Dog bites can be deeply traumatic and physically damaging experiences. The impact of such an event isn’t just physical; it often carries emotional and psychological scars, especially for younger victims like children who are more susceptible to severe injuries from dog attacks. In the state of California, the law typically holds dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets, with only limited exceptions. This legal framework aims to protect victims and ensure that they receive the necessary support and compensation for their injuries.
Legal Assistance for Dog Bite Victims in Los Angeles
At Saeedian Law Group, our dedicated team is committed to assisting individuals in Los Angeles who have been impacted by dog bites. We understand the complexities involved in these cases and are prepared to guide victims through the legal process. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and pursue appropriate legal action against the liable party.
We offer round-the-clock assistance. If you or someone you care about has been a victim of a dog bite, please contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Rule
California is known as a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. In the simplest terms, this means that you do not need to show that a dog owner acted negligently in order to hold him or her responsible for your dog bite injuries. Furthermore, dog owners in California cannot claim that they didn’t know their dog would bite or act aggressively as a valid defense to liability.
To bring a dog bite claim against the owner, you simply need to prove the following:
- Your injuries and other damages were caused by a bite from the owner’s dog
- The dog bit you in a public place or while you were legally on private property
It is important to note that the rule of strict liability only applies when a victim is bitten by a dog. If you are injured by a dog but the dog does not bite you, you may still be able to bring a claim against the owner, but you will likely need to prove that the owner acted negligently.
For example, if a dog owner allows her dog to roam off-leash in a public park in Los Angeles where you are jogging and the dog runs up to you, jumps on you, and knocks you to the ground, resulting in you breaking your arm, you will likely be able to prove that the owner was negligent in unlawfully allowing her dog to run free.
Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability
There are very few exceptions to the strict liability dog bite rule—but they do exist. Generally speaking, you typically cannot bring a dog bite claim when the dog in question is a police or military animal in the line of active duty. Additionally, a dog owner may be able to fight back against your injury claim if he or she asserts that you provoked the dog or were trespassing on private property when the bite/attack occurred.
While many dog owners are responsible and take precautions to ensure that others are not at risk of being bitten, other dog owners are less careful. At Saeedian Law Group, we believe that negligent and reckless dog owners in Los Angeles should be held accountable when their pets harm other people. We also believe that you shouldn’t have to suffer the financial consequences of a devastating dog bite injury on your own, regardless of how responsible or irresponsible the dog owner was. Our personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles
At Saeedian Law Group, we believe in holding negligent dog owners accountable and ensuring that victims do not have to face the financial and emotional aftermath of a dog bite alone. Our team is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of these cases, aiming to secure the justice and compensation that victims rightfully deserve.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to contact Saeedian Law Group. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive support and effective legal representation to all our clients.
Saeedian Law Group is a personal injury law firm based in Beverly Hills. We offer clients help with dog bite injuries & dog attacks throughout California, including those in San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, Irvine, Modesto, Rancho Cucamonga, Oxnard, and Newport Beach.
