Being injured by a dog is more than an annoyance – it can be life-changing. If this is the position you’re in, and you want those responsible to be held responsible, then you may be wondering if the landlord is partially responsible. For example, if you were bitten by a dog at a home but that home was only being rented, does the actual owner of the property hold some responsible for your dog bite injuries? In some cases, yes – they do.
The landlord must know that the dog is dangerous
In many cases, the landlord won’t be responsible because in California, it’s not their responsibility to check the property to look for dangerous animals. However, if the landlord actually knew that the animal was dangerous and didn’t have the dog removed, then the landlord could be liable for injuries caused by that dog.
There are other ways the owner could be liable
What if the dog doesn’t bite anyone on the actual property, but gets out and bites someone while it’s on the loose? This could be the fault of the landlord if the dog was able to escape due to a problem with the property. For example, if the owner knew that there were holes under the fence and didn’t do anything about it, then they may be responsible for dog bite injuries.
Recovering damages from the landlord will likely be difficult
There are two things you must prove in California in order to recover damages from the landlord. First, you must prove that the landlord knew that the dog was living on the property and that they knew that the dog was the property of the tenant. Second, you must be able to prove that the landlord knew the dog could be dangerous. The good news is that Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas is an experienced personal injury firm who will work tirelessly to prove your case.
Family members may also recover damages
If a family member saw the dog attack, they may be able to recover compensation for the emotional distress they experienced – even if they weren’t touched by the dog. It’s true that physical injuries may not be sustained in this case, but emotional injuries can be just as severe. They can include feeling nervous, terrified, anguish, frightened, horrified, anxiety, and even grief. Remember that emotional distress is legally described as a state that an “ordinary, reasonable” person couldn’t cope with.
Now is the time for your free case evaluation
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog and sustained injuries, then you need a personal injury attorney. You need Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas. With decades of experience, Attorney Vargas knows exactly how to handle your case. From start to finish, you can count on professionalism, a tireless commitment to your case, and regular communication. Contact our offices today at 909-982-0707 to set up your free case evaluation.
