Most of us love dogs; those furry four-legged companions can surely make our hectic day better. But if you are a dog owner, you also need to know how to train your dog and ensure that your buddy follows your instructions. Because an uncontrollable dog only leads to more problems, and no one wants our fur babies to be in such situations.
For a few people, these furry friends can be a nightmare. Dog bites are not only painful but also leave the victims with emotional distress and costly medical bills. Which is why in a state like California, dog bite cases are taken very seriously.
By understanding the laws of California and Orange County, you can know how to look after your furbaby if you are a dog parent to avoid such cases. And if you or a loved one is a victim of a dog bite incident, knowing these laws will help you to file a dog bite injury claim.
Understanding California’s Dog Bite Law
The state of California follows a single law for all dog bite cases. The law holds the dog owner responsible for any bite injury caused by their dog, even if the dog is usually friendly and has never before shown signs of aggression.
The owner will be held liable if the incident occurs in any public place or a private place that is not their home. The dog’s parents are responsible, even if they were not aware of the dog’s behavior. Such a strict law is enforced to ensure that pet parents are responsible for their pets.
What are the Exceptional Cases?
While the dog bite laws of California mostly hold the owner liable, there are a few exceptional cases where the owner will not be held responsible.
* The owner is not responsible if the dog bites someone who trespasses on the property unlawfully.
* If the victim provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or threatening it.
* Police and military dogs are exempt from liability during active duty.
* If the injury caused was a non-bite injury, such as scratches or being knocked over, the dog owner will not be liable.
Since each case is different, it is best to consult a dog bite claim attorney to understand what your legal options are.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Orange County?
If you have been a victim of a dog bite incident in Orange County, here are a few steps that you need to take:
1. Seeking Medical Help: A dog bite can lead to serious infections if not treated properly. So, after a dog bite, immediately head to see a doctor for treatment. Always get your wound checked, even if the dog has been vaccinated.
2. Reporting the Incident: You then need to file an official report with the animal control or Orange County Animal Care. This way, you have documentation of the incident, which will be helpful for your claim.
3: Get Details of the Dog and Owner: The most important step is to get details of the dog and its owner, such as name, contact information, residence, and proof of vaccination.
4. Gather Evidence: Check for any evidence of the incident, such as security cameras or witnesses, to help you with the claim.
Key Takeaways
* California’s strict dog bite laws hold owners responsible for any dog bite case.
* To file a claim, the dog bite should have been in a public or lawfully private place.
* Exceptional cases include trespassing, bullying the dog, and non-bite injuries.
* After a dog bite, seek medical help and report the incident immediately.