Dog Bite Laws in California: Gathering Evidence and Establishing Liability
If you have been bitten and attacked by a dog in the State of California, you have the legal right to seek monetary compensation for your injuries. It is important to understand, however, that simply filing a personal injury claim will not guarantee a financial victory. In order to have a successful personal injury claim for the dog bite, you will need to gather important evidence as well as establish liability.
Personal injury claims can be stressful and often involve complex California laws. Consider speaking to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that has experience in dealing with dog bite injury cases. An attorney with the right experience can help you assemble a strong case that could help your chances on a successful outcome. This article will provide important information that can help you understand what is required for a successful case. If you have any questions or concerns, obtain the legal support of a proficient attorney who can guide you.
Obtaining Important Evidence That Can Help Your Case
When a dog bite occurs, it will typically happen suddenly and unexpectedly. A victim can simply walk right past a dog and be surprisingly attacked. In most of these cases, the dog will typically flee once it has been removed from the victim or after the initial bite. This can make the claim difficult to pursue, especially if the dog cannot be found. If it is possible, the following steps can help you build evidence against the owner and dog involved.
- Dial 9-1-1 in order to obtain emergency medical aid in the event that the injuries are severe or if there is an open wound.
- Seeking medical aid can help you establish a medical record that will be necessary for your case against the careless owner.
- Attempt to take pictures of the location where the incident happened.
- Attempt to take pictures of the animal involved.
- If the animal is no longer in site, attempt to write down a detailed description of the dog.
- Obtain the names and contact information of witnesses in the area.
- File an incident report with the responding officer.
- This can help you establish credibility of what occurred at the time of the incident.
- Be sure to obtain a copy of the report, and if not available immediately, determine when and where you can get a copy.
California’s Strict Liability Laws
Every state will handle a dog bite claim differently. This means that each state will have its own rules and regulations regarding how a party will be held accountable for the dog. The State of California hold strict liability laws for dog bites and injuries. This will typically mean that a dog owner cannot prevent being held accountable for injuries caused by his or her dog. When filing for a personal injury claim, one of the key factors you will need to establish is demonstrating that you were lawfully in the private property where the incident occurred or that the injury occurred in a public area.
Seek the Legal Support of an Experienced Attorney
Dog bite laws in the State of California are often complex and are subject to change. In an effort to give your claim the best opportunity of being successful, speak to a qualified personal injury attorney that has experience in handling dog bite injury cases. Personal injury claims in the State of California are time sensitive. If you seek to file a claim, seek the advice and support of an attorney as soon as possible.
The attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP., are dedicated to helping victims of dog bite-related injuries. If you have sustained a dog bite, seek the legal support of a trusted team of attorneys that have experience in handling dog bite injury cases.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.