Most people love animals, yet just like with people, when it comes to pets or animals love often blinds reason. Some animal owners ignore their pet's dangerous propensities that lead to biting and mauling of people, especially children. For wild animal attacks the California law has strict liability, meaning the owner is automatically liable for any damages caused by the attack by a wild animal.

If you are bitten by a dog seek immediate medical assistance and get a rabies shot. If you do not know the dog owner, call the San Diego animal control board about the incident. They will be able to pick up the dog, take it to the local animal shelter. The county health department will investigate the owner's contact information and the dog's prior attack history. To establish the ownership of the dog and control over it, we will request licensing and vaccination history and veterinarian records.

Certain dog breeds are more aggressive than others, and can cause serious injury and death. In California, Civil Code §3342 imposes strict liability on the dog owner. Recovery of damages can be denied in cases where the victim provoked the dog, negligently caused the attack, or assumed the risk of a dog attack. Also if the victim was a trespasser or the dog was on military or police duty. If the person was not an owner of the dog, to recover the victim must prove that the person in possession of the dog had knowledge of the vicious propensities of the animal before that individual becomes liable for damages to the dog victim.

Ownership can be proved many ways, including animal control records and veterinarian records. Exercising substantial control over a dog also is an indication of ownership.

If you or someone you know were bitten by a dog or a pet-wild animal, you have legal rights to recover monetary compensation for your damages. Call today to speak with a dog bite attorney (619) 696-1100.