Sacramento Dog Attack Lawyers
Sacramento Dog Attack Lawyers
Sacramento Dog Attack Lawyers
Dog attacks are serious. They cause physical and emotional harm that takes months, if not years, to recover from. The financial consequences of a serious dog bite injury can also take a toll on an individual and his or her family. When dog attacks occur, victims deserve to have their rights protected.
The skilled Sacramento personal injury attorneys at Crowell Law Offices are experienced at representing both child and adult victims of dog attacks. Our attorneys have succeeded in recovering significant damages for our clients’ injuries, pain, and suffering. If you have been injured by a dog attack, contact one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Call (916) 303-2800 for a free consultation.
California Dog Bite Law
According to statefarm.com, dogs attack almost five million children and adults each year. California is a strict-liability state in regard to attacks by vicious dogs. Strict liability, also called absolute liability, means that absolute legal responsibility for injuries can be applied to the wrongdoer without having to prove negligence, carelessness, or fault. Even if the person was not negligent, he or she can be held strictly liable. California law holds the dog owner responsible for dog attacks even if the dog has never attacked before or shown propensity to attack. According to the law, dog attack victims deserve fair compensation for injuries suffered.
Who Is Responsible?
Insurance companies typically require home owner policy holders to answer questions on insurance applications about their dogs’ history and can refuse to provide homeowner insurance coverage based on the breed of the dog(s) owned. In 2010 alone, State Farm received nearly 3,500 claims. Among each breed of dogs there are good and bad individual examples. The same can be said about dog owners because they too contribute directly to a dog’s behavior. No matter where a dog attack occurs, dog owners are responsible for their dogs. It is not always a simple task to determine liability for dog attack injuries, and the job may require professional legal assistance. In order to escape their responsibility and to avoid being held liable for injuries incurred, dog owners often deny ownership. An investigation is often required in order to determine and prove who owns the dog.
Recovery from a Dog Bite
Not all dog attacks result in bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), children and older adult males are most likely to be attacked. Sometimes children and older adults are knocked to the ground by large dogs resulting in broken bones, wrists, or hips. If you are attacked by a dog, either bitten, or otherwise injured, first seek medical attention for your injuries by dialing 911. Have a relative or friend determine who owns the dog that attacked you. Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the event, and if possible, take photos with your cell phone of the animal that attacked you and of the scene of the attack. Report all dog attacks to your local Animal Control agency. They will need to investigate whether others are in danger of being attacked, whether the animal is a danger to the community, whether the dog has rabies, etc.
Help is Available
The Sacramento dog attack injury attorneys at Crowell Law Offices understand the physical and emotional harm that result from a dog attack. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a vicious dog, contact one of our experienced attorneys as soon as possible. We can help make sure the dog owner is identified and that you receive all the compensation you are entitled to. Call for a free consultation.
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