Most pet owners cannot look at the situation objectively because they may not believe their dog can hurt another person; however, many dog bite injuries are reported annually, with many victims being kids. While authorities and pet owners may try to find a reason for the dog bite, it remains that many times dogs attack without reason. They may have a traumatic past, they could be naturally aggressive, or they may be ill. Regardless of the reason, everyone needs to take dog bite injuries seriously.

Like most animals, there are many different breeds; some are considered more dangerous than others. Undoubtedly, the dog’s upbringing plays a role in its final personality. The vast majority of the dogs coming from these breeds are perfectly friendly; however, these are also dog breeds that tend to turn aggressive. Some of the most dangerous dog breeds include:

• Pit Bull: The Pit Bull is a common household pet, and most are perfectly friendly; however, there is a reason the Pit Bull has been banned in many European countries.
• Rottweiler: The Rottweiler tends to provide love and protection to its family and people it knows, but this can be taken too far if approached by an unfamiliar outsider.
• German Shepard: There is a reason this dog is used by police to catch criminals.
• Doberman: This is an athletic dog breed that likes to jump, and its personality makes it popular for police forces.

Almost everyone has seen a bite from an animal at some point. People think about teeth marks left in the skin and possible blood leaking from the wound; however, dog bite wounds can vary widely in size depending on the type of dog and the number of bites. For example, larger dogs with a more aggressive personality may dig deeper in the skin. If the dog bites multiple times, this could lead to severe injuries that could place the victim in the hospital. Aside from the wound, some of the common complications of a dog bite include:

• Nerve Damage: If the teeth penetrate the skin and fascia, it could damage nerves underneath, leading to motor and sensory impairment.
• Broken Bones: Some dogs possess the muscle strength to break some of the smaller bones in the human body.
• Internal Bleeding: If the dog bites the patient’s chest or abdomen, this could damage blood vessels underneath the skin’s surface, leading to internal bleeding.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: This could happen either from the force of the dog knocking the patient to the ground or from a lack of oxygen due to blood loss.
• Permanent Disfigurement: Dogs may go for the throat or face, leading to permanent disfigurement.

Regarding dog bites in Chico, pet owners, and victims must understand the law. California has strict liability laws surrounding dog bites, meaning that victims of dog bite injuries in Chico are afforded the most financial protection. Furthermore, under these California laws, any dog that causes injuries to another person will lead to the owner of that dog being held responsible for the injuries and any damages from the injuries. In addition, the dog may not have a prior record or have ever displayed aggressive behavior. There also doesn’t have to be intent to harm. Regardless of the circumstances, the dog’s owner will be held liable.

Dog owners in the state of California are accountable for the actions of their pets. Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience, and dogs provide their owner’s unconditional love; however, owning a pet also means taking responsibility for it. The pet must be fed, raised, trained, and taught to behave toward others. The owner is responsible if the dog is aggressive and attacks other people.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite attack in Chico, there may be an opportunity to recover the maximum amount of liability under the dog bite laws in the state of California. Choosing a lawyer with experience representing victims of dog bite attacks in Chico is essential. I have multiple decades of experience representing victims of dog bites and understand the intricacies of the legal system, allowing me to provide practical guidance to all of my clients.

The video below explains the damages that can be claimed in a dog bite case.

Dog bites can lead to significant medical expenses and emotional trauma, mainly if the dog bite requires an extended stay at the hospital. If you or someone you know was injured by a dog bite, please call me at (503) 392-9400  or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. Learn more about us. See our past verdicts and settlements.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 8.22.23] dr bw [cs 910]}