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Here’s info on How To File A Dog Bite Report In San Diego.
Want to report a dog bite? Call San Diego Animal Services at (619) 767-2675. Make sure you get the name and any contact info of the dog owner, and remember what the dog looked like. Provide as much information as you can
And here’s some more helpful info: What are the San Diego Dog Laws?
Who Is Responsible For a Dog Bite In California?
It’s important to identify all responsible parties. Generally speaking, in California there are two groups of people who are responsible for dog bites: 1) dog owners; and 2) dog keepers. See Civil Code § 3342(a). See too CACI 462.
It’s fairly easy to determine who owned the dog. Determining a dog keeper, however, can be difficult. Dog keepers can be a dog walker, dog watcher, or evan a landlord. Call Evan if you have questions!
What Are The Theories Of Liability For Dog Bites?
And it’s crucial to allege all potential theories of liability in order to increase the chance of a full and fair recovery. Here are some things you should know.
- Dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites. See Civil Code § 3342(a). That means the dog owner is liable (i.e., responsible) if 1) the dog bites you; and 2) you are either in a public place or a private place (legally). It doesn’t matter if the dog hasn’t bitten anyone before. There is no “one bite rule” in California. See too CACI 463.
- Dog owners and keepers are responsible if they are negligent. That means an owner or keeper 1) had a dog; 2) the dog had an unusually dangerous nature; 3) the owner or keeper knew about the dog’s nature before the dog bit you; 4) you were harmed; and 5) the dog’s nature was a substantial factor in causing your harm. See CACI 462.
What Are The San Diego Dog Bite Laws?
Here are San Diego Dog Bite Laws:
- You must notify the Department of Animal Services if you 1) were bitten by a dog; 2) are a physician who treated any person bitten by a dog; or 3) your dog bit someone. See San Diego County Code 62.615;
- A rapid dog may be confined by the Department of Animal Services. See San Diego County Code 62.616;
- Biting dogs may also be isolated by the Department of Animal Services. See San Diego County Code 62.617;
- You may be arrested by the Department of Animal Services for violating these laws. See San Diego County Code 62.660 and following;
- Violations could include lacking a dog license (San Diego County Code 62.620) (San Diego County Code 62.663), keeping an unsanitary condition (San Diego County Code 62.668), not restraining your dog (San Diego County Code 62.669), and allowing a dog attack (San Diego County Code 62.669.1) (San Diego County Code 62.669.5).
What Damages Are Recoverable For A Dog Bite Case?
Dog bites can be traumatic. Injuries include lacerations, disfigurement, and scarring. Scars from dog bites are very difficult to value, but as a former insurance defense attorney Evan learned how much insurance companies are willing to pay.
Recoverable damages for a San Diego dog bite case include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, and money for pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be available.
Here’s some more info: Personal Injury Damages Calculator.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Dog Bite Case In California?
The statute of limitations is 2 years. See CCP § 335.1.
Free Consultation
Were you bit by a dog? Then contact Evan, a San Diego Dog Bite Lawyer!
If you have suffered personal injuries from a dog bite, contact Evan, a San Diego Dog Bite Lawyer. His office is in La Jolla, and he represents personal injury clients in La Jolla, Bird Rock, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, UTC, and all throughout San Diego County. Evan brings the responsible parties to account so his clients receive full and fair compensation.
Call (858) 324-6606 for your free consultation.