DOG BITES

A person who keeps or has control of an animal may be liable for personal injury or property damage caused by the animal.  A keeper of an animal is one that "harbors, protects, or shelters" the animal.  It is not necessary that the person is the "owner."  However, an owner who retains some degree of control over an animal can be liable even if the animal is partly under the care of others.  Normally, the owner of an animal is liable only for negligence if the animal causes injury or property damage. Negligence is the failure to use ordinary care in keeping or controlling the animal.  View statistics about dog bites and injuries .

The California Law

California law provides that the owner of a dog is liable for the damages suffered by anyone who is bitten while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the dog owner's property.   The fact that a dog does not have prior attacks, or that the owner has no awareness of a dog's viciousness is not determinative. 

The California dog bite statute can impute "strict liability" on the owner's of vicious animals.  Strict liability means that a person is liable for damages even if the person used ordinary care, and therefore was not negligent in keeping or controlling the animal.  The keeper's liability is said to be absolute in the sense that the gist of the action is not how the animal was kept, but that it was kept at all in light of its dangerous propensities.   A plaintiff who can prove the animal's dangerous nature or trait and the keeper's "knowledge" of it, need not prove negligence in failing to restrain or confine it.   Actual notice is not required.  An owner's knowledge can be "constructive" wherein an owner can be liable if she could have learned of the propensity through reasonable inquiry.  Additionally, an owner may be liable if his employees, agents, partners or family knew of the animal's dangerous propensities.

Other Animals

• Horses:   A stablekeeper must use reasonable care to learn the habits and dispositions of the horses kept for hire.  A stablekeeper warrants that the horse is suitable for the particular rider and can be liable for damages if the horse causes injury.
  
• Cattle:   It is the obligation of the property owner of cattle to "fence out" free-running domestic animals to prevent damage to crops and other property. 

If you have been injured by an animal contact, immediately contact The Law Offices of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP for a free evaluation of your potential case.

10 Things you can do if you have been injured by a dog or animal

1. If you have recently been injured by an animal and have not sought medical attention, you should do so immediately.
2. Immediately report your accident to the police and request a copy of the Police Accident Report.
3. Try to obtain the name and contact information of the animal owner.
4. Try to get the name and contact information of any people who witnessed your accident.
5. Try to take photographs of the animal which caused your injuries in the location of the accident.
6. Try to take photographs of any visible injuries you have suffered as a result of the incident with the animal or permit our investigator to accomplish this.
7. Do not have any communication with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company.  If you accept any form of compensation, you may waive your right to claim additional damages.
8. Try to save any clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
9. Please save and take photographs of any property damage caused by the animal.
10. Contact our law offices for a free evaluation and obtain the services of a very aggressive law firm that specializes in dog bite cases.   

It is imperative that you immediately contact an Aggressive Personal Injury Law Firm such as Nadrich & Cohen, LLP.  We will protect your rights!

Contact An Aggressive Personal Injury Law Firm to Protect Your Rights

The law offices of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP are extremely experienced and successful in obtaining compensation for dog and animal bite victims.  We have handled numerous lawsuits against the owners of dogs and have obtained millions of dollars on behalf of dog bite victims.  Please immediately contact us by calling us at 1-800-718-4658 or click here to submit your potential case. 

We are available 7 days a week and will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

For more information about animal attacks please click here to visit our dog bite website.