Dog owners have a responsibility to make sure that their pets are kept properly restrained. Under California’s strict liability statute, dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses their pets cause. More specifically, California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
If you are attacked by a dog, you can file a personal injury claim against the dog owner seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, hospitalization costs, lost wages, cosmetic surgery expenses, cost of psychological counseling, scarring or disfigurement, pain and suffering and mental anguish. Compensation may also be available from the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy.
There are several steps you can take if you have been injured by a dog
- File a complaint with your local animal control department.
- Preserve physical evidence such as torn or bloody clothing.
- Take photographs of your injuries.
- Seek medical attention and keep a record of all expenses related to the dog attack.
Contact Ford & Diulio PC at 714-384-5540 to speak with experienced personal injury attorneys, who will advocate for you and insure that the negligent dog owner is held accountable.