessary After a Serious Dog Bite – Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you or someone you know was bitten by a dog, the resulting damages can be extensive. Seek the legal support of an established attorney who will advocate on your behalf. For more than 39 years, Attorney Gary G. Goldberg has successfully represented dog bite victims throughout Riverside County. Although California attempts to hold dog owners strictly responsible after a dog bite, dog owners and their insurance companies will work aggressively to circumvent liability. Attorney Goldberg understands the obstacles dog bite victims face. Therefore, Attorney Goldberg works diligently and exhaustively to ensure his clients obtain the monetary compensation they deserve. After a dog bite injury, consider obtaining legal counsel from a well-established litigator. Consider scheduling your free initial consultation with the Law Office of Attorney Gary G. Goldberg today.
The State of California Leads the Nation in Dog Attacks
According to data released by the U.S. Postal Service, California leads the nation with the most dog bites and attacks on postal workers.
A recent nationwide study examining dog bite cases found that:
- Between 2005-2017, the State of California was second in the nation with the highest number of dog bite fatalities.
- Within the study period, there were a total of 45 fatalities caused by dog attacks.
- In the United States, nearly 4.5 million individuals are injured each year by dogs.
Injuries Typically Caused By Dog Bite Attacks
Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, small children are at a higher risk of being bitten by a dog and their injuries are most likely to be severe. Additionally, the agency reports that about 1 in 5 dog bite injuries will require medical treatment.
The following are common types of dog bite injuries:
- Abrasions – In most cases, these injuries are superficial and will not go past the skin epidermis. In severe cases, however, an injury can lead to scarring, an infection or both.
- Lacerations – These injuries result in tears in the skin, which can typically require stitching. Lacerations may go past the skin epidermis and can go as far as the muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Deep lacerations can result in uneven wounds, which may heal in a jagged or zig-zag scar. Medical attention is necessary when a deep laceration wound is inflicted.
- Puncture Wounds – These injuries happen when the animal’s teeth puncture a person’s skin. Puncture wounds can still run deep. When the teeth break the skin, there is always a risk of serious infection. Medical attention should be sought even when the puncture wound is small.
- Infection – After any dog bite, there is always a risk of serious infection. An infection can come from the bacteria typically found in a dog’s mouth, but it can also arise from the bacteria or germs found on the person’s skin. Cleaning a dog bite is extremely important, as it can reduce the potential of an infection. It is also important to be mindful of the signs of an infection, which can be redness or swelling around the site, pain and pus.
- Rabies – The worst type of infection a person can sustain is rabies. Fortunately, the risk is relatively small in the United States.
- Crushing Injuries – These injuries typically occur when the dog attack involved a large dog. With the force of their jaws, large dogs can exert tremendous force, which can crush and fracture a person’s bones.
- Nerve Damage – Nerve damage is common after a serious dog bite. Contingent on the extent of the injury, a dog bite can lead to temporary or permanent loss of nerve function.
Request a Free Initial Consultation From a Knowledgeable Attorney Today
Under California law, when a dog has bitten a person, the dog owner will generally be held strictly responsible for the injuries the dog has caused. If you have been bitten by a dog, you deserve to be compensated for your losses, such as medical treatment, disability, loss of earnings, pain and suffering. Discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney who will advocate on your behalf.
For over 39 years, the Law Office of Attorney Gary G. Goldberg has championed for the rights of individuals who have been bitten and attacked by another person’s dog. Attorney Goldberg is well-versed in the complexity of these cases and is prepared to handle the most challenging dog bite case. After a dog bite attack, consider discussing your case with Attorney Goldberg. Contact the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg today for a no-obligation consultation at (951) 788-8325.
