Introduction
People often believe that only dog owners can file a lawsuit against their dog’s bites. It is not necessarily true. A person who a dog in the United States has bitten might sue for damages if they bit them on the property where the victim does not have a possessory interest or an invitation to be present. In this article, we’ll discuss the various common scenarios in which a person may be able to recover damages, and we’ll show you the process of filing and how-much-does dog bite lawsuits in California cost.
4 Things You Should Do After a Dog Bite
1. Examine the Bite
Before starting the legal process, you need to look at the bite mark. If a dog bites hard enough to leave a bruise or scrape, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if no swelling has occurred yet, there may still be evidence of nerve damage and other problems.
2. Get Medical Attention
Your initial treatment for a dog bite may be simple. You should probably take an antiseptic and some pain medication, but you should also seek medical attention if your injury is serious. Physicians can surgically remove damaged tissue to avoid painful future problems in many cases. If the damages are light, such as only a tiny scratch or slight swelling, you may be able to treat the wound at home without taking any extra time off from work.
3. Call the Police
If the dog that bit you is not registered with local authorities, call the police right away to report the bite. If you were bit by a dog reported as having dangerous tendencies such as biting in the past, your injuries might be eligible for more significant damages.
4. Consult a Lawyer Before Filing Your Dog Bite Lawsuit
Even if you meet all of these requirements, it’s still good to consult with a lawyer before filing a lawsuit against your dog’s bites. The lawyer will be able to help you determine whether the dog bites as a result of negligence and whether you have a case that can succeed. For example, if the dog you are suing is known to be dangerous or has shown an aggressive tendency in the past, your chances of winning may be even lower.
California enforces stringent regulations regarding dog bites, placing responsibility on dog owners when their pets inflict harm. Those bitten by a dog retain the entitlement to seek recompense for their medical expenses from the owner. Filing a dog bite injury claim involves a series of actions, encompassing seeking suitable medical care, notifying the relevant authorities of the incident, and adhering to the specified timeframe within the statute of limitations.
Requirements to File a Law Suit After a Dog Bite
To sue for damages caused by a dog bite, you should meet all of the following criteria:
1. The injuries were severe
If you have only suffered minor injuries that require a few stitches, it is unlikely that you can sue.
2. You were not trespassing on private property
If you were trespassing when the dog bit you either physically or because the owner did not let you in, it’s unlikely that your claim will succeed.
3. The dog was not acting to defend itself
If you did not provoke the dog hence it did not bite you for its protection, it would be reasonable for the bite to occur even if the provocation was mild.
4. You were not the owner of the dog
In most cases, you will have to prove that you were not the owner of the dog that bit you. Often, this is possible by showing that you had little control over any animals on your property or even just by offering a lack of responsibility for monitoring animals on your property.
5. The owner was negligent
To win a lawsuit, you must prove that the dog’s owner was negligent. If you witnessed the bite or other dogs have shown aggressive tendencies in the past, your case will be stronger and more likely to succeed.
Conclusion
If a dog’s bite injured you, it is essential to act quickly. Knowing what to do next can help ensure that you can win your case against the owner, and getting help as soon as possible benefits your expected recovery.
