Dog Attacks/Dog Bites Los Angeles In the United States, over one thousand dog bite victims seek medical care in an emergency room. Male dogs are responsible for eighty percent of dog attacks. The breeds that are the most common perpetrators are Pit Bulls and Rotweillers. Huskies, Shepherds, Malamutes, and Chows are not far behind. Just over sixty percent of all dog attacks occur on the owner’s property, frequently in the presence of the victim’s family and friends. In addition to the physical injuries suffered by the victim, loved ones who witness the attack also suffer emotional stress and trauma from seeing the events unfold. Unfortunately, innocent children comprise over fifty percent of dog attack victims. Because of their stature, their injuries are often in and around the face and head, often making their injuries somewhere between life-changing and life-threatening. Resulting Injuries Whether the victim is a child or an adult, in addition to scarring, broken bones, and loss of vision, dog bites can cause spinal cord injuries and head injuries, which can enormously impact the life of the victim and the lives of his or her loved ones as well. Fifteen to twenty dog bite victims die each year from injuries sustained in the attack. Who is Liable? In the State of California, it is not a pre-requisite for recovery that the dog was vicious previous to the present attack. That means the owner and/or controller of the animal can be liable for injuries the first time the dog bites someone. In addition to the owner, anyone who has control of an animal, whether that person is the animal’s owner or not, may be held legally liable for any injuries the animal causes while in his or her care. Further, it does not legally matter whether the attack occurred in a public place or on the owner’s property. Also, the law allows both the victim and loved ones who witness the attack to be monetarily compensated. Also, if the dog kills the victim, the law provides compensation for the wrongful death. What Compensation is Available? Medical bills accrued and wages lost because of the dog attack are recoverable. In addition, future medical bills and future lost wages can be recovered, as long as they can be ascertained with reasonable certainty. Compensation for lost earning capacity is also available. For example, if a carpenter is injured by a dog, so he or she can no longer work in the field and no longer has the possibility of becoming a foreman, then the foreman-pay may be recoverable, if the carpenter can show he or she had a likely chance of getting the promotion, until the attack occurred. In addition, a victim of a dog attack can be monetarily compensated for his or her pain and suffering, both past and future. Typically, this figure includes compensation for experiencing fear of imminent harm or death, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life. Although no amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, if the victim of a dog attack dies, California’s Wrongful Death statute allows surviving family members to recover for loss of financial support, medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and loss of comfort and care. If nothing else, these awards will ease the financial burden imposed on the family, and force the dog owner or controller to bear some of the responsibility. Finally, when a person acts in conscious disregard of the rights and safety of others, the law may impose what is called punitive damages. This is a sum of money paid to the injured person that is intended to punish the at-fault person, in proper circumstances. Often, this award is far greater than the compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. How to Get That Compensation Because both the owner and the controller of an animal may be legally liable for injuries a dog causes, and because both the victim and witnesses to the attack may be compensated, and because measuring the damages can be quite complicated, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney if you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack. At the Law Offices of Slaughter & Slaughter, we understand not only the potential severity of dog bite injuries, but also the severity of the impact these injuries have on the daily lives of the victim and his or her family members. Although no amount of money can truly compensate, we are experienced in assessing the wide range of effects these injuries can have. We are willing to fight for your rights and seek the maximum compensation the law will provide. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, call The Law Offices of Slaughter & Slaughter today. Get a FREE consultation and an HONEST evaluation of your claim. There is no need to go through this alone. Whether you are in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Northridge, Chatsworth, Westwood, Venice, Long Beach, San Bernardino, Encinitas, Chula Vista, San Diego, or anywhere else in Southern California, The Law Offices of Slaughter & Slaughter can help. The Law Offices of Slaughter & Slaughter Don’t delay, call today for more information and a free evaluation of your claim. |
