DOG BITES ATTORNEYS IN SAN RAFAEL, CA
California is one of several states that, in most instances, holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs.
Specifically, California Civil Code Section 3342 provides that, in pertinent part, [t]he 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. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.
Dog owners (and their insurers) who have unlawfully caused serious injury to unsuspecting victims often argue that the dog was provoked, or that they were wholly unaware of the dog's propensity for dangerous conduct. Don't be bullied by such tactics.
Pursuing Damages After a Dog Bite
In order to prevail on a claim for damages under California's dog bite statute, the victim must prove:
The defendant owned a dog;
The dog bit the plaintiff;
The plaintiff, at the time of the bite, was in a public place or lawfully in or on a private place [including the property of the owner of the dog]; and
The dog bite caused the plaintiff to suffer injury, damage, loss, or harm.
The owner's liability for a dog bite exists regardless of whether the dog previously had been vicious, whether the owner knew of such viciousness, or whether the owner was negligent in respect to the custody or care of such dog.
Brownstein Law Group has extensive experience in pursuing dog bite claims resulting in serious injury and has heard every excuse and justification in the book. The reality is that dog owners are liable for all injuries caused by their dogs. Further, there is often insurance coverage available regardless of where the attack occurred.
If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite injury, please contact us today.