Quick Information About Dog Bite Injuries

While it may be a less frequent occurrence than car or pedestrian accidents, dog bites occur quite frequently in California. So frequent, in fact, that California is ranked #1 in fatal dog attacks in the United States.

The Jurewitz Law Group represents many dog bite attack victims each year. We use our knowledge, skill, and expertise to help dog bite victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Here is some information you may find useful about dog bite law.

Children are usually the victims in these cases. Young kids love animals and particularly dogs. Combined with the child's playful and oftentimes unpredictable behavior, and what seem as harmless interaction with animals could quickly turn into a dangerous and even deadly situation. It does not take long for a dog to permanently injure, scar, or fatally injure a young child who is often smaller and weaker than the dog. Children are particularly vulnerable.

In some states, there is a "first bite free" rule. This means that the dog owner may not be liable for injuries if it is the dog's first attack. In those states, the victim must prove that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was vicious prior to the attack in order to hold the owner legally responsible for their injuries.

Not so in California. In San Diego, one bite is all it takes to support liability so long as the victim is legally entitled to be where the animal attack occurred (i.e., not a trespasser).

Although some breeds of dogs are known to be more aggressive than others, all breeds could possibly an unsuspecting victim and almost all dogs are capable of permanently or fatally injuring a person. An owner is required to control his dog at all times for public safety and may still be held liable if the bite occurs on public property, or you are legally on private property. It is also almost always advisable to begin legal action as soon as possible if you ever suffer a dog bite.

If you or a loved one has ever been the victim of a fatal dog bite or one that results in serious injuries, contact the San Diego dog bite lawyers at the Jurewitz Law Group at 619-233-5020 for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.