Our Law Offices of Frank M. Nunes, Inc personal injury lawyer in Fresno knows that it may be obvious that kids are much more vulnerable to dog bites because of their size and inability to escape when a dog attacks.
There are several other reasons why children are more susceptible to dog bites than adults, too. Since children do not have the ability to understand social cues, including when a dog is upset, angry, or threatened, they will continue to interact with the animal, which can lead to significant bites or attacks.
Dog bites are the second most frequent cause of emergency room visits in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And because of their size, their injuries are often much more severe than an adult’s, which requires both immediate and extended medical care.
If you or your child have been bitten or attacked by a dog in California, contact our experienced dog bite attorney in Fresno today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the dog’s owner liable for your full financial recovery.
Why Do Children Require Extended Medical Care for Dog Bites in California?
Since children may not be able to sense when a dog is going to bite or attack, they are often caught off guard when it happens.
By the time they can understand the danger they are in, they may already be severely injured before an adult can contain the dog.
Combined with their small stature and inability to defend themselves, dogs often bite children in the head, neck, or face, which can cause catastrophic injuries that require complex medical care and treatment to ensure scarring and disfigurement are not permanent factors.
Nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery because of dog bites throughout the U.S. last year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which can lead to overwhelming medical bills.
Who Can Be Held Liable For California Dog Bite Injuries?
Our California dog bite statute clearly states that the owner of any dog is liable for damages if the person bit was lawfully in a private place — including as a guest on someone’s property — or in a public place when the bite occurred.
For homeowners, our strict liability law says that even if the dog owner had no knowledge their dog would act aggressively, he or she cannot avoid liability for a dog bite and is still responsible for the damages that result.
When the dog owner is not a homeowner, but a tenant, the injured party must show the property owner knew or should have known about the tenant’s dog’s vicious tendencies, usually through prior bites, or the rental agreement that includes a pet clause. If the dog is owned by the landlord, the same homeowner’s statute applies, and he or she may be pursued for their negligence.
How Can Nunes Law Help Me Pursue the Liable Party for Financial Recovery?
If you or your child have been bitten by a dog in California, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Fresno may pursue the dog owner’s insurance coverage directly for your damages.
Even if a friend, family member, or neighbor’s dog bit your child, we may pursue their insurance coverage for your financial recovery, so you are not forced to sue them directly, which could damage your personal relationship.
Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys in Fresno at Law Offices of Frank M. Nunes, Inc today by calling (559) 436-0850 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options to hold the dog owner accountable for your complete financial recovery.
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