Being attacked and bitten by a dog can be traumatic and can cause short or long-term physical and/or emotional damage. If you have been bit by a dog that is not your own and need appropriate treatment, we highly encourage you to talk to a dog bite injury lawyer to know what your rights are.
We recently evaluated a dog bite case from a Rover sitter and so we’d like to expand on this topic for our readers.
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Dog Bite Statistics in the U.S.
Here are some stats that we have gathered to put dog bite personal injury cases into perspective:
- There were over 90 million dogs in the US in 2019/2020
- About 4.5 million people a year are bitten by a dog in the US resulting in an estimated 800,000 injuries that require medical attention.
- 2022 statistics show that Homeowner insurers paid $900 million in dog bite and dog-related liability claims.
- In 2021, there were 17,989 dog bite claims nationwide, a 2.2% increase from the 17,567 reported in 2020.
- The average cost per claim decreased by 1.1% from 2020 to 2021, a closer look at the ten-year trend reveals a significant 39% increase.
- In 2021, the average payout for dog bite claims amounted to $49,025, slightly lower than the $50,245 recorded in 2020.
- The AVMA’s dog bites statistics from 2020 show that the animals’ bite is mainly because of their personal history and behavior.
I Got Bitten By A Dog That's Not Mine
- Who Should Be Held Responsible?
According to California dog bite laws, a dog owner is liable for all the damages caused by his pet, regardless of who the victim is. This means that if you were bitten or attacked by a neighbor’s dog, then the pet’s legal owner will be held financially responsible for any injuries incurred as a result.
It’s important to note that homeowner insurance can help cover the medical costs, tetanus shots, and other expenses of dog bite victims. Homeowners should review their policies to ensure they are properly covered in case of such an emergency.
The owner of the animal is liable for all damages caused by its actions, not just because it is their pet but because they are legally responsible for their actions. This is why it’s so important to make sure your pet is properly trained and restrained, as well as up-to-date on vaccinations. Taking responsibility for your animal can help prevent and minimize the damage caused by its actions in the case of a dog attack or accident.
California Dog Bite Liability Facts
I got bitten by a dog in California — what’s my next step? Every State views dog bite cases differently. Most states are either “strict liability” or “negligence” states. California is a “strict liability” for dog bite cases. This means that an owner cannot escape liability for a dog’s behavior by claiming that he or she had no idea the dog would act aggressively.
The owner is responsible for all damages resulting from a dog bite, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Specifically, the statute declares owner liability, “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
How Much Can I Possibly Get From My Dog Bite Injuries?
How much can I expect to get if I got bitten by a dog? The value of a dog bite claim depends upon the severity and extent of the injury. Some factors that are taken into consideration when calculating the value of a claim include:
- The type and severity of wounds and injuries sustained
- Healthcare expenses related to the injury
- Lost wages from being unable to work due to the injury
- Pain and suffering related to the animal bite
- Emotional distress caused by the attack
Ultimately, insurance providers make their decisions based on many different factors, so it’s important to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer who is familiar with personal injury cases and can advise you on your best course of action. They will be able to evaluate your case and determine how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Get a Free Case Review From an Expert Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in California
RTM Law understands the trauma that comes with a dog bite and can help you determine what your options are. Experienced animal attack lawyers know how to fight for victims’ rights and secure the maximum compensation they deserve from negligent owners. We can also ensure that you get the best medical care and proper documentation of the injury.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog bite in California, get in touch with our dog bite attorney today for a free case review. We represent you while you heal.
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a Personal Injury Claim in California
Our California personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims in several areas, including:
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