San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney

Fighting For Dog Bite Victims in California

Dog bites take place every day and they can often result from negligence. Who is responsible for a dog? The owner takes on this position and it means that in addition to caring for the animal, they will also make sure that it is able to be around people or will make the necessary arrangements if it is unable to get along with others in a safe manner. This may mean keeping it inside or on a leash and away for other people when walking.

Dog bites occur about 4.7 million times each year. Many victims are left suffering the effects. They can lead to a number of personal injuries, as well as the emotional trauma of going through the attack. In these events, it is best to have the case reviewed by a San Bernardino injury lawyer to determine if there are grounds for a case.

On This Page

• Dog Bite Injuries
• Those at Risk
• Preventing Bites
• Owner Responsibility

Call (888) 963-9999 today to schedule a free consultation with our dog bite attorney in San Bernardino!

Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs can be man's best friend as long as they are trained and socialized and a close eye is kept on them. They do have wild tendencies by nature, and some dogs can have more aggressive personalities. While dogs can make great pets, for any number of reasons, some dogs are unable to interact with others. Other dogs may normally not have an aggressive personality, but in an instant, they can change. They may feel threatened and want to defend themselves, but it is necessary to never feel too at ease with them. Out of the 4.7 million bites that take place each year, around 800,000 of them need medical attention. Damage can come from a bite, being pushed over by a dog that jumps up, scratches from their claws, and more. This will often lead to lacerations, fractures, puncturing of the skin, amputation, dislocations, and abrasions.

A bite can penetrate the skin deeply and may be severe enough that it requires a skin graft. Around 386 people will need to be treated in the emergency room after an attack because the damage is so severe. About 44,000 injuries occur in the area each year, and this is the area that endures the highest rate of damage. On top of the outward signs and damage to the skin, the dog can be carrying an infection, such as rabies, and this may be passed to the victim. This can further their illness and their need for medical treatment. Some of the damage that is faced by an attack victim can be more long term and they may need ongoing treatment. In more serious cases, a wrongful death can occur, and about 16 people die from attacks each year. Emotional trauma can be faced as well, and many people suffer from stress or continually repeating the events in their heads.

Those at Risk

The most common age group for dog bites is children. Within this, children aged five to nine suffer the highest rate of bites. Instances are significantly higher amongst boys than girls, and this may be because boys are more likely to be hands-on. Children four and under suffer around two-thirds of injuries to the head or neck area. Children do not always recognize if they are hurting a dog or making it feel threatened, so it is important that an adult is with them and lets them know if they are doing something that may cause the animal to lash out. They may not pick up on the dog's aggressive stance or its growling. Children can also suffer bites when they go to pet a stranger's dog that is out walking. Without knowing the owner or the dog, it is important to be on guard. Many owners say that their dogs are fine to pet when they are actually dangerous.

Preventing Bites

One of the main things that can be done to prevent dog bites is education. The government and many organizations have made efforts to warn against this potential danger. Many attacks that take place could have been prevented. Prevention tactics can be taken on by dog owners and those who come into contact with the dog. Owners should research the characteristics of the types of dogs that they are getting and see if it fits with their lifestyle. Some dogs have temperaments that are more suited if they are going to be around children or a lot of people. Before taking the dog home, an owner should visit with them to see how they interact. When they do take the dog home, they should be careful about how they play with the dog and avoid games that could increase its aggressive nature. It is also smart for an owner to talk with specialists about the type of dog that they are considering.

For a person who comes into contact with a dog, try to remain calm if they seem aggressive. Screaming or running from it may sometimes cause it to become more hostile. If you do not know the dog, do not go up to it or try to play with it. Do not make eye contact with them and let is sniff you before you pet it. If a dog is sleeping or is with its puppies, it is recommended that they are left alone. If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball and stay there until it is gone or help has come. When a stray dog is wandering the area, it is best that it is reported and animal control or a local shelter comes to get it instead of doing it alone.

Owner Responsibility

It really falls on the shoulders of the owners to be careful. The dog may be expressing its true nature, it may feel threatened, or it may think that its puppies are in danger. The responsibility goes to the owner to take action at a young age to start implementing characteristics in the dog and downplaying its violent tendencies. On top of training, the dog should be socialized at a young age by being around other dogs, other people, and children. Children should be warned to be careful with the dog since they do not always realize they are hurting them and that they could attack them. When a child or a baby is with a dog, they should never be left alone.

An owner should be held liable for the damage that their dog inflicts. This may include taking care of the initial hospital bill and any other expenses that come up. A victim may also be unable to work, and their lost wages should be covered. It will be necessary to establish liability in order to have the owner put in a position to pay compensation. An Instance where an owner can be liable is if they knew the dog had aggressive tendencies. This can be for a bite, scratching, or pushing over a person. They may also be liable if they were unreasonably negligent in their actions, such as letting the dog outside without a leash.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Claim?

Potential damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Dog bites can require immediate medical attention, such as emergency care, surgeries, stitches, and even long-term rehabilitation. You may be entitled to recover compensation for all past, present, and future medical costs associated with the bite, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and reconstructive surgeries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you can seek compensation for lost earnings. This includes not only the income you’ve already lost due to missed work but also any future income if your injuries affect your capacity to perform your job in the long term.
• Pain and Suffering: In addition to the physical pain caused by a dog bite, victims often experience emotional and psychological distress. Compensation for pain and suffering may be granted to account for the emotional toll the incident has taken on your life, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Severe dog bites can leave victims with permanent scarring or disfigurement. Compensation may be awarded to help cover the costs of reconstructive surgery or to address the emotional trauma that often accompanies permanent physical changes.
• Loss of Quality of Life: If your injuries seriously affect your ability to enjoy life as you did before the dog bite, you may be entitled to damages for the loss of quality of life. This could include a loss of independence, the inability to partake in hobbies or activities, or challenges with daily living tasks.
• Punitive Damages: In certain instances where the dog owner’s behavior was especially reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be granted. These damages are intended to penalize the owner and deter others from similar behavior. However, punitive damages are awarded in rare circumstances and require strong evidence of the owner’s misconduct.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorney in San Bernardino Today

Acting quickly is crucial if you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite. California law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which means you only have a limited time to file a lawsuit. The sooner you seek legal assistance, the stronger your case will be.

Our San Bernardino dog bite lawyer at Vetchtein Law can help you navigate the complexities of a dog bite claim and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. We will tirelessly pursue maximum compensation, allowing you to focus on healing and recovery.

Attacks can come at a high cost, and a member of Vetchtein Law can start seeking a resolution for you. Call (888) 963-9999 for a free consultation with our San Bernardino dog bite lawyer.