Pet ownership comes with responsibility. California law takes a firm stance when it comes to dog bites, implementing what is known as "strict liability." This means that a dog owner is held strictly responsible for any damages caused by their dog biting someone in public or while the person is lawfully present in a private place, regardless of whether the dog has shown prior aggression or if the owner was aware of such behavior (Civ. Code, § 3342A). Los Angeles dog bite attorneys don't focus on liability borne by the owner because that is provided by law. While this California law may appear straightforward, understanding the California dog-bite statute will help you navigate finding legal representation in the event you need representations by a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles.
When to Consult with a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney
Injury resulting from a dog bite doesn't necessarily have to involve a broken skin or tissue damage to be legally actionable under California law. California courts have made rulings that injuries resulting from a dog attack are actionable personal injury cases even in the absence of broken skin or tissue. For example, if a dog attacks you and you suffer injuries because the incident caused you to fall, liability still remains with the dog owner. The dog-bite statute also holds the owner responsible regardless of the dog's physical state when the incident occurs. When in doubt about your rights after a dog-attack injury in Los Angeles, always consult with a Los Angeles dog bite attorney.
Liability Limitations to be Addressed by Dog Bite Attorneys in Los Angeles
While strict liability is generally applied, there are exceptions for certain working dogs. The dog-bite statute sets limitations on the liability of government agencies that employ dogs in military or police work. The statute doesn't apply if the dog bites someone while defending itself against an annoying, harassing, or provoking act or while assisting a public employee in specific police activities, such as apprehending a suspect or executing a warrant. To qualify for this immunity, the governmental agency must have established a written policy outlining the "necessary and appropriate use of a dog" for such work (Civ. Code, § 3342(d)). Thus, when consulting with a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles, it is important to provide all the facts, including whether the attack was by a dog working for a government agency. In such circumstances, your Los Angeles dog bite lawyer may need to further examine Civ. Code, § 3342 to determine liability.
How Dog Bite Attorneys in Los Angeles May Examine Your Case
Since liability is not generally the issue in dog attack, unless the owner cannot be identified or a government agency, a Los Angeles dog bite attorney may place greater emphasis on determining the extent of injuries and damages and how they were connected to the offending act (the dog attack). A Los Angeles dog bite attorney will still need to establish how your injuries are related to the conduct of the dog. This can be performed by examining witness statements and consulting with experts such as the victim's treating doctors.
A Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney Should Inform You That Auto Insurance Does NOT Apply
A dog owner's automobile liability insurance policy usually doesn't provide coverage if their dog escapes from a parked vehicle and bites a pedestrian because the policy generally provides coverage for automobile-related accidents and covers the negligence of the driver while operating their vehicle.
Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles Should Tell You About Assumption of Risk if You Were Working
Individuals working with animals, such as kennel workers or veterinarians, may not be able to recover damages for a dog bite under the legal concept of primary assumption of risk. This defense has been applied when a kennel worker is bitten while exercising a boarded dog or when a veterinarian is injured while professionally examining or treating an animal. Unless the dog owner conceals or misrepresents the dog's behavior or acts in an extremely reckless manner outside of what is expected in veterinary or boarding kennel services, the owner is not considered to owe a duty of care to the veterinarian or kennel worker. Makes sense that if you are working with dogs and animals you are exposing yourself to the dangers that are inherent when doing that type of work. Thus, those that work with animals are assuming the risks that are common (e.g., dog bites) while doing that kind of working. Thus, dog bite attorneys in Los Angeles that accept a case from an employee that was injured in the course of their professional pursuits working with animals may be faced with the defense of primary assumption of risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About California Dog Bite Law
1. Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in California?
California Civil Code § 3342 generally makes a dog owner liable for damages suffered by a person bitten by the owner's dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner's property. The statute generally applies regardless of whether the dog had previously shown viciousness or whether the owner knew of such behavior.
2. Does California have a “one-bite rule”?
California's dog-bite statute generally does not require an injured person to establish that the dog had previously bitten someone or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Civil Code § 3342 imposes liability under the circumstances specified by the statute.
3. What does California Civil Code § 3342 say about dog bites?
Civil Code § 3342 provides that a dog owner is generally liable for damages suffered when their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place. The statute also contains exceptions, including provisions concerning certain dogs used in police or military work.
4. Can I have a claim if a dog attack caused an injury without actually biting me?
Potential claims involving a dog are not necessarily limited to injuries involving a bite. For example, a person may suffer an injury after being knocked down or while reacting to a dog attack. However, whether Civil Code § 3342 itself applies and whether another negligence theory is available will depend on the facts.
5. Are police and military dogs covered by California's dog bite statute?
Civil Code § 3342 contains specific limitations involving dogs used by governmental agencies for police or military work. Whether an exception applies depends on circumstances such as what the dog was doing when the bite occurred and whether the statutory requirements are satisfied.
6. Can a veterinarian or kennel worker recover compensation after a dog bite?
Claims involving veterinarians, kennel workers, and others who professionally work with animals can involve the doctrine of primary assumption of risk. Whether that doctrine limits recovery depends on the circumstances, including the nature of the person's work and the conduct that caused the injury.
7. Does homeowners insurance cover dog bite claims in California?
Homeowners insurance may provide liability coverage for some dog-bite claims, but coverage depends on the particular policy, its exclusions, the circumstances of the incident, and other factors. The applicable insurance policy should therefore be reviewed carefully.
8. What compensation may be available after a dog bite or dog attack?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may seek compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and other accident-related damages.
9. What evidence is important after a dog bite or attack?
Useful evidence may include photographs of the injuries and location, medical records, witness information, animal-control or incident reports, information identifying the dog and its owner, and documentation of accident-related expenses and losses.
10. How can a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer help with a claim?
A dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, evaluate whether Civil Code § 3342 or another legal theory applies, identify potentially available insurance coverage, document injuries and damages, communicate with insurers, and pursue compensation available under California law.
How Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers Generally Recover Compensation
Homeowner's insurance policies typically cover dog bite claims. However, this is contingent on availability. In most cases, an animal owner's homeowner's insurance policy will provide liability coverage for dog bites that occur on the owner's property, unless the animal is otherwise excluded from the policy. Certain types of dogs with vicious tendencies may be excluded from an owner's policy. It is also important to understand that not all dog owners maintain a homeowner's insurance policy. If you were injured by a dog attack in Los Angeles, your dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles should be able to advise you further about the methods of recovery.
In light of the complexities surrounding dog bite cases and the potential legal implications, it is crucial for individuals involved in such incidents to seek professional guidance. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a dog bite, it is advisable to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced dog bite attorney. Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., and Alan Fassonaki, a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles, can provide you with the necessary legal advice, advocate for your rights, and help you navigate the legal process. Remember, taking prompt action and seeking legal assistance can make a significant difference in achieving a just resolution. If you have been injured in a dog attack, contact us today using our contact form, or call us at 323-524-8994.
