hey say that a dog is man’s best friend. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. According to statistics, there were more than 40 dog bite related fatalities in the United States in 2014. Data showed that 48% of fatality victims were 13 years and younger and 52% were adults. Per the CDC, the frequency of dog attacks is even higher, with nearly 4.5 million people being bitten annually. For these victims, the injuries can be severe.
Some of the common injuries sustained in a dog bite or animal attack include:
- Puncture wounds;
- Infection;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Nerve damage; and
- Emotional damage.
Even worse is the fact that seeking financial compensation is not always a clear process following a serious animal attack. Who you can sue and how you can pursue a claim may be unclear and may leave you with a lot of questions. That is why we encourage you to contact our Whittier dog bite attorney as soon as possible. With more than a decade of experience, no case is too big or too small for us. We are here to help you!
3 Common Dog Bite Law Questions
- Who can I sue for a dog bite?
California is a statutory strict liability state, meaning dog owners are held strictly liable should their animal bite another. This, however, may not apply if the victim was trespassing on their land, if they were provoking the dog, or if they were hurt by their employer’s dog while working.
- What if the dog didn’t have a history of violence?
California’s dog bite law does not take into consideration whether or not the dog had a history of “former viciousness.”
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
The state of California has a two year statute of limitations on personal injury cases.
Have more questions? Do not hesitate to contact a Whittier personal injury lawyer from our firm today to request your free case evaluation.