Dogs are a popular pet and really a part of many families. Unfortunately, whether playing around or out of aggression, sometimes dogs bite people. According to the American Humane Organization, 4.7 million people nationwide are bitten by dogs. About 800,000 of those require medical attention. Fifty percent of dog attacks involve children under 12. In Orange County, people and animals alike enjoy roaming the beaches. With several dog friendly beaches in our area including Huntington Dog Beach, even a visit to the beach may result in an encounter with a dog.
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to hold the owner responsible for the dog’s actions. Consult an Orange County personal injury attorney to understand your rights as a victim. at Silverthorne Attorneys, we understand you may be reluctant to fully pursue legal compensation for your dog bite injury, especially if the dog’s owner is a friend, but California Civil Code Section 3342 states, “The owner of a dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place…” This includes the dog owner’s property if the victim was on the property legally.
California Injury Lawyer
Unlike some other states, in California, dog owners are responsible when their dog bites someone. Once a dog has bitten someone, the owner has the “duty to take such reasonable steps as are necessary to remove any danger presented to other persons from bites inflicted by the animal.” Furthermore, this may mean keeping the dog completely away from people.
There are two main exceptions to the owners being responsible if their dogs bite people. First, a dog acting in its police or military capacity is exempt from this. Second, if a dog bites someone while they are trespassing, this code does not apply to them
Suffering from Injuries? Contact an Injury Lawyer Today!
If you feel you have a dog bite case, contact us. We will work to hold the dog’s owner responsible. Contact us to discuss the details of your injuries. Consultations with a dog bite attorney at Silverthorne Attorneys are free!
