Dogs are our friends and loyal companions. However, they are still animals and can cause serious harm if they are untrained, aggressive, or allowed to roam freely. If you suffered injuries from a dog bite in Woodland, CA, you could have a personal injury case.
In California, dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause, and victims have the right to seek financial compensation. An experienced Woodland dog bite lawyer from Demas Law Group can investigate your case and pursue money to support your healing and recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced dog bite attorneys.
Why Do I Need a Dog Bite Attorney in Woodland, CA?
Navigating the insurance process after a serious injury can be distressing and time-consuming. Insurance companies protect their profits closely to avoid making fair payouts to dog bite victims. The last thing you need to deal with after a dog bite is to manage disputes with a stubborn insurance adjuster.
That’s where we come in. A Woodland dog attack lawyer at Demas Law Group can manage every aspect of your personal injury claim. If the dog that bit you belongs to a friend or family member, we can handle communications with the pet owner with sensitivity and discretion. Many homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bites, so sometimes, it’s just a matter of getting everyone to understand that filing a claim is not personal. It’s often, but not always, an insurance claim.
Similarly, you can turn over all insurance talks to us. Our attorneys can submit the claim forms on your behalf, represent you during settlement negotiations, and take formal legal action if necessary. Our law firm has decades of experience handling dog bite injury claims and prioritizes handling cases effectively and efficiently. We’ll focus on the legal legwork while you work on reclaiming your life.
California Dog Bite Laws
California has statewide laws regarding dog bite attacks and controlling dog behavior. Many towns and cities have their own animal control laws. These statutes and ordinances play a key role in determining who is legally responsible for a bite injury.
The most important law is Cal. Civ. Cod. 3342, which dictates that dog owners are financially liable for injuries when their pets bite someone. The main exception to this rule is bites from police dogs when they are performing police work.
Further, California law states that the owners of dogs who have bitten someone before must take reasonable steps to secure them and ensure they don’t harm others. If the dog has a record of at least two bite incidents, the government or private individuals can petition the court for dog removal or euthanasia.
The city of Woodland also has several ordinances related to the keeping and control of animals. For example, WMC 6-1.401.1 requires that all dogs on public property must be kept on a leash no more than eight feet long. Additionally, WMC 6.04.040 states that owners of vicious dogs must muzzle and leash them when outside their kennel or rear yard pen and carry liability insurance to cover injuries from dog attacks.
What Are Common Injuries from Dog Bites?
Dogs have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, meaning bite injuries can cause severe physical and cosmetic damage. Common dog bite injuries include:
- Bruises and soft-tissue injuries
- Puncture and gouge wounds
- Cuts and lacerations
- Torn muscles and tendons
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Torn and flayed skin
- Face and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputation
- Infection
- Scarring and disfigurement
How Do I Gather Evidence After a Dog Bite?
One of the most important pieces of evidence in a dog bite case is animal control reports. When you report an attack to animal control, they will make a dog bite incident report that you can rely on as evidence for your claim with the insurance company. You will also need medical documentation about your wounds. Medical records also demonstrate the nature and extent of your injuries as well as medical treatment costs.
Proving Liability in a Woodland Dog Bite Case
Most personal injury claims are negligence claims. In a claim based on negligence, you must show that the at-fault party violated some reasonable standard of conduct when they caused your injuries. However, dog bite claims in California are strict liability claims. This means that when a dog bites someone, the owner is automatically responsible, regardless of whether they were negligent in confining or leashing the dog in some way. Specifically, it does not matter whether:
- The owner knew about the dog’s dangerous tendencies or,
- The dog had previously bitten someone.
In other words, you do not have to prove that the owner was careless to recover compensation for a dog bite. As long as the dog bit and injured you, the owner must pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other attack-related losses.
It’s important to note that the strict liability standard only applies to dog bites, not other types of dog attack injuries. In cases of non-bite injuries, you would file a negligence claim against the owner to recover compensation.
For instance, if the owner lets their large dog off the leash in a public place and it jumps on someone, knocking them over and injuring them, the owner could be liable for negligently handling their animal. You can discuss your case with a dog bite attorney in Woodland, CA, to assess your options for bringing a strict liability vs. negligence claim.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
After seeking medical attention, document the scene of the attack if you can. Take photos of your injuries and get as much information about the owner and dog as you can, including contact info, insurance information, and pet vaccination records. You can also get statements from eyewitnesses if any are present.
Once you have reported the bite to animal control, you should go to a doctor to get a formal diagnosis. Finally, you should call our Woodland dog bite law firm. Our personal injury attorneys can gather and organize evidence and initiate the actual claims process.
Contact a Woodland Dog Bite Attorney Today
Dog bites can be severe injuries, and you deserve a legal team to help you pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Turn to the Woodland dog bite attorneys at Demas Law Group. We can represent you in all steps of the personal injury process, from initial investigations to settlement negotiations and litigation if necessary.
Contact our offices online or call today for a free case consultation with a dog bite injury lawyer in Woodland, CA.
