Dog is man’s best friend, but a dog can also be dangerous under certain circumstances. A dog attack can cause serious and lasting physical and emotional scars. This guide to California dog bite law will help you determine if you need a dog attack lawyer in Ventura County.
The Dog Bite Statute When a dog bites someone, the owner is liable for any injury it causes when the attack occurs without provocation. This statute is not limited to injury caused by actual bites. It also covers injuries due to the dog knocking someone over, scratching a person or otherwise causing injury. In some cases, the owner can argue the dog was provoked, but it does not work for every situation. For example, if a child is five years old or younger, it is expected they do not understand how to interact with dogs and understand warning signs of an angry dog. Therefore, you cannot claim the child was negligent. If the victim is someone employed on your property, the situation is covered under labor laws. If you do not have workers’ compensation insurance, your employee can sue you. The One Bite Rule The owner should call a dog attack lawyer in Ventura County even if the dog has never bitten someone before, as California operates under the one bite rule. The dog is guilty even if it has never bitten before, especially if the victim can prove that the dog owner knew the dog could be a threat in the future. Negligence Laws Dog owners are liable if their dogs attack unprovoked because they were careless. A dog owner with a dangerous dog should have warning signs on the property and should chain the dog up if people are expected to come over. This includes situations where the dog jumps fences or otherwise gets off the property unleashed and unattended. A dog bite or attack is a serious problem that can cause years’ worth of medical bills and financial problems. If your dog has attacked someone, or if you were the victim of a dog bite, contact a dog attack lawyer in Ventura County. If you would like more details about dog bite laws in California, please go to www.howardblaulaw.com.
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AuthorMy name is William and I've been involved in the LA law scene for many years. Archives
December 2017
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