SAN DIEGO DOG BITE ATTORNEY

Personal Injury Claims for Animal Attacks & Injuries

If you were attacked or bitten by an animal, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against the animal's owner. These are serious matters, not only due to the serious physical pain that may be inflicted in such an attack but because of the lasting scars—both emotional and physical—that may continue to influence your life.

At The McClellan Law Firm, we offer experienced legal representation to clients throughout San Diego who have been injured by dogs and other domestic animals. We can also handle claims involving injuries at zoos, animal parks, and other places where wild animals may come into contact with humans. No matter the circumstances of your injuries, discussing your case with a dog bite attorney is a good place to start. A legal professional can offer insight regarding liability, or legal responsibility, the value of your claim and how best to proceed.

Discover How Our San Diego Dog Bite Lawyers Can Assist You. Contact us online or call (619) 215-1488 for guidance!

Is California’s Dog Bite Law a Strict Liability Statute?

In California, dog bite claims are addressed on a strict liability basis, which means that dog owners may be held accountable for any injuries their animals cause to others, regardless of any propensity toward aggressive behavior or previous attacks. The only exception may be if the victim provoked the dog in some way.

According to California Civil Code § 3342:

The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.

This is particularly helpful in these cases, considering the majority of dog attacks involve animals owned by friends, neighbors, and acquaintances of the victim. When a dog bite victim takes legal action under California Civil Code § 3342, damages are often paid through the homeowner's insurance policy of the dog owner.

Understanding the "One Bite Rule" and Its Impact in California

While some states employ a "one bite rule" that exempts dog owners from liability if their animals have shown no previous aggressive behavior or have never bitten anyone before, California law offers legal recourse to dog bite victims to pursue compensation regardless of whether a dog is considered "dangerous" or "aggressive."

Negligence Claims in Dog Bite Cases

Victims of dog bites may also take legal action against at-fault parties based on the doctrine of negligence. In these cases, the victim must prove the other party responsible for the animal was negligent in some way, failing to exercise reasonable care for the safety of others in the circumstances. An example may be an employee who is supposed to be managing sheep in a petting zoo, but is distracted and leaves the gate open. If a sheep escapes and knocks over a child, causing him or her to be injured, the petting zoo may be held accountable.

Seek Compensation with a San Diego Dog Bite Lawyer

Financial compensation may be awarded to a dog bite or animal attack victim for virtually any type of injury sustained, not only from a bite itself but from being knocked to the ground or otherwise injured. This compensation may cover:

• medical expenses,
• continuing medical treatment,
• loss of earnings,
• emotional trauma,
• pain and suffering
• and property damage.

Recovering maximum compensation can make all the difference as a victim works to rebuild his or her life.

For a Free Consultation with Our San Diego Injury Lawyers, Call (619) 215-1488 Today!