Californians love their pets. Despite the wide variety of pets, one in particular rules the roost: dogs. These furry friends have become man’s best friends. While these little creatures are cherished for their love and affection, they can sometimes harm you. If you have been injured, it is essential that you contact a dog bite attorney.
Get in touch with the lawyers at Adamson Ahdoot to claim compensation today. Our experts will guide you through the entire process and prepare a strong case. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 to learn more about California dog bite liability and your legal options. You can also submit your inquiry online.
Dog Bite Liability in California: Who’s at Fault?
What happens if your dog bites someone in California? What is the law regarding animal bite accidents? Do you have to report a dog bite in California? When dealing with a dog bite, it is important to know the legal details to protect your rights. In particular, it is necessary to understand the dog bite liability laws enacted by the state in which the incident occurred.
The best way to understand dog bite liability is to speak to a personal injury lawyer. They will be able to inform victims about each step of the legal process in dog bite claims. In California, the statute of limitations for dog bite accidents is two years.
Dog attacks are usually unintentional. In general, the tendency of dogs to react to a startle is usually to bite. This can happen, for example, when the postman comes to a house to deliver a letter, or when we take our dog for a walk and a jogger runs past. However, this behavior can have legal consequences in the eyes of the law. As a result, victims of a dog bite may be entitled to compensation.
Understanding California Dog Bite Strict Liability
California has a special dog bite law called strict liability. It states that the dog owner is responsible for all attacks, regardless of how or why they occurred. Strict liability helps the injured victim to pursue their lawsuit for a dog bite accident.
Dog Attack Statistics in 2024
- Around 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites every year.
- The average number of people treated for dog bites each year is around 12,500. More than 1,000 people go to the emergency room every day.
- More than 800,000 dog bite victims require medical attention each year.
- Between 2005 and 2019, 521 people died from dog attacks in the United States. The most dangerous dogs were pit bulls, with 346 deaths.
- Limbs are the most commonly injured part of the body, accounting for 45.3% of injuries.
- Over 5,300 postal workers suffered dog attacks in 2022.
- Less than 1% of dog bites are fatal, resulting in between 30 and 50 deaths per year.
- Of the most dangerous dog breeds, pit bulls are the most likely to bite. Overall, they are responsible for 23% of all attacks.
- German Shepherds are also considered dangerous dogs and are involved in 17.8% of all bite incidents.
- Around 57% of dog attack fatalities were under the age of 16.
- The average compensation for a dog bite claim is $64,555.
- California is the state with the most dog attack lawsuits, accounting for 11% of all claims nationwide.
Types of Injuries
In the wrong hands or in an inappropriate environment, dogs are likely to cause injury. These bites can result in minor or serious injuries, which can have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of the victim.
As mentioned above, almost half of all dog bite injuries are to the hands and arms. If the attack involves a dangerous breed of dog, it can cause severe nerve damage.
In the event of an attack, it is important to know how to care of a dog bite injury. Some of the most common injuries are:
- Lacerations
- Scarring
- Lacerations
- Deep cuts
- Infections
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Amputations
- Bone and nerve damage
- Brain injuries
- Emotional damage
Have you been injured as a result of a dog attack? Then you need to talk to a dog bite injury attorney at Adamson Ahdoot.
Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts
Compensation for a dog bite depends on the severity of the injury. A minor injury such as a skin tear won’t get the same compensation as a more serious dog bite injury such as a dislocated muscle.
“So, how much can I get in a dog bite lawsuit?” The only way to get a rough idea of the approximate payout in a dog bite case is to speak to an experienced attorney. They will help you with your dog bite lawsuit, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process in California.
Every case is unique. However, recent dog bite statistics show that the average settlement amount awarded to injured victims is nearly $65,000. In addition, there are more than 17,500 dog bite claims each year.
How Long Does a Dog Bite Lawsuit Take
As we have already mentioned, the statute of limitations establishes a specific deadline for filing an injury claim. In California, you have two years to file a lawsuit for a dog bite.
The length of the process depends on many factors. While some dog attack cases reach a settlement within a few weeks, others take months or years to resolve.
An experienced law firm like Adamson Ahdoot can speed up the whole process. Our injury experts will build an effective case. They will gather evidence and expert testimony to help you win maximum compensation in the shortest possible time.
File a Dog Bite Lawsuit with Adamson Ahdoot
A dog attack can be very devastating. This is especially true if the incident was committed by a dangerous dog. Whether you have suffered a minor or serious incident, you must contact an experienced dog bite attorney.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Adamson Ahdoot is one of California’s most reputable personal injury law firms. We are known for providing a complete service from start to finish. Our commitment is to get victims the compensation they deserve for their dog bite injuries.
Contact a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer today. Call us now at (800) 310-1606 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and offer services in Spanish.
