Over five million people in the United States are injured or bitten by dogs yearly. The injuries can be catastrophic and even life-threatening when a dog attacks someone.

The most prominent dog bite victims are children; over 60 percent are younger than 12. While all children and adults must learn how to be safe around dogs, pet owners are typically responsible for the actions of their dogs, even on their own property. 

It is essential to identify the vicious dog’s owner because, under California Civil Code section 3342, the dog owner is held strictly liable for any harm caused by the dog. Strict liability effectively means the victim does not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent. The owner is usually liable if a dog attacks and bites someone.

You must be aware of some important exceptions to the strict liability dog bite statute.

• First is the provocation defense. The strict liability statute does not apply if the dog bite victim provoked the dog that caused it to bite. So, for example, if you were involved in an altercation with the owner and the dog bites you, the owner may have a viable defense against a claim of strict liability. However, the defense of provocation does not apply if a child under five was bitten by the dog.
• Second, the strict liability statute does not apply if you were not bitten. For example, the strict liability statute does not apply if you were knocked down by a dog while jogging or walking around Granite Bay. However, you could still have a viable personal injury claim, which must be based on a negligence theory instead of strict liability.
• Third, if you were bitten by a dog while you were at your place of work and the owner of the dog is your supervisor or manager, the statute would not apply. Instead, you could pursue damages through a worker’s compensation claim.

If you or a family member were bitten by a dog, you could pursue financial restitution for harm and losses associated with the bite. For example, if you had to seek medical treatment for the wounds caused by the attack, those medical expenses could be recovered through a claim. You can also pursue reimbursement for lost wages if you must take time off work to heal.

You can also pursue damages for your pain, suffering, and anguish. For more information, contact a Granite Bay Personal Injury Lawyer.

Watch the following video for more on the types of damages claimed in a dog bite case.

If you or a family member has suffered severe injuries in a dog bite incident, please call our experienced Granite Bay dog bite lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly, and compassionate advice.

When you make the call, we will review the incident’s details and determine the best way to proceed with a claim for damages. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees, and we only get paid after the successful resolution of your case.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

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^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 7.24.23] Photo by Pixabay sb bw [cs 591]}