The California civil code lists information regarding liability and actions against owners of dogs who have caused injuries to humans or livestock. Owning a dog is legally like owning a home or any other type of property. It is the responsibility of the owner to keep visitors safe. When dog bites occur, those who suffer injury may seek compensation for damages.
Dog bites on private property or in a public place
A dog’s owner is not only liable for damages if you suffer a bite injury while visiting his or her home. Liability exists in public locations as well. For instance, a dog’s owner is obligated to keep people safe while walking the dog or playing with it at a public park.
Dog bites can cause severe wounds that can become infected. It is critically important to seek immediate medical attention following a dog bite, especially if the wound is deep, which may require sutures for healing. In some cases, tendon or nerve damage may occur, which can have permanent side effects and may create a need for surgery.
What if the same dog attacks again?
If a dog bites someone, the law demands that the owner take steps to make sure a similar incident does not happen again. When the same dog has bitten on two or more occasions, the court may order the removal or destruction of the animal. You can expect this type of repercussion if the evidence shows that the owner did not take reasonable steps to remove the danger that the dog presents to others following a first biting incident.
In some states, the plaintiff in a dog bite case must prove that the owner of the animal failed to fulfill a duty of care. In California, you do not have this burden of proof. If a bite occurs, the dog’s owner is liable for damages. Navigating the civil justice system can be stressful, which is why most people choose to act alongside experienced legal representation rather than trying to handle a case on their own.
