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Dog Bites

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Thousand Oaks, Watsonville, Gilroy, and Morgan Hill

There are very few people who don’t understand the love and companionship that we experience from a beloved dog. But when that dog causes harm to another, it can have permanent consequences.

Victims of dog bites often don’t know where to turn and can feel overwhelmed after an injury. If you have been injured due to a dog attack or dog bite in Thousand Oaks, Watsonville, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, or surrounding communities, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call the dog bite attorneys at Braff Law Group to understand your legal rights after an injury resulting from a dog bite or attack.

Dog Bite Liability

Most dog owners are responsible and understand their duties when it comes to the care of their pet. But even the most well-behaved dogs can attack if they feel threatened or are injured or sick. When this happens, the owner is ultimately liable for that dog.

Our California laws strictly regulate how a dog bite is handled and what rights and responsibilities both victims and owners have. Under California law, any owner of a dog that bites another is responsible for the victim’s medical expenses and lost wages. Not only does this apply to bites that take place on public property but also ones that take place on the dog owner’s property as long as the victim was there lawfully.

This is referred to as a strict liability rule. In this case, it does not matter if the owner did nothing wrong or even if the dog had never shown aggression toward anyone before. The only exception in this strict liability rule is if the victim had been provoking the dog or was engaged in an unlawful act on the property. The strict liability rule covers any injuries that were the result of the dog bite even if the bite did not break the skin of the victim.

Injuries Resulting From Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in serious and permanent damage, both physically and psychologically. Some of the most common injuries sustained from a dog bite are

  • Scarring
  • Disfigurement
  • Lacerations
  • Infections
  • Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Fractures and orthopedic injuries
  • Psychological suffering

Homeowners Insurance and Dog Bites

Often, victims of dog bites are reluctant to file a claim against the owner. But in most cases, homeowners insurance covers a dog bite or attack. If you have been bitten or injured by a dog, seek immediate medical attention and advise the owner of the dog of the bite. If the owner can’t be located, contact local authorities. Make sure to take photos of the injury as soon as possible.

When you have been injured due to a dog bite in Thousand Oaks, Watsonville, Gilroy, or Morgan Hill, get the advice of an expert dog bite lawyer. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Braff Law Group to understand your legal rights to compensation. Call us for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.