Dog bites are a common occurrence in California, with many people being injured each year as a result of dog attacks. These attacks can be incredibly painful and can cause serious injuries, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, and broken bones. In this article, we will explore the issue of dog bites and animal attacks in California, looking at the causes of these incidents, the injuries that they can cause, and who can be held strictly liable for a dog bite in Los Angeles.
Statistics of Dog Bites in California
Dog bites are a serious issue in California, with the state seeing a high number of dog bite incidents each year. According to data from the California Department of Public Health, there were 6,749 hospitalizations due to dog bites in California between 2015 and 2018. This equates to an average of 1,687 hospitalizations per year.
Los Angeles is one of the areas in California that sees a particularly high number of dog bite incidents. According to the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, the department receives an average of 13,000 reports of dog bites each year. This equates to approximately 35 reports per day.
Who Can Be Held Strictly Liable for a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?
In California, the law holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries that their dog causes. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner of the dog is responsible for any injuries that are sustained. The owner can be held liable regardless of whether or not they were aware of the dog’s propensity to bite.
In Los Angeles, the law regarding dog bites is set out in the Los Angeles Municipal Code. According to the code, a dog owner can be held liable for any injuries that are caused by their dog, even if the dog has never shown any aggressive behavior in the past.
There are some exceptions to this rule, however. For example, if a person is trespassing on the owner’s property when they are bitten, the owner may not be held liable. Similarly, if the person who is bitten is engaged in illegal activity at the time, the owner may not be held liable.
What Are the Most Common Dog Bite & Animal Attack Injuries?
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can be incredibly serious. The most common injuries that are sustained in these incidents include:
- Puncture wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth, which can cause deep puncture wounds when they bite. These wounds can become infected if they are not treated promptly, which can lead to serious health problems.
- Lacerations: Dog bites can also cause deep lacerations, which can require stitches or even surgery to repair.
- Broken bones: If a dog bites a person’s limb, it can cause fractures or breaks in the bones.
- Emotional trauma: Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience, and can cause long-lasting emotional damage.
What Causes Dog Attacks in California?
There are many factors that can contribute to dog attacks in California. Some of the most common causes include:
- Lack of socialization: Dogs that are not properly socialized may be more likely to become aggressive towards strangers.
- Neglect: Dogs that are not properly cared for may become aggressive due to stress or other factors.
- Abuse: Dogs that have been abused or mistreated may become aggressive towards people as a result.
- Lack of training: Dogs that have not been trained may be more likely to become aggressive, as they may not understand what is expected of them.
- Protective behavior: Some dogs may become aggressive if they perceive a threat to their owners or their territory.
If you have been the victim of a dog attack in California, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. There are several types of compensation that you may be able to receive, including:
- Medical expenses: If you have been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses. This can include the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and other related expenses.
- Pain and suffering: You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering that you have experienced as a result of the attack. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
- Loss of income: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of income. This can include both past and future income that you would have earned if not for the attack.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the attack, such as your clothing or personal belongings, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.
If you have been the victim of a dog attack in California, it is important to seek legal advice to help you understand your rights and options. The Law Collective is a law firm based in California that specializes in helping victims of dog attacks and other personal injury cases.
Their team of experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation that you deserve. They offer a free consultation to help you understand your options and determine the best course of action for your situation.
To learn more about how The Law Collective can help you after a dog bite, visit their website at www.lawcollective.com. They are dedicated to helping their clients get the justice and compensation that they deserve, and they are ready to help you too.
