Overview:
Every year, about 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. Dog owners will aggressively defend the harmlessness of their pets, but the reality is that dog bites can lead to horrifying injuries, illnesses, medical complications, even permanent physical disfigurement. Even seemingly minor attacks leave victims vulnerable to an array of diseases and infections. Victims of dog bites must always receive medical attention immediately for vaccinations and antibiotic treatments as essential protection against severe infections, even when no obvious injury is sustained. Because medical attention is invariably involved, dog bites are inherently expensive incidents. Thus, all attacks should be considered serious legal issues.
In nearly every instance, dog owners are held responsible for the harm caused by their pets. In many states, including California, dog bite statutes make it very difficult for owners to circumvent liability for injuries caused by dog bites. Other states require the plaintiff to prove negligence on behalf of the dog owner in order to be held liable.
If you were bitten and injured in a dog attack, it is crucial to seek legal counsel. Carefully and extensively document the conditions surrounding the event, the nature of the attack, and its aftermath. Victims are strongly advised to keep medical records and photograph the injury. These steps are critical to your personal safety and legal protection.
In the instance of a dog bite, compensation for your injuries is very likely if the matter is addressed appropriately. A civil case may escalate to criminal charges, should it be demonstrated that the dog in question is “vicious” or “dangerous”. Dog owners may also be found liable for injuries not caused by bites, if they failed to use reasonable care to restrain the dog.
Dog bites and attacks are both more common and more dangerous than one might think, and compensation for any harm caused is attainable. For skilled, experienced legal assistance, contact the Law Office of Joseph M. Kar P.C. at 818-501-6930.