Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

How Much is My Dog Bite Claim Worth?

May 31, 2020 | Gregory J. Brod

Under California’s strict liability laws, individuals that are bitten by a dog are entitled to hold the owner liable for paying compensation. Dog bites are very serious injuries and can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, deep cuts, and secondary infections. These injuries are not only painful, but they are also expensive to treat.

While it is important to remain realistic about the damages one may receive, it is just as important to not undervalue a claim. Although no one can say with certainty how much a dog bite claim is worth, there are some guidelines you can follow to determine how much you can recover in damages.

The Nature and Extent of Your Injuries

What You Must Prove in a Dog Bite Claim

March 31, 2020 | Gregory J. Brod

In the best of cases, a dog bite results in only very minor injuries. In the worst cases, victims suffer severe lacerations that often come with complications, permanent scarring, and more. When accident victims suffer from these injuries, they can file a claim against the dog owner to secure compensation that can help with their recovery. California is a strict liability state. This means that victims do not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent or knew of a dog’s violent history. However, there are still certain elements of proof that are required in dog bite cases. These are outlined below.

You Were Legally Located

To have a valid dog bite claim, you must have legally been on the property where you were bitten. If you were in a public space, such as a park, you likely have a valid claim. If you were legally on private property, such as at a friend’s house, you also likely have a valid claim. However, if you were illegally on property, you are considered a trespasser and you may not have a valid dog bite claim.

What Does California Law Say About Dog Bites?

February 15, 2019 | Gregory J. Brod

According to State Farm Insurance, California has more dog bite claims than any other state. Much of the time, dog bites are minor and do not require any treatment. Other times however, dog bites and attacks are serious and require extensive medical treatment. In some instances, they even cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.

When a person suffers these and other serious injuries from a dog bite, he or she often wonders if there is any available recourse. In California, there is.

California Law on Dog Bites

Incidence of Dog Bite Injuries May Increase During Holidays

November 28, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

The holidays are supposed to be a happy time for families and friends. The enjoyment can quickly turn to tragedy if a dog bites someone. Dog bites happen quite often and can cause serious injuries. Dog bites may happen more frequently around the holidays because of the increased number of visitors to one’s home during this time period. Dog owners must be vigilant in making sure that their dogs are kept from harming anyone.

Owners Must Control Their Dogs

Dog owners must keep their dogs under control at all times. Dog bite injuries most often occur when an animal is off-leash or is not being properly supervised. Dogs need to be on leash at all times when they are in public areas. The only exception to this rule may be when dogs and owners visit specified dog parks. These parks allow dogs to run off leash in a controlled environment. Owners are subject to the rules of the specific dog park.

California Dog Bite Lawyer on Cases Involving Young Children

April 5, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Like most of you, we love dogs. Whether pet owners themselves or just people who enjoy the sight of a happy puppy on the street, our team knows there is no love as pure as that offered by a dog. We also know that sometimes dogs attack and that the victims of those attacks deserve justice, especially when that victim is a young child. There are special rules for child dog bite victims in California and our San Francisco dog bite lawyer helps ensure they receive all the compensation they deserve.

Child Bitten By Dog in Pinole Home

Last week, ABC7 News reported that a young girl was bitten in the face by a dog in a Pinole home. The 3-year-old child was reportedly alone in a room with her uncle’s American bulldog at the time. Contra Costa Animal Services told reporters that the child was taken Children’s Hospital in Oakland where she was treated for two one-inch facial lacerations. Per routine practice, the animal was taken in by animal services for a 10-day quarantine period when he will be tested for rabies and his behavior will be assessed. The owner will then be allowed to petition for the animal’s return or opt to surrender the dog.

Northern California Dog Bite Lawyer on Police Dog Attacks

February 12, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

As readers of this blog know, we are proud to serve as a dog bite law firm for Oakland, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, and all of Northern California. In today’s blog post, we look at a very specific category of dog-inflicted injuries, police dog bites. Although police dogs can be an important and justified law enforcement tool, there are times when police dogs attack the wrong person or are not trained in a proper manner causing undue injury to their victims.

Hayward Settles Claim Involving Use of Police Dog

The Oakland Tribune announced this week that the city of Hayward has entered into a settlement in a lawsuit involving a police dog that inflicted serious injuries on a man. According to his Complaint, in March 2014 the man had been seated in his car in the driveway at his workplace when a police car pulled up next to him. After shining a light into his vehicle, again per the man’s claims, an officer handcuffed the man while another officer held him down with a knee to his back. The man alleged that the police then released a dog which tore at him inflicting serious injury to his arm and chin. The city agreed to pay the man $45,000 to dismiss the claim, but declined to issue any further comments on the matter.

Northern California Dog Bite Lawyer Looks at the Facts and the Law on Dog Attacks

January 8, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

People with pets understand that dogs are family. A dog can be a longtime companion and confidant, a true ally who is always on your side. Sadly, however, sometimes we are reminded that dogs are indeed animals. As a San Francisco/Oakland dog bite lawyer, Attorney Brod helps people who are injured or who lose a loved one after a mauling or other form of animal attack. Dog bites are an emotionally charged topic for any animal lover, but ultimately we believe that people must be held responsible for the acts of their animals. California dog bite law agrees.

Dogs Fatally Attack 9-Year-Old Boy

NBC Bay Area recently reported on the tragic death of a 9-year-old boy who was mauled to death by three pit bulls on Sunday. Yuba County Sherriff’s Department officials told reporters that the child’s 24-year-old guardian left the boy alone in the Linda, California mobile home with her three pit bulls when she went to work. The woman returned three hours later to find the child had been mauled by the animals. The boy was taken to a hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. Animal Care Services denies having any history with the animals, but took possession of them in the wake of the attack.

Californians Will Legally Be Able to Take Dogs to Dinner in 2015

September 6, 2014 | Gregory J. Brod

While it may come as a surprise to some, California currently bans dogs and other animals from all restaurants, inside or out. Of course, this ban has long been ignored by many restaurants and their patrons, and it is not uncommon to see dogs-both big and little-resting alongside their owners at many San Francisco area restaurants. However, as of January 1, 2015, California pooches will be legally allowed to visit outdoor areas if certain conditions are met.

Governor Brown Signs Law Allowing Dogs To Legally Be Present On Outdoor Patios

On August 21st, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1965, which gives restaurants the option to allow pet dogs in their outdoor seating areas under specified conditions unless a local ordinance determines otherwise.

Cat’s Rescue of Boy Puts Spotlight on Feline Bravery, California’s Dog-Bite Statute

May 15, 2014 | Gregory J. Brod

The old adage that a dog is man’s best friend was most decidedly not the case Tuesday at one particular residence in Bakersfield, California, that has become well-known in the viral community for the heroics of a family house cat that came to the rescue of a boy attacked by a neighbor’s dog, all of which was captured on film. And San Francisco dog-bite attorney Gregory J. Brod would cite the amazing bravery of a boy’s best friend as not only as a teachable moment on the surprising abilities of the felines that live with us in our communities but also a “purrfect” opportunity to review the applicable dog-bite statue in California.

In Some Cases, a Dog Bite May Lead to Punitive Damages

April 25, 2014 | Gregory J. Brod

Dogs are often praised for their loyal and obedient temperament. People invest time and money trying to teach their dogs how to be well behaved. However, sometimes these attempts can be futile and a seemingly sweet dog can turn into a vicious perpetrator. As experienced attorneys in dog bite cases, our San Francisco personal injury firm knows firsthand what can happen when a dog causes injuries to an unsuspecting victim. In California, a dog owner is expected to take responsibility for their dog’s actions. According to the California Civil Code 3342, “the owner of a dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place.” Typically when a dog bites a victim, it is to the owner’s shame and disbelief. But what happens when a dog attacks a victim because its owner gave the command?

Woman Attacked by Pit Bull Under Unusual Circumstances

According to Inside Bay Area, a 22-year-old woman was attacked by a pit bull in Berkeley last Sunday. What makes this news story different from most dog bite stories is that the owner of the pit bull gave the dog a command, instructing him to attack the woman. The pit bull bit the woman on the arm and she was treated at Berkley Hospital. It is undisputed that the owner of the dog will be held liable for the injury caused by the pit bull. However, because the owner ordered the pit bull to attack she may be entitled to more than just the typical compensation awarded to dog bite victims.