Alhambra Dog Bite Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Alhambra Dog Bite Lawyers Advocate For The Rights Of Injury Victims
No matter how small a dog bite might seem, it has potentially serious consequences. If a dog bites you and causes bodily harm, seek medical attention immediately. Once you’ve received care, you can consult our Alhambra dog bite lawyers to discuss your legal options. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Alhambra is a bustling city in the western San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County. It offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with a diverse community and vibrant neighborhoods. Residents enjoy diverse culinary experiences and amenities, including parks, entertainment centers, and scenic golf courses. The charming downtown streets are also iconic for their tree-lined avenues.
Beyond being a fantastic destination for visitors, the city is known as a paradise for pets, especially dogs. Alhambra boasts a variety of pet-friendly hotels, apartments, dining spots, and parks. The city government works with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) for pet adoptions, license renewals, stray sheltering, and microchip registrations.
While it’s admirable to see a dog-friendly city like Alhambra, it’s crucial to balance these initiatives with measures that promote responsible pet ownership and minimize the risk of dog bite incidents.
Regrettably, these incidents can leave you struggling physically, emotionally, and financially. If you get a dog bite injury, reach out to our attorneys in Alhambra. We can help you pursue fair compensation under California law.
Why Should You Hire An Alhambra Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bite injuries can have serious consequences regardless of their severity. Even a small puncture wound that draws blood can be fatal if the victim contracts rabies. Additionally, dog bite incidents can result in both physical injuries and psychological effects that may require ongoing treatment. Our Alhambra dog bite lawyers can provide legal representation to help you navigate this difficult situation.
Our personal injury attorneys understand that cases of dog bites may involve various legal complexities. The burden of mounting medical bills, emotional distress, lost earnings, and other challenges can quickly add up. Nevertheless, you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. Our Alhambra dog bite attorneys offer legal representation focused on the specific details of your dog bite case.
At our Alhambra injury law firm, we handle dog bite cases with professionalism and careful attention. Our team works to investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and address any disputes about liability. By choosing to work with our lawyers, you have a team that aims to advocate for your rights.
Largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How Can Our Dog Bite Attorneys Help You?
Navigating dog bite cases may be daunting, and our Alhambra dog bite attorneys provide legal assistance. We can manage all the legal tasks and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Part of our commitment is to help you with the following:
- Conduct Investigations — Our personal injury lawyers will meticulously evaluate the incident. We gather evidence for the case to present a thoroughly documented argument on your behalf. These include surveillance footage stored in home or business security systems and witness testimonies.
- Establish Liability — Our legal team can collect evidence and reference state laws to establish the liability of the parties potentially responsible. California’s strict liability laws play a crucial role in dog bite cases. The state holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether they have a history of aggression or whether the owner was negligent.
- Pursue Compensation — Our dog bite lawyers in Alhambra can represent you in negotiations with insurance companies. We work to seek compensation based on the evidence and the extent of your injuries and losses. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to present your case in court if it is an appropriate option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dog Bite Accidents
Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer For A Dog Bite?
You are not required to hire a lawyer for a dog bite, but legal representation may help when there are legal challenges. Dog bite cases often involve medical expenses, insurance claims, and questions of liability that may be difficult to handle alone. A lawyer can explain your rights, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation that may be available under California law.
At Arash Law, our legal team is well-versed in handling dog bite cases. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Some case-related costs may still apply. Our Alhambra dog bite attorneys will explain this fee structure, along with your other legal concerns, during our meeting.
Can You Sue For A Minor Dog Bite?
In California, even a small dog bite can lead to a lawsuit. Under the state’s strict liability rule, dog owners are responsible for any bites on public or private property. Victims may seek compensation for bites that cause pain, suffering, and psychological distress.
To learn more about this matter, speak with Alhambra lawyers handling dog bite cases. They will explain the legalities to you as clearly as possible, including potentially recoverable damages.
Are Dog Owners Liable If Their Dog Bites Or Attacks Someone?
In California, dog owners are held accountable under strict liability. This means the victim doesn’t have to prove the owner’s negligence. In cases that do not fall under strict liability laws, as in dog attacks that do not involve biting, the victim will still need to prove the dog owner’s negligence. Here are some examples of situations where the dog owner may be liable for damages if they are proven negligent:
- The owner failed to adequately secure a dog on their property, which led to the animal’s escape and subsequent attack on the victim.
- Keeping an aggressive dog without warning individuals in the vicinity.
- A dog attacks acquaintances, neighbors, or guests within the owner’s residence.
- Unleashing a dog and allowing it to roam unrestrained in public spaces, such as parks and residential areas.
What Is The Deadline For Filing A Dog Bite Accident Claim?
According to California’s statute of limitations, victims must file personal injury claims within two years from the date of the dog bite. Although this is the general time frame, some circumstances might warrant an exception. For instance, if the involved party is a minor, the statute of limitations is paused or tolled until they reach the legal age.
California’s legal system strictly implements the applicable time limit. Failure to adhere to this might weaken your right to pursue compensation. Our Alhambra dog bite lawyers can help you understand the applicable time limits and assist with the filing process.
Are Police Or Military Liable For Dog Attacks?
Generally, California’s dog bite laws do not apply to police and military dogs. If a dog bites you while it is on duty, its handlers are not responsible for any resulting costs. They can only be held accountable if they were negligent in managing the dog. The keeper may also be liable if the dog was off duty when it caused harm.
If you are bitten by a police or military dog, consult our dog bite attorneys in Alhambra. We can review your case and discuss potential legal options.
Who Can File A Dog Bite Claim?
Anyone who suffered injuries due to a dog bite incident may be able to pursue personal injury claims, regardless of their immigration status, race, age, gender, or other personal characteristics.
Victims who sustain bite injuries may file a claim against the dog owner. However, the applicable rules vary depending on the circumstances. For instance, if you are a lawful guest at someone’s property when a dog bites you, the strict liability rule may come into play. On the other hand, a different legal doctrine may cover claims pursued by trespassers.
Consider talking to Alhambra dog bite lawyers to know more about your rights. They will review your case to determine whether you have legal grounds and extensively discuss what you may be eligible for.
What Is A Dog Bite?
In California, when a dog’s teeth contact a person’s body, whether by grabbing, biting, or clamping, it is considered a dog bite. The severity of dog bites can vary significantly. Dr. Ian Dunbar, a renowned veterinarian, developed a six-level scale to classify dog bite incidents. This scale is used by medical professionals, law enforcement, animal welfare officers, and behaviorists to assess the severity of attacks, determine if a dog poses a danger, and identify appropriate actions for owners and their pets. This classification system includes six levels:
- Level 1 — The dog exhibits “annoying or aggressive” behavior but does not bite.
- Level 2 — The dog bites with its teeth but does not break the skin. However, the victim may sustain small cuts and slight bleeding.
- Level 3 — One dog bite results in one to four puncture wounds and breaks the skin no deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth.
- Level 4 — One dog bite results in one to four punctures, breaking the skin deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. Bruises may also surround the wound.
- Level 5 — The dog bites or attacks the victim several times, causing one or more wounds with varying degrees of severity. Each instance involves a Level 4 case.
- Level 6 — The dog attack leads to the death of a victim.
Alhambra Laws On Dog Bites
Unlike other states, California does not have a one-bite rule, which excuses an owner from the first bite or injury caused by their dogs. Instead, the California Civil Code implements the strict liability rule. This legal principle holds pet owners accountable for any bite injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether it has a history of attacking people. Dog bites are unpredictable. Still, the owner’s knowledge of their pet’s behavior or potential danger is irrelevant.
However, this rule does not apply if a dog attacks a person but does not bite. If a dog causes injury through means other than biting, it may be necessary to demonstrate the owner’s negligence. Moreover, the owner can only be liable in a dog bite incident in a public area or if the victim was lawfully present on private property. In other words, trespassing on a property does not make an individual eligible to seek compensation under the strict liability statute. It also exempts cases where a police or military dog bites while on duty or in self-defense. However, a trespasser might only pursue a personal injury claim under general negligence, and only in rare circumstances where the dog owner’s conduct was reckless or intentional.
Regulations For Dog Ownership
In California, specific regulations are in place to help protect the safety of others from potentially dangerous dogs. According to the California Food and Agriculture Code (FAC), owners must keep their pets under control on their property. Proper restraints include using a leash, having a gated yard, or keeping the dog indoors.
Filing a dog bite claim is not as simple as it seems. The owner may argue that you provoked the animal, causing it to attack. Our dog bite lawyers in Alhambra can help you understand your rights in such a situation. We will thoroughly investigate how the incident occurred and gather crucial evidence to establish the at-fault party’s possible negligence.
Dog Bite?
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Typically, gentle dogs may bite under certain circumstances. While many dogs express their discomfort through barking, snapping, or growling, various factors can escalate their behavior to the point of biting.
Many dog bite incidents happen because of the following reasons:
- Fear & Nervousness — Pets may display violent behavior when feeling anxious and fearful. When they fear people, their surroundings, or even the sounds they hear, they might bite or attack the person next to them as a defense mechanism.
- Startle Reflex — If you unexpectedly wake a dog from a deep sleep, it might instinctively nip at the nearest thing or person. These incidents are common among elderly dogs due to weakened senses, such as hearing loss, or painful conditions like arthritis. These factors can make them more alert and defensive, increasing the likelihood of a startled reaction.
- Protective Behavior — Dogs may exhibit protective behavior when they believe someone is trying to take away their possessions, such as food or toys. They also act the same when perceiving threats to their owner or the property they are guarding.
- Feeling Stress and Pain — Dogs experiencing stress or pain are more likely to bite and act out. These behaviors can be triggered by factors such as being chained, bored, agitated, or physically injured. Additionally, dogs often pick up on their owners’ emotions, so being around a worried or anxious family member can make them more reactive. Their innate ability to sense when something is wrong can lead to heightened stress and defensive behavior.
Serious Consequences Of Dog Bites
In many cases, dog bites have significant legal and financial consequences. These can range from bodily harm to social effects, and their severity depends on the animal’s strength and aggressiveness:
Dog Bite Injuries
Serious dog bites significantly differ from playful nibbles and accidental contact with a dog, which can only result in minor bruises. These incidents are on a higher level, as they may cause significant physical and emotional injuries.
Common injuries sustained in dog bites include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage
- Deep cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Scrapes and scratches
- Severe bruising
- Amputations
- Tearing
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Wrongful deaths
It’s important to see a doctor immediately to assess your condition and determine the necessary treatment. Dog bites can be dangerous, requiring tests, medication, and other medical care. You may contact our Alhambra dog bite lawyers to get started on pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bite Infections
The skin serves as a protective barrier against germs and other microbes. However, certain bacteria and viruses from dogs can cause infections if they enter our body through a bite or if saliva comes into contact with open wounds. They can even lead to complications, posing a significant risk to children, senior citizens, and individuals with weak immune systems.
Examples of infections resulting from dog bites are:
Rabies
Rabies is a rare but fatal viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through a bite. If you suspect a dog bite has exposed you to rabies, seek medical attention immediately. A rabies vaccine can effectively prevent the disease if administered within 72 hours of exposure. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious medical condition affecting the nervous system. It is caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, and animal waste, including dog feces. Infected individuals usually experience muscle spasms, especially in the jaw and neck, which is why this disease is also called lockjaw. Unfortunately, there is no cure for tetanus. Therefore, individuals bitten by a dog are advised to receive a tetanus shot as a precautionary measure.
Capnocytophaga Infection
Capnocytophaga is a type of bacteria found in the mouths of many dogs and cats. While most people have no issues with Capnocytophaga, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer, diabetes, or HIV, are at a higher risk of developing a serious infection. In severe cases, this type of bacterial infection can lead to sepsis, heart attack, kidney failure, gangrene, and even amputations.
Pasteurella Infection
Pasteurella is a type of bacteria commonly carried by dogs and cats. While most people have no issues with this bacterium, a dog bite or scratch can introduce the bacterium into the body, leading to infection.
Pasteurella infections can cause a range of complications, including soft tissue and eye infections, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis (also known as “flesh-eating disease”), arthritis, and meningitis. These infections can be serious and require extensive medical care and specialized medications. The associated medical expenses can be significant.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Infections
MRSA is a type of staph bacteria resistant to many common antibiotics. While MRSA infections can occur through various means, including contact with contaminated surfaces or other individuals, dog bites can also serve as a potential entry point for the bacteria.
People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe MRSA infections. If left untreated, MRSA can spread throughout the body and lead to life-threatening complications, such as sepsis.
Contracting MRSA from a Dog Bite:
- Direct Contact — If a dog carrying MRSA bites you, the bacteria can be transferred directly into the wound.
- Contaminated Environment — Dogs can shed MRSA bacteria on their fur, bedding, or toys. If you come into contact with these contaminated items and then touch an open wound, you may be at risk of infection.
It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any signs of infection after a dog bite, including redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever. Your doctor can assess your risk of MRSA and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Social & Emotional Impacts
A dog bite can leave more than just physical scars; it carries profound social and psychological repercussions. Victims may develop a fear of dogs and become anxious in situations that remind them of the attack, such as hearing a bark. Your trauma may also surface in everyday situations, such as gatherings with friends and family who own dogs. This ordeal might also cause nightmares or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially when facing legal challenges. You don’t have to handle it alone. Alhambra dog bite lawyers can guide you through a personal injury claim. They can help you seek compensation for losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional and psychological effects of the injury.
Establishing Negligence In A Dog Bite Case
In most dog bite cases, strict liability applies, meaning the dog owner is responsible regardless of whether the attack was a result of negligence or if the owner could have done something to prevent it.
However, if the incident involves an attack without a bite, the victim must prove negligence on the owner’s part. Negligence involves four elements:
- Duty of Care — The dog owner had a duty to prevent harm.
- Breach of Duty — The owner failed to fulfill that duty, often by violating a law or regulation. For example, in many jurisdictions, leash laws require dogs to be restrained in public areas. If a dog owner fails to comply with this law and their dog bites someone, the owner has breached their duty of care.
- Causation — The owner’s negligence was the direct cause of the injury.
- Damages — The victim suffered various damages and losses from the unfortunate incident.
This concept also applies in other situations. For example, you got into a pedestrian accident while fleeing from a dog and ran into the path of a car whose driver was distracted and failed to stop for you. To hold the driver liable for the injuries you sustained in the accident, you must prove the four elements of negligence in a separate case.
Alhambra dog bite attorneys can review the details of your case. They can then help determine how applicable laws, including strict liability, may affect your claim.
Comparative Negligence In Dog Bite Accident Claims
In Alhambra and throughout California, dog bite victims need to understand how pure comparative negligence applies to their personal injury claims. This legal concept assesses the actions of all involved parties to determine their contribution to the incident. It does not exempt the victims from the evaluation. If the court finds them partially responsible, it will assign a percentage of liability, up to 99%. This finding will directly impact the recoverable compensation.
For instance, you provoke a dog with a stick and get bitten. If the court declares you 40% at fault, your compensation will be reduced proportionally. It means you may only be able to pursue 60% of the potential damages.
While this rule aims to hold all negligent parties accountable, defendants may exploit it to shift a significant portion of the blame to the victims. Alhambra dog bite lawyers can review the details of your case and help address any claims regarding shared responsibility.
Damages Available To Dog Bite Victims
As a dog bite victim, a personal injury claim might help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. This compensation may cover economic and non-economic damages.
To better understand the full scope of your potential damages, consult our Alhambra dog bite lawyers. We can review the details of the incident and assess the extent of your losses, which may include:
- Medical bills
- Emergency room visits
- Reconstructive surgery
- Physical therapy
- Laboratory tests
- Prescriptions and medications
- Vaccinations
- Counseling
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Affected quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurements
By working with Alhambra dog bite attorneys, you have legal support to help you pursue compensation based on the evidence and circumstances of your case.
Steps To Take After A Dog Bite Incident In Alhambra
After a dog bite, knowing what to do next is crucial to protecting your health and legal rights. Consider following these steps:
- Prioritize Your Safety — Remove yourself from any immediate danger by distancing yourself from the dog or moving to a safe location. If there’s still a risk of further dog attacks, call 911.
- Gather Information — Collect details about the dog, such as its breed, size, sex, color, age, and vaccination record, or get a photo if possible. If you can’t obtain this information, try to remember any distinctive features. Get the owner’s name, contact details, and address, if possible. Any information will significantly contribute to the investigation.
- Document the Scene — Preserve all necessary evidence, such as photos of your injuries and the responsible dog, the incident’s date, time, and location, medical records, and witness information.
- Take Prompt Action — If you’re near your home, wash your scratches and wounds immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. If the bite breaks the skin and causes bleeding, even slightly, go to the ER for prompt medical care. Remember that even minor bites can quickly lead to serious complications.
- Report the Incident — All dog bite cases must be reported to the Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control Program (VPH-RCP). Call them at (213-989-7060) or complete their online form.
- Seek Legal Guidance — Alhambra dog bite lawyers can provide guidance during this challenging time. We can help explain your legal options and assist you through the process.
Personal Injury: An attack that took place when a homeless man used an unsecured baseball bat in the Walmart store to attack a husband and wife who were shopping nearby. The jury found that Walmart was 50 percent liable for the attack, and the amount of the judgment against the company exceeded $30,000,000.– BRIAN BEECHER
Dog Bite Accident Statistics
Dog bites remain a persistent issue in the U.S., with over four million people bitten each year. Animal bites account for 1% of all emergency visits in the country, with disclosed injuries ranging from minor to severe and fatal cases. Around 100,000 victims are potentially exposed to rabies each year. Unfortunately, almost half of dog bite victims are children, highlighting the importance of awareness and dog bite prevention guidelines.
Furthermore, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) revealed that dog attacks on its workers totaled over 5,800 cases in 2023. The count stayed consistent with the 2020 report, which also recorded more than 5,800 attacks. California had the highest number of incidents, with 727 attacks, up from 675 in 2022.
As dog bite cases continue to rise, our attorneys in Alhambra are available to assist victims. We provide legal guidance to individuals who have been bitten, helping them understand their rights and pursue compensation in accordance with California law.
Consult Our Dog Bite Lawyers In Alhambra
A dog bite can cause serious physical and emotional harm. Our Alhambra dog bite lawyers understand that bite injuries may have serious consequences requiring immediate medical and legal attention. We are prepared to provide legal representation for your dog bite case.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also reach us online by completing our “Do I Have A Case?” form. Our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
In addition to dog bites, our Alhambra attorneys handle other personal injury cases, such as car accidents, Uber accidents, truck accidents, and slip-and-fall accidents. We also extend our legal services to nearby cities and locations, including San Gabriel, South Pasadena, San Marino, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Pasadena, Temple City, South El Monte, Montebello, East Los Angeles, El Monte, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Altadena, and Commerce.
