Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyers
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- National Data Regarding Dog Bite Injuries
- Laws Related to Dog Bites in California
- Dog Bite Attacks and Applicable Defenses
- Dog Bite Cases and the Statute of Limitations
- Different Categories of Dog Bite Injuries
- Assessing the Severity of a Dog Bite Injury
- Dangerous Breeds and Dog Bite Injuries
- What Can Make Dogs React Violently?
- How Do I Know the Value of My Dog Bite Case?
- What You Should Do After a Dog Bite Incident
- Preventing Dog Bite Injuries
- Dog Bite Claims in Sacramento
- Should I Retain a Lawyer If I Suffer a Dog Bite Injury?
- Frequently Asked Questions
POWERFUL DOG BITE LAWYERS in sacramento Defending the Injured
As the state capital, Sacramento is one of the most influential cities in California. Home to approximately 520,000 residents, the city of Sacramento is situated where the American River meets the Sacramento River. The Sacramento Valley is one of the most diverse regions in Northern California.
Only five other cities in California are larger than Sacramento. Also, Sacramento is the most populous capital in the United States. The Governor’s mansion and the state legislature are both located in Sacramento. Think tanks, lobbyists, and governmental entities all play a role in the political dynamics of Sacramento. Tourists enjoy learning about the history of state government in California at the California State Capitol Museum.
The Greater Sacramento area is home to approximately 2.3 million people and is one of California’s largest metropolitan regions. Many of the residents who call Sacramento home enjoy sharing their lives with canine companions. Dogs provide individuals and families with happiness and emotional support. Unfortunately, dogs sometimes attack human beings, and a person who is mauled or bitten by a dog can experience serious bodily injuries. Individuals who suffer dog attacks are often surprised at the level of violence displayed by dogs.
Suffering a dog bite often means experiencing long-term psychological distress. Also, medical bills can cause financial insecurity. In California, a dog owner is liable for the injuries caused by their dog, and it does not matter if the dog has violent propensities. If a canine bites a human being more than once, the city attorney can take legal action against the owner and seek injunctive relief, such as a court order directing that the owner remove the dog from the city or county.
A person who sees a family member or loved one attacked by a dog can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical bills and physical rehabilitation costs can make an already stressful situation almost unbearable. A good Sacramento dog bite lawyer can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Dog bite attorneys in Sacramento can help you understand the details and facts that may be relevant to a personal injury action. You do not have to go through this difficult time alon
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense– BRIAN BEECHER
National Data Regarding Dog Bite Injuries
- Liability insurance claims – The Insurance Information Institute contains updated information regarding insurance liability claims across the country. In 2020, insurance companies paid approximately $850 million in claims related to dog bite injuries. California reported approximately 2,000 dog bites in 2020.
- Dog bite injuries and specific breeds – It is important for dog owners to understand the risks that come with owning a particular breed of dog. The American Animal Hospital Association reported in 2019 that dogs between sixty-six and one hundred pounds with short and broad heads are more likely to bite human beings than other dogs. Pit bulls were the breed with the highest rate of dog attacks at twenty-two percent. Mixed breeds were found to have a twenty-one percent attack rate percentage, and German shepherds had a seventeen percent attack rate percentage.
- Dog bite incidents – The CDC reports that approximately 4.7 million people are attacked by dogs in the United States every year. One out of every five dog attacks produces severe injuries that require immediate medical treatment and about thirty thousand surgeries are performed in the United States every year due to dog bite injuries.
Laws Related to Dog Bites in California
A dog owner may not have been negligent, but the dog attack itself results in strict liability. This means that no matter how caring the owner is to the dog in question, he or she will be found liable. Under California law, the owner of the dog is liable for a dog attack even if the dog had not attacked anyone before or demonstrated any violent propensities. Dog attack victims can seek financial compensation for their injuries.
Also, California offers several different remedies and theories of liability that relate to individuals who suffer from dog bites. Oftentimes, the dog bite victim only has to put forth evidence that they suffered a dog bite. Sometimes dog bite victims may need to provide more evidence to establish the dog owner’s liability. Good, locally-based Sacramento dog bite attorneys like the ones at Arash Law can help you understand what you will need to prove to pursue monetary compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bite Attacks and Applicable Defenses
Dog Bite Cases and the Statute of Limitations
California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions, meaning that an injured party must file a legal claim for personal injuries within two years of the date of the injury. Missing this two-year statute of limitations will bar the individual from bringing a personal injury action. Seeking the advice of Sacramento dog bite lawyers after suffering an injury is time-sensitive and very important.
It is possible you can retain an injury attorney in Sacramento who can help you reach a settlement in your personal injury case. If the personal injury claim cannot be settled, you must file the complaint against the defendant within two years of the date of the injury.
Different Categories of Dog Bite Injuries
Nearly eight hundred thousand people every year obtain medical treatment due to serious dog bite injuries. Many of these victims are vulnerable children and senior citizens who cannot defend themselves against a dog. Every year approximately sixteen of all victims die from dog bite injuries. Senior citizens and children are more likely to suffer serious bodily injuries due to dog bites. It is possible for any person to suffer serious bodily injuries due to an attack by a dog.
Assessing the Severity of a Dog Bite Injury
A dog bite lawyer in Sacramento can help you determine how best to proceed with bringing legal claims against the party responsible for your injuries. Determining what to do after seeking medical treatment for serious personal injuries can be difficult. Speaking with an experienced Sacramento dog bite lawyer will help you ascertain the relevant facts of your potential personal injury case.
Dangerous Breeds and Dog Bite Injuries
- Wolf-dog hybrids – Wolfdogs show aggressiveness without proper socialization. They can be difficult to control due to their big size.
- Boxers – Boxer temperaments usually include aggression. Without regular exercise or mental stimulation, boxers can get hyperactive or aggressive with other pets and small children.
- Siberian Huskies – These dogs resemble wolves and are protective of their owners. Although they are intelligent, huskies must receive persistent training on a regular basis. Many huskies will try to escape if they are not kept to a bounded area.
- Akitas – Akitas can weigh up to one hundred and forty-five pounds. These dogs can overwhelm a senior citizen or a child. Many Akitas can also display violent behavior toward other dogs due to their dominating behavior.
- Chow Chows – Chows may look sweet and kind, but they are extremely protective of their owners. Approximately eight people died in the United States between 1978 and 1998 due to attacks by this dog breed. Many Chows will act on their instinct for hunting, and some insurers will not provide coverage for homeowners who own Chows.
- Rottweilers – Many people in the United States use Rottweilers as guard dogs. Rottweilers caused approximately forty deaths in the United States between 1978 and 1998.
- German Shepherds – The German Shepherd breed has long been associated with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. The average German Shepherd can be two feet tall and weigh approximately eighty-five pounds. German Shepherds are extremely loyal, and they enjoy protecting their owners.
- Doberman Pinschers – Doberman Pinschers have a long history as guard dogs and security dogs. Disciplined, strong, and sensitive to noise, Doberman Pinschers have a history of being a dog breed that can be dangerous to humans.
- Pitbulls – Pitbulls cause fatalities every year in the United States. Members of this breed include Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers.
What Can Make Dogs React Violently?
- Prey instincts – Some dog breeds react instinctively to the presence of prey. Dogs typically exhibit behaviors such as carrying, shaking, pulling, pouncing, and chasing when they encounter prey. Some dogs react to these instincts when they see a person running, cycling, or jogging.
- Maternal instincts – Female dogs will become more protective and alert when they have puppies. Sometimes female dogs can react violently when their maternal instincts are triggered.
- Physical pain – Dogs react differently to pain, depending on their temperament and environment. Some dogs may be friendly and kind. However, dogs can bite or react aggressively when in pain or injured.
- Fear – Some dogs will lash out violently if they are afraid of an external threat. A dog that feels startled or surprised may bite someone due to fear.
- Possessive behavior – Protecting its territory is natural to any dog. Sometimes, a dog may react aggressively if the dog feels another animal is threatening its territory Dogs may act possessively toward their owners, their environment, food, and toys.
How Do I Know the Value of My Dog Bite Case?
largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What You Should Do After a Dog Bite Incident
Create a Record of Your Injuries
Report the Dog Bite Incident
It is important to file a report of the dog bite incident with the Sacramento County Department of Animal Care. Local animal control agencies can also help you create a record of the dog bite incident. Public health offices and other agencies may attempt to verify that the owner of the animal has a pet license. Also, it is important to make sure that the animal has been vaccinated.
Discover the Identity of the Dog’s Owner
Obtain Immediate Medical Treatment
Preventing Dog Bite Injuries
- Report any dog bite to an adult.
- Do not look any unleashed dog directly in the eyes.
- Make a report of stray dogs or unleashed dogs exhibiting atypical behavior.
- If a dog knocks you to the ground, roll over and curl up into a ball.
- Never run away from a dog.
- Never scream out of fear in the presence of a dog.
- Never tease a dog.
- Never disturb a dog when it is eating or sleeping.
- Do not make any sudden movements when an unfamiliar dog approaches you.
- Do not play with a dog unless an adult is nearby.
- Never pet a dog until it has sniffed you and seen you.
- Ask an owner for permission before you pet a dog.
- Never approach a dog you have never interacted with before.
Dog Bite Claims in Sacramento
It is also common to see stray dogs roaming the streets of major cities in California. If you suffer injuries due to a bite from a stray dog, you may need to consider other parties that may be responsible for your injuries. Speaking to the best Sacramento dog bite lawyer, you can find will help you determine the best course of action after suffering a dog bite injury.
Should I Retain a Lawyer If I Suffer a Dog Bite Injury?
- Reach a settlement agreement that reflects the physical and psychological pain you endured due to the dog bite injury
- Gather and organize evidence to present to the insurance company so you can obtain financial compensation for your injuries
- Collect medical records and other reports that help substantiate your legal claims
- Organize and tabulate medical bills so you can provide the insurance company with an exact calculation of your medical bills
- Provide all the required evidence to substantiate your legal claims
- Communicate with the insurance company and any other parties involved in the case
Consulting with one of our award-winning Sacramento dog bite lawyers can help you understand the claim process in detail. A dog bite lawyer may also file a complaint on your behalf to initiate a civil lawsuit against the parties responsible for your injuries. A skilled dog bite lawyer can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is important to ask an established Sacramento dog bite lawyer any questions you have regarding your potential case. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions potential clients have about dog bite cases:
The unique facts and circumstances of each particular case will be relevant to the length of time it takes a case to settle. Every dog bite case has its own set of facts, and no two dog bite cases are identical. A dog bite victim should not reach a settlement agreement until their physical injuries have stabilized. All dog bite victims should wait until their scars heal to reach a settlement agreement regarding a dog bite case.
It is difficult to predict how long it can take a dog bite case to settle. Several factors can affect the time it takes to reach a settlement. The documents related to the incident are important, and having photographs and incident reports can affect how long it takes a dog bite case to settle. The medical treatment a victim undergoes can also influence the settlement timeline. Insurance policy limits and any limitations on those policy limits are also relevant to any prospective settlement.
California has a strict liability statute that is applicable to dog bite injury cases. Strict liability means that the party responsible for the injury is liable, no matter if they intended to cause the injury or not. The owner does not have to have knowledge of the dog’s violent propensities to be liable for a dog bite injury.
The strict liability statute is applicable to actual dog bites. The strict liability statute does not apply to individuals who are chased or knocked down by a dog. It may be possible to bring a claim against the dog’s owner under a negligence theory. If the dog’s owner had knowledge of the dog’s violent propensities, and the dog’s owner did not take reasonable measures to prevent the dog from injuring someone, then the dog’s owner may be liable for knocking down a person. The person who is knocked down by a dog must suffer injuries that are not minor.
You need to make sure that you seek medical treatment if you suffer a dog bite. Even though you may have only suffered a minor injury, you should still seek out medical treatment as soon as possible. Any dog bite can cause a bacterial infection that can affect your health. Diseases can also be spread through dog bites.
The dog that bit you may need to be quarantined depending on if the dog was vaccinated or registered. Dog owners who are responsible possess vaccination records and registration records for their dogs. Animal control specialists may need to ascertain the violent propensities of the dog to see if it is a danger to others. For isolated incidents, most dogs go home with their owners. However, depending on the severity of the dog’s violent propensities, the dog may need to be placed in a different environment or euthanized.
Contact Arash Law
Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., helps injured victims seek financial compensation for their injuries. We have decades of experience representing clients in dog bite injury cases. We have recovered over $500 Million for clients throughout California. We focus on your case, and we are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and assert the rights of our clients.
Contact Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free consultation. Our Sacramento dog bite lawyers serve the surrounding areas such as West Sacramento, Rosemont, Florin, La Riviera, Rio Linda, Carmichael, North Highlands, Rancho Cordova, Foothill Farms, Fair Oaks, Davis, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, and Roseville.
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