Northern California Dog Bite Lawyer 

Fighting For Dog Bite Victims in California

We take dog bite incidents seriously at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley because we have witnessed firsthand the impact such an event can have on a person's quality of life. If you have suffered a serious dog bite or someone you love has been injured by a dog, we can help. A dog bite attorney from one of our Northern California offices - Chico, Roseville, Sacramento, Redding, and Yuba City - can provide you with honest, informative, and personable legal counsel so that you are aware of your rights and informed to act on them.

As with all personal injury cases, there exists a statute of limitations, so it's important that you take action as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. To arrange a free consultation with a member of our team, please don't hesitate to contact our Northern California dog bite attorneys today. We handle cases in both State and Federal Court, statewide.

Call the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today at (530) 413-0245 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our dog bite attorney in Northern California.

Damages & Eligibility in Dog Bite Cases

You may be eligible to recover financial compensation if you or someone you love has been injured as a result of a dog bite or mauling. In the tragic event that a loved one was killed due to a dog bite incident, please accept our condolences. We can help you file a claim against the negligent party through wrongful death litigation.

Though each case is unique, typically the plaintiff can recover damages for medical bills, future medical expenses related to the injury, loss of wages, loss of future income due to the injury, and pain and suffering. Dog bite injuries can have a significant physical and psychological impact on a person, and we can help ensure that you are justly compensated for both. In wrongful death claims, we may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of wages, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.

How to Establish Liability

California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning that dog owners are typically held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs biting someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had a history of aggression. This applies regardless of the dog's past behavior and regardless of where the bite occurred (e.g., public place, private property).

There are limited exceptions to strict liability in California dog bite cases. For instance, a person who is bitten while unlawfully trespassing on the dog owner's property may not be able to recover damages for the bite under certain circumstances. Additionally, if the person bitten was provoking the dog or engaged in behavior that contributed to the incident, it could impact their ability to recover damages.

The first step in a dog bite or dog mauling case is determining fault and liability. In many instances, the actual dog owner lacks the necessary assets or resources to sufficiently compensate the victim or victim's family for damages. In such cases, it may be possible to file a claim against the property owner as well to help recover fair and just compensation on the plaintiff's behalf.

If a dog owner is found liable for a dog bite, they may be responsible for compensating the victim for damages, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs resulting from the bite.

Generally, the injured person has two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit in court. If they fail to do so within this timeframe, they may lose the right to seek compensation for their injuries.

Common Causes of Dog Bites

Dog bites can occur due to various reasons, often stemming from a combination of factors, such as genetics, environment, behavior, and human interactions. Here are some common causes:

• Fear or Anxiety: Dogs may bite if they feel threatened or scared. This could happen in situations such as being approached too quickly or unexpectedly, encountering loud noises or unfamiliar environments, or feeling cornered.
• Protective Instincts: Dogs are naturally protective of their territory, belongings, or family members. If they perceive a threat to these, they may resort to aggression, including biting, to defend what they consider theirs.
• Pain or Illness: Dogs in pain or discomfort may lash out as a defensive mechanism. If they are suffering from an injury, illness, or medical condition, even normally friendly dogs may react aggressively when touched or approached.
• Lack of Socialization: Proper socialization during a dog's early stages of development is crucial for them to learn appropriate behavior around people and other animals. Dogs that have not been adequately socialized may react fearfully or aggressively in unfamiliar situations or around unfamiliar people.
• Predatory Instincts: Dogs, especially those with strong hunting or prey instincts, may bite when they perceive smaller animals or even children as prey. This can happen suddenly and without warning, especially in breeds with a high prey drive.
• Territorial Aggression: Some dogs may exhibit aggression towards strangers or other animals encroaching on what they consider their territory. This could include their home, yard, or even their owner's personal space.
• Lack of Training or Discipline: Dogs that haven't been properly trained or disciplined may not understand boundaries or appropriate behavior. Without clear guidance from their owners, they may resort to biting as a means of communication or asserting dominance.
• Provocation or Teasing: Intentional or unintentional provocation, teasing, or rough handling by humans, particularly children, can lead to a defensive response from the dog, resulting in a bite.
• Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds may have a genetic predisposition towards aggressive behavior. While genetics alone don't determine a dog's behavior, they can influence temperament and responses to certain stimuli.
• Stress or Frustration: Dogs experiencing prolonged stress or frustration may exhibit aggressive behavior, including biting, as a way to cope with their emotions or release pent-up energy.

The important consideration in dog bite and mauling cases is whether the owner and property owner took sufficient steps to minimize the risk that the dog posed. If such steps were not taken, then it can be shown that the dog owner or property owner recognized that a threat or potential threat existed and failed to take precautionary steps, which would make them liable in the event of a dog bite case.

What are the Examples of Failed Measures

The following are some examples of failed measures:

• Not leashing the dog
• Not fencing the dog
• Failing to train the dog

A dog bite attorney from our Chico, Roseville, or Sacramento office can answer any questions you may have regarding causes or liability in person during your initial consultation. We are committed to customer service and would be honored to work with you. We have an exciting, dynamic, young, passionate team of legal professionals and attorneys, and we work tirelessly to obtain the best possible recovery on behalf of our clients.

What are Victims' Rights?

Individuals have a right to financial compensation for quantifiable and qualitative damages in the event of a dog bite incident. Though many people assume that dog bite situations are by default minor, that is a misconception; dog mauling cases often result in significant impairment and an irrevocable change to a person's quality of life. In severe cases, it can result in death.

The dog bite attorneys at our Chico, Roseville, Sacramento, and satellite offices understand this and take appropriate steps to rectify the wrongs that have been committed. Through Mr. Buckley's scientific background and our close collaboration with experts, we are able to protect our clients' rights.

Local Insights & Community Resources

In Northern California, various community resources and local government initiatives aim to prevent dog bite incidents and support victims. Understanding and utilizing these resources can be critical in addressing the aftermath of a dog bite. Local animal control agencies, such as those in Sacramento and Chico, play a significant role in enforcing dog ownership regulations. These agencies are crucial in addressing public safety issues and ensuring dog owners comply with local laws.

Community-based organizations can also offer support, from facilitating access to medical care to providing educational materials on preventing dog bites. Additionally, local pet advocacy groups often run campaigns to educate dog owners about responsible pet ownership, which can reduce the incidence of bites. At Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we believe in integrating such community resources into our overall strategy for managing and mitigating the impact of dog bite incidents.

FAQs About Dog Bite Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

If a dog or a loved one bites you, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for the wound immediately. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to infections or more severe health issues. Once medical needs are addressed, document the incident as thoroughly as possible by taking photographs of injuries, obtaining witness statements, and noting the conditions under which the bite occurred.

Contact local animal control to report the incident, ensuring proper documentation and investigation are conducted. Recording the dog’s details, including owner identification and vaccination records. Finally, consult with the experienced legal professionals at Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley to discuss your potential compensation and rights under Northern California’s dog bite laws.

How Does Strict Liability Affect My Dog Bite Claim?

Strict liability in California means a dog owner is liable for damages their dog inflicts, regardless of the animal's previous behavior. This principle allows victims to pursue compensation simply based on the occurrence of a bite, irrespective of prior knowledge of the dog's aggressiveness. However, understanding the nuances of strict liability is essential.

Certain defenses, such as the victim's provocation of the dog or trespassing during the bite, can complicate claims. At Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we can help navigate these complexities, ensuring you have a robust understanding of how these rules apply to your situation and guiding you to make informed decisions about your legal options.

What Compensation Can I Pursue in a Dog Bite Claim?

Compensation for dog bite incidents in Northern California can cover many impacts, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Plaintiffs may also receive awards for long-term effects, such as disfigurement or psychological trauma. For more severe incidents resulting in fatality, compensation can extend to cover funeral expenses and loss of familial support.

Each claim is unique, requiring careful evaluation of medical evidence and detailed documentation of losses. Working with Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, victims can ensure a comprehensive approach to identifying all potential avenues for compensation, aligned with our commitment to client-focused care.

Are There Time Limits for Filing a Claim in California?

Certain time restrictions apply to filing dog bite-related lawsuits in California. Victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to initiate legal action. This statute of limitations underscores the importance of timely consultation with legal professionals to preserve your rights to recover damages. Delays in filing can lead to the forfeiture of your right to pursue legal claims.

Acting within this timeframe is essential; however, certain circumstances may allow for extensions or require quicker action. For instance, a shorter period applies when the involved party is a public entity. Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley can provide expert guidance on these intricacies, ensuring your actions adhere to the correct legal timelines.

Contact Our Northern California Dog Bite Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, don’t wait to seek the legal support you deserve. Our Northern California dog bite attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, seek fair compensation, and confidently navigate the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation—your path to justice and recovery starts with one call. We are committed to advocating for your well-being every step of the way. Our offices are in Chico, Roseville, Sacramento, Redding, and Yuba City. We offer 24-hour phone service and flexible hours to meet your needs.