Right to Compensation for Cycling Accident Victims:
Animal attacks are nothing short of terrifying for most victims. There is the pain and possible lifelong scars left from the physical trauma of the event, as well as possible lifelong emotional trauma. Sadly, adults can suffer as much harm as a child and even succumb to life-threatening injuries from an attack of a dog, large cat, or other pet that has been domesticated or is a wild animal living in captivity. In 2022, California reached a record high of over 48,000 emergency room visits for dog bites alone. And there is no way of knowing how many other bite or attack incidents went unreported.
If you or a loved one suffered an animal attack or dog bite in California, please know that the LA Injury Attorneys are here to help. Our dedicated staff can be reached 24/7 to assist you in understanding your rights as a victim of an animal attack and how to hold the animal’s owner accountable for the harm inflicted by their pet. But please, first seek emergency medical care and a complete evaluation of any damage caused by the dog bite or animal attack. There can be significant health complications due to the bacteria and germs contained in dog saliva. All it takes is a single tooth to break the skin, and there is the potential for a severe infection or disease to be transmitted from the dog to its human victim.
Understanding California Dog Bite Laws
When discussing California dog bite laws, victims should know that it is a strict liability state concerning liability for dog bites. That means dog owners are almost always responsible for any harm their dog causes if they fail to control the animal in a public or private setting. The exceptions to this guideline exclude owner liability if the person who was bit was abusing or hurting the dog or they were on the property illegally, such as a burglar in your home. In all other instances, including when the dog is on a leash or loose, the dog owner is responsible for maintaining control of the dog and for its actions or any harm it causes.
What To Do After Suffering Any Animal Bite
Sadly, there is a misconception that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. Regardless of this wives tale, it is critical for dog bite victims to seek medical care to have the wound assessed and cleaned. This process is even more vital when the dog’s health is unknown, or you cannot contact the owner to ensure the dog has been properly vaccinated. What looks like a tiny break in the skin today could be red, swollen, and infected tomorrow and result in:
- Rabies
- A staph or strep infection
- Cellulitis
- A blood infection
- A bone infection
If you suffered a dog bite in Los Angeles or were attacked by any animal, please seek emergency medical care immediately. Then, contact the LA Injury Attorneys to speak with an animal attack expert to learn more about your rights as the victim of a dog bite or animal attack and how to hold the animal’s owner accountable for the harm caused by their pet.
