Dog Bite Attorney in Placer, CA and Surrounding Areas
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they’re still capable of severely hurting innocent people, even if they’ve never shown signs of aggression before. In California, we have strict liability dog bite laws that mean pet owners are responsible for most bite injuries. However, because there are exceptions and special rules involved in this law, it takes a tactful and knowledgeable personal injury attorney to ensure you get exactly the compensation you are entitled to.
Derek L. Casey is fully equipped to handle all dog bite cases. Our firm will take full account of all the circumstances of the attack and do everything in our power to reach a fair settlement in your claim.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for a Dog Bite
If you were bitten by a dog—whether in a public or private place, a small dog or large—you should contact a dog bite attorney to review your case. There are few exceptions to California’s dog bite law, meaning that even if you were a guest on the dog owner’s property legally, and even if the dog was never vicious in the past, they can still be held responsible. Derek L. Casey can help you determine the extent of the damages you can claim and gather evidence to support your case.
Derek L. Casey has helped many victims of dog bites receive fair settlements from homeowners and their insurance companies. The financial compensation can help you address the expenses associated with your recovery, including but not limited to:
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Nerve damage treatment
- Reconstructive surgery
- Lost wages & lost earning potential
- Trauma counseling
California Dog Bite FAQs
Does a dog have to be put down if it bites someone in California?
Not in every case, no. In most cases, the dog owner is warned and given a list of measures to take to control and prevent future bites from occurring. The dog may also be removed from the owners if they are deemed negligent.
A dog may be euthanized if they are deemed to be a threat to the public. This usually occurs if the dog has rabies, has bitten at least 2 people, or if the dog has seriously injured a person, especially if they have been raised to fight.
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, call a personal injury lawyer today to ensure that your rights are well protected and give yourself the best chance of having your injuries fully compensated.
Do I have to report a dog bite in California?
Yes. Even if the owner asks you not to report the dog bite, the state of California requires you to report the attack. It’s also a good idea to contact the police to document the incident. This will help strengthen your case and cover all of your legal bases, especially in cases where the dog owner is a renter, and may fall under the tricky realm of California landlord liability laws.
Are there exceptions to California’s dog bite liability laws?
There are a few situations where a dog’s owner may not be held responsible for an injury. Generally, these are:
- The dog is a military or police dog performing a military or police function
- The victim was trespassing on the owner’s property when the dog bite occurred
- The victim is a veterinarian and was bitten while providing medical treatment to the dog
- The victim was committing a felony when they were bitten
- The victim annoyed or harassed the dog, provoking the attack
That said, every case is unique—even if your situation aligns with one of these exceptions, it’s best to contact a personal injury lawyer for a consultation to determine whether or not you can file a negligence claim.
