Many people consider dogs as trusted companions, and studies have shown that having a dog improves overall physical and mental health. However, dogs are animals and can sometimes bite, causing catastrophic injuries and infections.

If you or a family member has been hurt by an animal attack or dog bite incident, you may need the guidance of an experienced injury attorney. Call (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 to speak to our Corning dog bite lawyers. We offer free and friendly advice when you call.

Every dog has the potential to attack or bite those they know. But the dog breeds most likely to bite include:

• Australian Shepherd
• Alaskan Malamute
• Bulldog
• Bull Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Cocker Spaniel
• Chow Chow
• Dogo Argentino
• Great Dane
• German Shepherd
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Pekingese
• Lhasa Apso
• Pitbull
• Siberian Husky
• Rottweiler

Understanding why dogs attack people is vital in preventing them from happening. Some of the most common reasons why dogs may bite include:

• Fear: A dog can bite when startled, frightened, or threatened. When a dog bite occurs out of fear, it happens suddenly without notice.
• Pain: When dogs are in pain or not feeling well, they should be left alone. Even the friendliest dogs can bite when experiencing pain.
• Maternal Instincts: If a mother dog tends to her puppies and someone approaches her litter, she may bite.
• Possessiveness: A dog can bite when protecting its property like bone, toy, home, or food.
• Prey Demeanors: This behavior includes pouncing, chasing, and shaking.

Most dogs have the potential to cause severe bodily harm. The types of injuries from a dog bite include:

• Bone fractures
• Brain injury
• Bite wounds
• Disfigurement
• Tendon and ligament damage
• Internal trauma
• Nerve damage
• Eye Injury
• Torn muscles

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five people who have been bitten by a dog requires medical care. Below are some tips to help keep you and your family safe from a dog bite:

• Do not come into contact with a dog you are not unfamiliar with.
• Do not bother dogs eating, sleeping, or tending to puppies.
• Do not make loud noises or panic in front of a dog.
• Do not encourage aggressive play with a dog.
• Do not leave small children unsupervised with a dog.
• Stay still when an unknown dog approaches.
• Ask for permission before petting someone else’s dog.

Watch the YouTube Video below to learn how to survive a dog attack.

Children and the elderly are the most at risk of dog bite injuries. Young children are more vulnerable to aggressive dogs because they can’t defend themselves. Most dog bites in children happen while playing with familiar dogs.

Due to their fragility, the elderly are susceptible to catastrophic injuries from a dog bite. About 50 percent of all dog bites involve an animal owned by neighbors, friends, or family.

Most dogs have strong jaw muscles that can cause traumatic injuries. Anyone bitten by a dog may be able to pursue compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, disfigurement, mental anguish, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Personal property such as clothes, watches, or eyeglasses damaged in a dog attack may also be reimbursed.

The owner of the dog that causes injuries to someone else can be held liable for damages incurred. Injured individuals can recover compensation by filing a claim against the dog owner. While those who provoke a dog or trespass may not be able to recover compensation, dog owners are typically financially responsible for all damages.

Filing a dog bite injury case in California is a strict time limit. This is called the statute of limitations and is two years from the date of the injury. If a minor is involved, they have two years to file a claim from age 18. If you fail to file before the deadline, your case may be dismissed in court. It is critical to retain an injury lawyer to secure your right to fair compensation.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, resulting in physical and mental trauma. Physical injuries can require weeks or months to heal, while emotional trauma can last a lifetime. If you have been hurt in a dog bite incident, contact our experienced Corning dog bite lawyers at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

We take injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay any upfront fees until we successfully win your case.

See our Verdicts and Settlements page for a list of our past cases and their outcomes.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 8.8.23] Photo by Yohan Cho on Unsplash cha [cs 838] bw}