Dog bites occur each day across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calculated that 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States country annually. Out of those, 900,000 become infected. A dog bite can be very traumatic and painful for the victim.

Statistics show that 94 percent of dog bites are unprovoked. In other words, most dog bite victims did not instigate the event in any way. Many victims of dog bites are children. California statistics illustrate that 70 percent of dog attack victims are under the age of 12.

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States. This means that dogs and dog bites are a common occurrence. If you have been involved in a dog bite incident, you must contact a personal injury lawyer to speak to a lawyer today.

California Attorney for Dog Bites

If a dog recently bit you, you may be entitled to compensation. A good personal injury attorney can evaluate and file your claim. Time, however, is limited. Contact the attorneys at Larian Law Firm, for legal representation today.

Our attorneys at Larian Law Firm, are experienced in handling dog bite cases. We approach our clients with compassion and respect. Contact one of our attorneys today and let us help you hold the responsible party liable for your pain and suffering. Larian Law Firm accepts clients throughout the California area.

Call (310) 720-0505 or schedule an appointment online for legal representation from a seasoned personal injury today.

Dog bites can put the victim into a state of shell shock. Depending on the severity, the victim may not know how to react. Although it is understandable to be stunned after an attack, you should try your best to be proactive.

Some tips that a victim can do after an attack include:

• Get to a safe place, away from the attack;
• Call a first responder;
• Determine who owns or control the dog;
• Take photos of the dog, the location, and your injuries;
• Get information from the dog owner, including name number, address, and if possible, their homeowner’s insurance;
• Get information from surrounding witnesses as well;
• Contact animal control or law enforcement

Although not listed, a final tip is to get in contact with a personal injury attorney. There is only a limited amount of time to file a claim for a dog bite attack. If you were injured by a dog bite, it is vital that you call an attorney to best understand your rights.

Most dogs seem incapable of causing lasting damage. However, a dog bite can result in a variety of injuries. Victims of dog bites are known to suffer severe psychological and emotional problems as well. You can find some great tips on caring for your dog after an injury or surgery at your dog advisor’s website.

Some common injuries that result from a dog bite include:

• Broken Bones and Bone Dislocation
• Amputation
• Lacerations, Contusions, and Abrasions
• Avulsions
• Puncture Wounds
• Cosmetic disfigurement
• Infection
• Psychological Impact
• Death

Since California is a strict liability state, the dog owner will be held responsible for dog bite injuries. This includes any situation where trespassers on the owner’s property are involved. The strict liability statute holds true as long as the victim is:

• In a public place;
• Lawfully on private property; or
• On the dog owner’s property, so the victim is there legally.

California Civil Code sec. 3342(a) states that the dog’s owner is liable for any harm caused. Even if the animal has never shown any prior aggression, the owner will still be liable. Additionally, California law mandates that all dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length.

The California law dictates if a dog is deemed “vicious,” that it may be quarantined by animal control and put to sleep for public safety. The definition of a vicious dog is any dog that has attacked a person in an unprovoked manner, a dog that has bitten a person or another domestic animal off the property of the owner on two or more separate occasions within a 36-month period.

A “vicious dog” may inflict severe injury or cause death on a person. Severe injury is defined under California law as a muscle tear or disfiguring lacerations that require multiple sutures or corrective surgery.

The definition of a vicious dog is any dog that has attacked a person in an unprovoked manner, a dog that has bitten a person or another domestic animal off the property of the owner on two or more separate occasions within a 36-month period.

There is a limited time period to file a claim against a dog bite owner. California Code to Civil Procedure § 335.1 establishes the statute of limitations for dog bites. The limit for a dog bite claim is typically two years.

If a lawsuit is not filed during that two-year period, the victim loses the right to file a lawsuit, and the owner will be without fault. The faster you file a claim with fresh evidence, the easier the case will be. Due to the time limit, it is important to get in touch with a personal injury attorney who will have your best interest in mind.

No one should have to suffer from an animal attack. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog recently, contact the dog bite injury attorneys at Larian Law Firm.

At Larian Law Firm, we have genuine compassion for dog bite victims. Attorney Alexander Larian has received numerous awards and recognition from his practice over the years. We want to help you get what you deserve.

There is no reason to suffer due to another’s negligence. Call (310) 720-0505 or fill out a contact form for a free no-obligation consultation.