California Dog Bite Law 2024 Explained

It’s not an exaggeration to say that most people in the world enjoy the company and presence of dogs. They are considered “man’s best friend” for a reason, after all. They can make you smile, make you feel loved, and help you through tough times. Regrettably, not all dogs are friendly. Some are quite dangerous and can cause severe injuries that you may want to take legal action for. Understanding the California dog bite law may be beneficial for a future case.

When a dog bites somebody, it can start a difficult situation between you and the dog’s owner, as well as others who may get involved. Your injuries might be severe, debilitating, or even life-threatening, depending on the size of the dog and where it bit you. Hiring a dog bite lawyer might be a wise move, as they can take control of your case and let you focus on healing.

California’s Dog Bite Laws

In the state of California, if you are bitten by a dog, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for paying you any damages related to that bite, including medical expenses, property damages, and lost wages. Whether or not the dog in question has shown aggressive behavior in the past is wholly irrelevant. All that matters is the behavior it showed when it attacked you. It only takes one incident for you to take legal action.

Dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their dog from hurting anybody, even if it’s a complete accident or the dog was provoked in some way. If you are bitten by a dog and wish to take legal action against the dog’s owner through a personal injury claim, then it is important that you adhere to the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is two years.

You will have two years from the time of your initial injury to establish grounds for a case, build up your claim, gather the necessary evidence, consult with an injury lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you are unable to file that claim in a timely manner, it is likely that your case will be dismissed, and you won’t be able to seek damages at all.

Building a personal injury case, such as a dog bite case, can take some time. You may want to consider building your case as soon as you can to avoid missing the two-year window. If you are concerned your case isn’t strong enough, you should bring your concerns to a dog bite lawyer and see what they have to say.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

It can be a traumatic and unforgettable situation to be attacked by a dog. It might even change your opinion on dogs and start a lifelong phobia. Depending on where you were injured, the severity of the damage, and how deep it is, you could be dealing with a really bad situation. You should seek medical attention promptly. Here are some important steps you can take to make sure you treat your wound properly before seeing a doctor:

• Wash out the wound: Once you get away from the dog, wash out the wound with antibacterial soap and water for about five to 10 minutes.
• Stop the bleeding: If your wound is still bleeding, wrap a clean cloth around the wound. This is just temporary.
• Antibiotics: If you have some over-the-counter antibiotics, such as hydrogen peroxide or bacitracin, you may want to apply some to your injury.

FAQs About California Dog Bite Laws

Does California Have a One-Bite Rule for Dogs?

No, it does not have a one-bite rule for dogs. It doesn’t matter if the dog that attacked you has never bitten anyone before or has no history of aggression. In your case, all that matters is the attack that happened to you. The state’s laws for dog owners are very strict. The dog’s owner is responsible for paying you damages because of the dog’s attack.

What Do I Do If a Dog Bites Me?

If a dog bites you, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention. If your wound is bleeding, get a clean cloth and wrap it around the wound after cleaning it with antibacterial soap and water for several minutes. If you have any antibiotics, you may want to use them on the wound. A doctor can provide you with thorough treatment and a professional dressing.

Can You Sue for a Minor Dog Bite?

Yes, you can sue for a minor dog bite. The state’s laws regarding dog ownership and liability do not discriminate between a severe injury and a minor bite. A minor dog bite can still affect you psychologically and leave permanent emotional scarring as well as physical scarring. The whole point of pursuing legal action is to hold the right people accountable for what happened to you.

Does a Dog Have to Be Quarantined After Biting Someone?

Yes, a dog should be quarantined in the state after biting someone. It is vital that the animal responsible for biting someone be observed for any infections or illnesses, particularly rabies. The amount of time the dog spends in quarantine will depend largely on the situation at hand. This quarantine can be at the dog owner’s home, a veterinarian’s office, or an animal shelter.

Reach Out to an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Today

It can be a truly frightening experience to be attacked and bit by a dog, especially if you are a dog person. Such an attack might change your perception of dogs as friendly creatures. It is important that you hold the right people accountable for what happened and make sure that the dog’s owner reimburses you for damages.

The legal team at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, can help figure out your next steps regarding your potential claim. We can help build your case, gather evidence, and protect your interests throughout the case. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.