Most people know dogs to be great companions and valuable friends. Dogs are an essential part of our daily lives. They perform vital services such as protecting homes, guiding people with disabilities, and providing emotional comfort to those suffering from psychological trauma. In fact, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that owning a dog may even be related to several health benefits, including reduced stress, lowered blood pressure, and increased opportunities for exercise.

Although it is safe to say that dogs are usually a benefit to people, it is also true that dogs cause millions of injuries in the United States every year. While most dogs never seriously injure anybody, the CDC has stated that around 4.5 million Americans receive injuries during dog attacks annually. Many times, these injuries aren’t severe, and bitten individuals can quickly recover. However, dog bites sometimes cause severe trauma. When this happens, bites can result in lasting injuries that take years to recover from and injury complications that, in the worst cases, can even be fatal.

When imagining a dog bite, most people think of the iconic bite-mark pattern on a leg or arm. However, these minor puncture wounds are not representative of the severe injuries that dogs can cause. Many dog breeds have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that easily tear through flesh and create various severe injuries. They can include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Disfigurement
• Damage to tendons and ligaments
• Internal bleeding
• Torn muscles
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Bone fractures

Not only can dog bites cause serious physical injuries, but they can also infect people with diseases. In fact, about 18 percent of dog bite injuries are contaminated with dangerous bacteria. Although dogs typically have more than 60 different types of bacteria in their mouths, only a few are harmful to humans. Some of the dangerous infections that dog bites can cause include:

• Pasteurella – a bacteria that causes painful infections at the site of the wound. This bacteria can also cause swelling in glands and joints.
• Capnocytophaga – a bacteria that can spread quickly through breaks in the skin. Most people infected with this bacteria won’t become sick, but people with weak immune systems may have severe symptoms.
• MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a bacteria liable to cause skin, urinary tract, and lung infections and other life-threatening symptoms.
• Tetanus – a bacteria that can cause fatal paralysis.
• Rabies – a bacteria that affects the brain and is most often fatal.

If you have suffered a dog bite, the first thing to do is contact emergency medical help if you are seriously injured. If you are able, the next priority is to wash the wound carefully with warm water and soap. It is also good to use hydrogen peroxide to ensure all debris is swept out of the injury. After washing, use an antibiotic cream on the wound and wrap it with a bandage. Apply pressure to the wound if the bite is deep and bleeding.

If you have been hurt by a dog in California, the law supports you and your right to claim money for your injuries. This is because California has a strict liability policy that holds dog owners responsible for the damages their pets cause. According to California’s dog bite statute, owners must not be found guilty of negligence to be held accountable. This is very different from most personal injury cases, making it much easier for dog bite survivors to get the money they need to pay for medical bills, time off work, rehabilitation costs, and more.

However, those injured by dogs in California still have to follow specific guidelines to file their cases. For instance, a dog bite injury case must be filed less than two years after the attack. This may seem like a long time, but those recovering from dog bite injuries are often very busy regaining their emotional and physical health. The best way to ensure your case is filed correctly and on time is to call an experienced lawyer. A good attorney will not only help you meet deadlines but can investigate and prepare your case in a way that awards you the maximum amount of money for your injuries.

Watch the video below to learn the damages that can be claimed in a dog bite case.

We have helped people claim compensation for California dog bite cases since 1982. If you or a family member has been hurt by an aggressive dog, contact our experienced Dixon dog bite attorneys at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

We take our clients on a contingency basis. This means you don’t need to pay lawyers’ fees unless we can help you get the money you deserve.

See our past verdicts and settlements.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 8.8.23] Photo by Anita Peeples on Unsplash ms cha [cs 851]}