Dog bites can cause serious injuries and long-term health problems, leaving victims with high medicalbills, lost wages, and other expenses. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitledto compensation for your injuriesand other damages.Tips After a Dog BiteIf you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and ensure yourwell-being. Here are some recommended actions:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should bethe top priority. Even if the bite appearsminor, it’s essential to have it assessed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the risk of infection anddetermine the appropriate treatment.

2. Identify the dog and its owner: Try to obtain information aboutthe dog and its owner, including theirnames, contact information, and any relevant details about the dog’s vaccination history or previousincidents. If there were witnesses to the incident, try to gather their contact information as well.

3. Document theincident: Take photographs of your injuries, including any torn clothing or propertydamage resulting from the dog bite. These visual records can be valuable evidence if you decide topursue legal action later.

4. Report the incident: Notify the local animal control or the appropriate authorities about the dog biteincident. They can investigate the situation, ensure the dog’s vaccinations are up to date, and helpprevent future incidents.

5. Preserve evidence: Keep copies of any medical records, bills, orother documents related to yourinjury and treatment. These documents can be crucial when seeking compensation for medical expensesor other damages.

Facts About Dog Bites in California According to the California Department of Public Health, here are some statistics on dog bite victims inCalifornia:

In 2020, there were 3,747 hospitalizations and emergency department visits due to dog bites in California.Children aged 5-9 years had the highest rate of hospitalization and emergency department visits due to dog bites.

The most common breeds involved in dog bite incidents were pit bulls, German shepherds, and Chihuahuas.

In 2020, there were 31 fatalities due to dog bites in the United States, with 7 of those fatalities occurring in California.

Males were more likely than females to be hospitalized or visit the emergency department due to dog bites. 

In 2020, the highest number of dog bite incidents occurred in Los Angeles County, followed bySan Diego County and Orange County.

According to the California Department of Public Health, pit bulls, German shepherds, and Chihuahuas are among the breeds involved in the most dog bite incidents in California.

AtAccident Queen,our experienced personal injury attorneys specialize in helping victims of dog biteaccidents. We understand the laws and regulationsand insurance rulesthat apply to these types ofcases, and we have a track record of successfully representing clients in even the most challenging cases.Dog Owners Are Strictly LiableIn California, strict liability for dog bites is established under Civil Code Section 3342. According to thislaw, dog owners are held strictly liable for any damages caused by their dog biting another person,regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerousness or any previous incidents.

Under California’s strict liability law for dog bites:

Liability: The dog owner is responsible for any injuries and damages caused by their dog biting anotherperson, regardless of whether the owner was negligent or had any prior knowledgeof the dog’saggressive tendencies.Dog bites only: Strict liability applies specifically to injuries caused by dog bites. Other types of injuriescaused by dogs, such as knocking someone over or scratching, may still be subject to negligence-basedliability.

Public or lawful presence: The victim must have been lawfully present at the location where the dog biteoccurred. This includes public places and private properties where the person had permission to be.

Comparative negligence: California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the victim’s own actions contributed to the dog bite incident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault.

Insurance May Not Apply to Dog BitesIt’s important to note that insurance coverage and policies can vary, and not all insurance policies coverdog bite incidents or certain dog breeds.It isnot uncommon for insurance companies to refuse to insurecertain breeds of dogs under a homeowners policy due to concerns about their perceived propensity tobite or cause injury. Breeds commonly associated with higher risk include pit bulls, Rottweilers, Germanshepherds, and Doberman pinschers, among otherscan be excluded.Some insurance companies may also place restrictions or exclusions on coverage for certain breeds, suchas requiring higher premiums, limiting coverage for dog-related incidents, or excluding coveragealtogether.Typically homeowners or renters insurance policies will provide coverage for the following types of damages for a dog bite victim.

Medical expenses: This includes costs related to immediate medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries,medication, and ongoing medical care resulting from the dog bite.

Lost wages: If the dog bite victim is unable to work due to their injuries, the insurance policy may cover a portion of their lost wages during the recovery period.

Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering experienced by the dogbite victim may also be covered, up to the policy limits.

Legal expenses: The insurance policy may cover the legal expenses associated with defending the dogowner against the claim or lawsuit, including attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments,up to the policy limits.

Dog Bite Injuries

In a dog bite case, a victim may be eligible to recover compensation for various types of injuries and damages resulting from the incident. Common types of dog bite injuries that a victim can seek monetary recovery for include:

Physical injuries: This includes injuries directly caused by the dog bite, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, torn flesh, fractures, sprains, and strains. These injuries may require medical treatment,including stitches, surgeries, or reconstructive procedures.

Infections: Dogbites can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to infections. Common infections associated with dog bites include cellulitis, abscesses, and potentially serious conditions like sepsis.Treatment may involve antibiotics, wound care, and sometimes hospitalization.

Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites can leave lasting scars and disfigurement, especially in cases of deep or severe injuries. Scarring may require additional medical procedures, such as cosmetic surgery,scar revision, or laser treatments.

Nerve damage: Severe dog bites can cause nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area. Nerve damage may require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy,or surgical interventions.

Emotional and psychological trauma: Dog bite incidents can result in significant emotional and psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, andphobias. Therapy, counseling, or other forms of psychological treatment may be necessary to address these issues.Loss of income and earning capacity: If the injuries from a dog bite prevent the victim from working orresult in a diminished ability to earn income, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, futureearning capacity,and career opportunities.Pain and suffering: Dog bite victims may be eligible for compensation for the physical pain and sufferingthey experienced as a result of the attack. This includes both the immediate pain and any long-term orchronic pain resulting from the injuries.If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. You should alsodocument the incident as much as possible, including taking photos of your injuries and the location where the bite occurred. Then, contact Accident Queento schedule a free consultation with one of ourexperienced dog bite attorneys. We will work to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.