You Can File A Claim For Animal Bite Injuries
Every year, many people are injured by dog bites. Injuries caused by other domesticated or wild animals also occur, albeit not as frequently. If you are injured by an animal, you may be able to seek reimbursement for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When Is An Animal’s Owner Responsible For An Injury?
Whether the law holds the owner of an animal responsible for injuries it inflicts depends on:
- Circumstances of the incident
- Animal’s propensity to be dangerous
- If its species or breed contributes to this propensity
- Whether the owner is aware of this propensity
- Whether the owner warned of potential danger
If, for instance, the person who suffers the injury is trespassing on the owner’s property, the animal’s owner is usually not considered at fault. Nonetheless, the owner of a watchdog is responsible for posting warning signs since watchdogs are considered “trained to harm.”
The ‘One Free Bite’ Rule
There is a “one free bite” rule in California, which “forgives” the first bite or aggressive act of an animal that has otherwise been well-behaved. In limited circumstances, it is presumed the owner could not have reasonably known the animal would be dangerous. In these instances, other factors would have to be shown to hold the owner accountable.
Seek Help From A Skilled Attorney
Clearly, liability in animal attack cases is complicated. This is why it is essential to have a clear-headed lawyer with extensive knowledge of California’s injury laws. At the Advocate Law Firm Professional Law Corporation, we know what steps need to be taken in these cases.
We offer free consultations and can meet you at your home, office or hospital. To schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call 1-866-341-3575. We also offer virtual appointments.
From our office in Irvine, we serve clients in all of Southern California.