Instead of struggling with filing a claim by yourself following a dog bite or attack that has resulted in an injury, Eason & Tambornini’s experienced West Sacramento dog bite attorneys can do the work for you. Additionally, our legal team, which includes the best dog bite attorneys in West Sacramento, charges no upfront fees; if you don’t win a settlement, you pay nothing.
Who Is Liable for Dog Bites?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is liable for injuries, deaths, or property damage caused by the dog, even when the dog is on a leash. Other people, such as a hired dog walker, family members, or others, may also be liable if the dog is under their control. While state and local laws vary, California is a “strict liability” state regarding dog bites.
What is Strict Liability?
“Statutory strict liability” law in California is pretty straightforward. It establishes that a dog owner is responsible for injury to a person or property (e.g., livestock, pets, objects) for a dog bite even if the owner of the dog did not know it was inclined to destructive, harmful behavior (“vicious propensity”).
Liability for Other Parties
If a dog is owned by a minor (under 18), the child’s parents can be held liable. One of the most common cases that our West Sacramento dog bite attorneys see includes cases where the parents must pay for the injured victim’s medical bills and other damages.
Another fairly common situation our dog bite attorneys in West Sacramento deal with is clients who are bitten or attacked by a dog living in a rental property. In this case, owners of the rental property (“landlords”) can be held liable even if the landlord does not live on site. However, these cases can be complex as notice and negligence on the landlord’s part must generally be proven.
Because there are so many scenarios regarding dog attacks, speaking with one of our skilled dog bite attorneys in West Sacramento is an excellent first step toward resolution, regardless of the specifics.
Why You Should Pursue Payment for Injuries or Damage from a Dog Bite or Attack
Our West Sacramento dog bite lawyers commonly encounter clients who are hesitant to pursue legal settlements if the dog’s owner is a family member, friend, or neighbor. Our experienced team of dog bite lawyers in West Sacramento knows and explains that a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy typically covers dog bite injuries if they occur on the owner’s property. This is because, under the law, any pet is technically classified as property.
