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Dog Bites

Dog
dog bite attorney
los angeles, riverside, san bernardino
Why are Canine Attacks so Frequent in West Coast Urban Areas Like Los Angeles?

In California, especially large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Riverside / San Bernardino, dog bites occur frequently. In fact, California is the leading state in the United States when it comes to the amount of deadly attacks by canines that occur. Many dog owners may argue that the dog was provoked, but many times, this is not so. In actuality, quite often the individual wasn’t even bothering the dog in any way. With children, dog bites and attacks are more frequent and occur even when children attempt to do something that they don’t think would make a dog feel threatened, such as trying to pet it.

Any dog breed can cause injury or death to an adult, child, or infant. However, the following breeds are the most frequent when it comes to fatalities:

  • Pit Bulls
  • Huskies
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Wolf Hybrids

Statistics show that approximately 94% of dog bites are unprovoked. This means that 94% of all victims did not instigate the event in any way. Statistics from the Golden State also show that about 70% of fatal dog attack victims were under the age of 12. The second largest group to experience fatal injuries related to this type of attack are senior citizens. Finally, the third largest group consists of postal workers and meter readers.

Common dog bite scenarios include the following:

  • Dogs escaping due to not being properly restrained or not maintaining proper fencing or barriers and attacking pedestrians
  • Dogs attacking each other while their owners are walking with their pets and attacking the owners when they attempt to break up the dog fight
  • Canines being allowed off their leash in public places and running down and attacking passersby
  • Dogs attacking meter readers, postal workers, construction workers or other persons at the home with whom the dog is not familiar
  • Dogs biting children who try to pet or put their face near the dog’s snout
  • Female dogs aggressively protecting puppies
  • Canine aggression in protecting the home or children within the home
  • Dog owners loosing control of their animal while on leash
  • Attacks at dog beaches and parks

Common injuries sustained as a result of a dog attack:

  • Puncture wounds from canine teeth piercing the skin
  • Head and facial lacerations
  • Infections from puncture wounds or infectious diseases such as rabies
  • Ligament tears or fractures due to being knocked down or dragged by the dog
  • Loss of digits including fingers and toes
  • Eye punctures causing partial or complete vision loss

In some cases, including several recent incidents involving single and multiple dog attacks, there have also been reported fatalities involving children and the elderly in and around Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Dog Bite Attorney Steven Sweat Discusses What the CA Law Says About the Liability of a Dog Owner for an Injury Caused by Their Animal

California Civil Code section 3342(a) mandates that the owner of a domestic animal is strictly liable for any harm caused by that animal regardless of whether the dog showed any prior propensity to bite or attack people. If the person harmed was in a public place or lawfully in a private place when the attack occurred, the owner will most likely be found civilly liable for the incident regardless of whether they were found to be negligent or unreasonable in believing their dog would not attack people. Related California Statutes also prohibit the running wild of female dogs in heat (California Food and Agricultural Code 30954). In addition, the City of Los Angeles (L.A. Municipal Code section 53.06) mandates that any dog owner in the City of L.A. is required to keep their canine exclusively upon the owner’s property unless the dog is on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet in length. While there are some dog parks which allow animals off leash, the owner is still responsible for any injury caused by their pet on or off their own residential property per Civil Code 3342, cited above.

California law also provides for a process by which a dog can be deemed “vicious” and be quarantined or put down. California Food & Agricultural Code 31601, et.seq. provides, in pertinent part, as follows:

  • Basis for Law: “Potentially dangerous and vicious dogs have become a serious and widespread threat to the safety and welfare of citizens of this state. In recent years, they have assaulted without provocation and seriously injured numerous individuals, particularly children, andhave killed numerous dogs. Many of these attacks have occurred in public places.”
  • Legal Definition of “Vicious” and “Dangerous” Dogs in Cal: California statutes define a “potentially dangerous” dog as any dog that has attacked a person in an unprovoked manner requiring the person to take defensive measures, a dog that has bitten a person or a dog that has attacked another domestic animal off the property of the owner on two or more separate occasions within a 36 month period. A “Vicious dog” is defined as one who inflicts “severe injury” (defined as bodily harm that results in “muscle tears or disfiguring lacerations or requires multiple sutures or corrective or cosmetic surgery”) on a human being or kills someone.
Why is it Important to Retain an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney as Soon as Possible Following an Animal Attack?

Oftentimes, it is important to investigate these cases early, file a report with or request further follow up including quarantine by the county animal control department and take other measures to ensure that the event is documented. A dog bite attorney will need to act quickly ascertain to whom the dog belongs, whether that person is a home owner or renter and whether there may be insurance coverage for the medical expenses and pain and suffering related to the incident.

County Animal Control Contact Links:
Client Reviews
★★★★★
I have known Steven for some time now and when his services were required he jumped in and took control of my cases. I had two and they were handled with the utmost professionalism and courtesy. He went the extra mile regardless of the bumps in the road. I can not see me using any other attorney and I would recommend him to any of my family and friends. Josie A.
★★★★★
Steven was vital during our most trying time. He was referred by a friend after an accident that involved a family member. While he was critical and lying in the hospital, Steven was kind, patient and knowledgeable about what we were going through. Following our loss, Steven became a tough and aggressive negotiator and made sure that we receive a huge compensation. I would refer Steven in fact, this happened 2 years ago and I still speak highly of his service. Cheryl S.
★★★★★
Mr. Sweat is a pitbull in the courtroom as well as settlement negotiations - You can't have a better equipped attorney in your corner! It is a pleasure working as colleagues together on numerous cases. He can get the job done. Jonathan K.
★★★★★
Because of Steven Sweat, my medical support was taken care of. Plus, I had more money to spare for my other bills. Steven is not only an excellent personal injury lawyer, providing the best legal advice, but also a professional lawyer who goes beyond his call of duty just to help his clients! He stood up for me and helped me get through the process. I would definitely recommend. I couldn't think of any better lawyer than him. MiraJane C.
★★★★★
I must tell anyone, if you need a great attorney, Steve sweat is the guy! I had an awful car accident and had no idea where to turn. He had so much to deal with because my accident was a 4 car pile up. Not to mention all the other cars were behind me and they were not wanting to settle in any way! He never stopped working for me and had my best interest at heart! Audra W.
★★★★★
I believe I made the best choice with Steven M Sweat, Personal Injury. I was very reluctant to go forward with my personal injury claim. I had a valid claim and I needed a professional attorney to handle it. I felt so much better when I let Steven take my case. His team did everything right and I am very satisfied. Stia P.
★★★★★
I have to say that Steve has been exemplary! I met Steve at a point with my case that I was ready to give up. He took the time and dealt with all of my concerns. Most importantly, he was present and listened to what I was going through. He was able to turn things around, put me and my case on the right track! The results were better that expected! Highly recommend!! Cody A.