Animals & Pets

Fatal Dog Attacks In California

Every state has its own way of dealing with dog bites. For pet owners in California, it is vital to get familiar with the relevant laws regarding liability for injuries. No one wants their dogs to go around attacking people and, for the most part, domesticated pets do behave better than strays. However, there are still cases wherein these animals do things that may seem out of character. There are consequences when they do so whether they bite in a public or a private property. It will depend on the gravity of the attack and fatal dog attacks can have severe legal implications.

Patterns of Dog Attacks

According to the statistics, millions of dog attacks occur every year. Most of these are minor and do not require any intervention. Others will need medical treatment. A majority of the cases involve child victims, probably because they like to play with dogs and are unaware of the full dangers that they might face. Children can exhibit behaviors that may seem threatening to animals and provoke retaliation. It should be noted that the owner’s presence is a good deterrent as attacks rarely happen when they are around to police their pets. Bigger animals tend to inflict worse injuries. Breeds to watch out for include Rottweilers and pit bulls. Adult male dogs that aren’t neutered are often the culprits.

California Dog Bite Laws

Strict liability applies when it comes to dog bites. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first attack or not. The owner will be held responsible for the consequences. That is why it is necessary for people to secure their pets, especially when going outside for a walk around the neighborhood or for playtime in a park. Using a leash is a good idea as they can control the dog’s closeness with other people, particularly kids should might trigger the dog’s anxiety. They will be able to stop an attack as soon as it happens. If injuries are sustained, then victims should get treatment as soon as possible.

Death or Injury

Victims can also file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation from the owner. This should be sent to the courts before the statute of limitations expire in order for the case to be heard. Otherwise, the right to sue may be forfeited. Hiring a dog bite lawyer should be the next priority after getting medical treatment. Discuss the details of the case including how and where it happened. Make sure that there are witnesses that could corroborate the testimony for a stronger claim. Trespassing and taunting can weaken can case.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *