If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in California, it is very likely that you have quite a few questions. The best way to get answers about the legal aspects of your case is to contact a personal injury attorney for a free legal consultation. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn answers to some of the most obscure questions in these cases.
If a Dog Bites Me Will It Be Quarantined?
Most likely. California law calls for a dog who bites someone to be quarantined. In most cases, it will be for ten days. At that time, the county will be testing the dog to ensure that it does not have rabies. In some cases, the dog will be allowed to stay at home with its owners. In others, it will be kept in county custody at an Animal Care Center. If the animal is found to be free from rabies and remains healthy during the quarantine, then they are likely released back to their owner’s care.
Will the Dog Be Put Down?
In most cases, no, a dog that bites will not be euthanized. However, there are exceptions. The law permits euthanasia if the dog has bitten someone two different times, or the dog was trained to fight and attack and it bites someone seriously enough to cause serious injury. In these cases, the dog can be taken from the owner. A hearing will follow and the dog may be euthanized.
Does Homeowners Insurance or Renters Insurance Cover Damages in a Dog Bite Case?
Often, yes. In fact, dog bites are the most common liability claim on both types of policies. However, note that some companies have breed restrictions over which they will not provide coverage. Some of the most common restricted breeds include pit bulls, German shepherds, Staffordshire terriers, Dobermans, chows, Atikas, Siberian huskies, wolf hybrids, and Alaskan Malamutes.
If you are considering filing a claim for a dog bite, it is important to know that you will likely not be suing the owner of the dog personally. You will be suing their insurance company. Since most dog bites involve a person known to the victim, this can put your mind at ease that you are not going to bankrupt a friend.
What Happens if a Dog Attacks Me But Does Not Bite Me?
If you were injured by a dog but they did not bite you, then you will generally need to show that the owner was negligent in some way. This involves proving that the owner either knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous. You will note that if the dog does bite, this is not required.
Are you still struggling to find answers to your questions about dog bites cases in California? If so, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to request a free legal consultation.
