Things to Know If You Are a Dog Bite or Animal Attack Victim

Dog bites are by far the most common animal attacks in Santa Cruz County. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 4.7 million people are the victims of dog bites each year. This is because dogs are unpredictable. A pet that is submissive to its owner can be aggressive to others. Dogs that have never so much as growled at anyone can suddenly attack for no particular reason.

Most attacks involve children because they spend more time playing with dogs and are very trusting of dogs. Unfortunately, they are more likely to provoke an attack because they are less experienced in reading a dog's behavior.

Dog bite injuries involve deep bite wounds and result in serious scarring, often times requiring plastic and reconstructive surgeries to repair the damaged areas. Dog bite victims run very high risk of infection and serious injuries.

If you've been bitten by a dog or attacked by another animal, you may deserve compensation. Enlist the aid of Santa Cruz dog bite attorney Brad Wiles who will see that you get the compensation you deserve.

Strict Liability

California Civil Code section 3342 sets forth California's dog bite law. It provides in part that:

The owner of a dog is liable to anyone bitten by their dog that is in a public place, or lawfully in a private place, including the dog owner's property regardless of whether the dog has ever bit anyone before and regardless of whether the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before.

This code section creates "strict liability" the dog owner is responsible for all damages caused by the bite even though it is the first time his dog has ever bitten anyone.

All dog bites must be reported immediately to the local SPCA. The SPCA will take appropriate action to quarantine the responsible dog. Dog bites in California also encompass a very special type of law known as "strict liability." This means that if a dog bites an individual, the owner is strictly liable regardless of the circumstances. This is true in most instances.

Hire a Santa Cruz Lawyer with a Proven Record and Experience with Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

If you were bitten by a dog or other animal, you have rights and may be entitled to a settlement. Brad Wiles has over 30 years experience fighting animal attack injury cases in Santa Cruz, CA. Put experience on your side. Contact Brad Wiles today.

Been bitten by a dog or other animal? Don't delay.
Get a Santa Cruz dog bite attorney today.

Call Mr. Wiles at 831.426.3140
or request a FREE consultation now.