Dog Bite
Dog Bites Can Cause Serious Injuries.
| October 2nd, 2017
Dogs are joyful and loyal additions to many families. But even the most well-trained and well-behaved dogs can still be unpredictable at times, and they may become aggressive or even bite those around them. Most cities and communities in California have laws that require all dogs to be kept on leashes when they’re in public. However, those laws aren’t always followed, and some potentially aggressive dogs roam freely or on leashes that are too long, putting others at risk. If you or someone you love was injured by a dog, our California dog bite injury lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation for your bite-related expenses. Dog bites can be painful, disabling, and can include complications such as:- Infection – Dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria. When they bite, their long and sharp teeth can push some of that bacteria deep inside the skin and into the bloodstream, creating the potential for serious infections.
- Nerve damage – Many dog bite victims are attacked on their hands or arms. These are vulnerable areas of the body due to their blood supply and number of nerves. Dog bites can cause severe bleeding and nerve damage, resulting in permanent disability.
California Leash Laws Exist For a Reason
| April 18th, 2016
California has strict leash laws for a reason. In recent years, there have been an increased number of dog bite incidents reported. In fact, around 1,000 dog bites are reported every day in the U.S. Many of those incidents involve vicious or skittish dogs that are either off-leash or left unattended. It’s obvious that you should never let your dog roam the neighborhood off-leash, but did you know that it can also be illegal to leave your dog on-leash in public? In California, dog owners are required to provide adequate access to food and water to any dog that is tethered. That means if you walk your dog to a store, tie the dog to a table, and go inside, you’ve just committed a misdemeanor offense. However, if your dog bites someone while you’re in that store, you’re potentially in a lot more trouble. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we believe dog owners should be held responsible for the conduct of their pets. Many times, dog bites could have been avoided if the owner had taken proper precautions. If you or someone you love was the victim of a dog bite, give us a call immediately. Our San Francisco dog bite attorneys will hold the owner accountable for your injuries and protect your right to compensation.California Attorneys Offer Tips on Reducing Dog Bites
| May 18th, 2015
A recent report shows that last year, the state of California had the highest number of reported dog bite injuries in the nation. To help reduce the number of these attacks in the future through public awareness and education, several organizations have partnered to name this week National Dog Bite Prevention Week. To help with the campaign’s cause, our California dog bite injury attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers would like to offer these tips on ways you can reduce the chances of a canine attacking:- Never Approach a Strange Animal– Don’t attempt to pet or pick up an unfamiliar animal without the owner’s permission. Once the owner says it’s okay to touch the animal, you should still allow it to smell your hand before you try to pet it.
- Don’t Run– If you find yourself in the presence of an aggressive dog, don’t run away. The dog’s instinct will be to chase and attack. Instead, attempt to slowly back away from the animal while facing it.
- Parents Supervise Children– Even with familiar pets, it’s important for parents to keep a watchful eye on all interactions between animals and children.
- Get Educated– Pet owners should enroll their pet in an obedience class and properly socialize the animal as well. Parents should also speak to children about ways to recognize an aggressive animal and what to do if confronted by one.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a California Dog Bite injury?
| February 23rd, 2015
Owning a dog is a big responsibility. You have to feed them, take them to the veterinarian for medical care, and provide them with a loving home in which to thrive. However, many dog owners forget that they are also responsible for the actions of their animal. In California, a dog owner can be held liable for damages if their animal bites or injures someone. The financial ramifications of this liability has led to many animal owners carrying insurance to cover potential California dog bite injury expenses, but some pet owners are being denied access to such coverage. According to an article from The Sacramento Bee, one California homeowner’s insurance provider told a California couple they could no longer provide coverage on the couple’s house because their dog was a 65-pound pit bull. Their policy was revoked despite the dog having no history of aggressive behavior. So what should you do if you cannot get dog bite injury coverage through your policy? The most important thing to remember is to tell the truth about your pet to get coverage. If an accident occurs and you must file a claim, you may be denied based on the false information you initially gave. Instead, shop with other companies and providers, as many will give coverage regardless of your dog’s breed. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California personal injury attorneys understand the responsibility pet owners face and hope this information gives you insight into how to better protect yourself and your pet.Who Is Liable for a California Dog Bite Injury?
| November 3rd, 2014
Dogs are sometimes referred to as “man’s best friend,” but sometimes canines can turn on people with devastating results. Take the case of a 54-year-old Modesto man who was killed as the result of a dog bite injuries that were inflicted by four of his neighbor’s animals. According to KCRA News, the man’s mother was also seriously injured in the incident. Reports indicate the animals made their way into the victims’ yard through a hole in the fence. The dogs then attacked the man, where he suffered a deadly dog bite injury. The dogs then turned on the first victim’s mother, leaving her seriously injured. The incident leaves many citizens wondering who is liable in the event of a dog attack. The California personal injury attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers explain the owner of the animal is often held responsible for a dog bite injury under California’s strict dog bite laws. The state’s policies explain that a dog owner can be held liable for damages if their animal bites someone, even if it’s the first time the canine has displayed aggressive behavior. Furthermore, some cities may required dog owners to have insurance coverage through their homeowner’s policy. If the dog attacks while being watched by a pet sitter, that individual may be held liable for damages if negligence can be shown. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating dog bites and attacks can be. We want to send our condolences to the family of the man who was killed in the recent attack. We would also like to wish the mother a speedy and full recovery from her injuries.6-Year-Old Boy Suffers Serious Dog Bite Injuries in Attack
| October 15th, 2013
October 14, 2013 Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that each year, an estimated 4.5 million Americans will suffer dog bite injuries during an attack. Furthermore, the California Dog Bite Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers point out children are more likely than teens or adults to be the victims who suffer such injuries. One such case was recently reported in Discovery Bay, California, when a family member’s dog bit a 6-year-old boy. According to an article from KTVU News, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 11, at a home located on Amesbury Court. Reports indicate the child was in the home with the dog when it suddenly lunged and bit the child in the face while the animal’s owner was away. The child was rushed to a local hospital in Oakland, California, and underwent immediate corrective surgery. Meanwhile, the animal was taken into custody and is currently being held for observation. The incident leaves many parents and dog owners wondering what they can do to prevent incidents of biting in the future. Berg Injury Lawyers’ team of California Personal Injury Lawyers explains teaching children to never play with or pet a strange animal without the owner’s permission is vital. They should also be instructed to never run from or yell at canines, as it can increase an animal’s energy and anxiety. The firm also urges pet owners to properly socialize their animals by exposing them to numerous forms of stimulation from an early age.Controversy Surrounds Solutions To Solving California’s Dog Bite Injury Risks
| August 26th, 2013
August 26, 2013 Numbers show each year, hundreds of people are the victims of dog bite injuries in California. This high number of incidents leaves many citizens looking for ways to improve the laws protecting citizens from the dangers of being bitten by a dog. The California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers explain how some are calling for breed specific bans to be enacted as a way to reduce attack numbers. However, experts believe such laws may actually do very little to curb canine bites. Breed specific bans prohibit citizens from owning animals that are considered a threat or dangerous. These laws are being called for due to an unfounded belief that specific breeds, particularly pit bulls, are responsible for a disproportionate number of attacks. Data tends to point to the contrary though, with many studies finding difficulty determining some animal’s specific breed and lack of cost effectiveness in enforcing the ban. In an effort to help prevent breed specific bans from being enacted, an article from Ohmidog! stated that roughly 31,000 signatures have been collected on a petition to eradicate breed specific dog bans. Opponents of the laws say they are an infringement on personal rights and that there are laws already in place to handle unruly animals. Berg’s team of California Personal Injury Lawyers recognizes how devastating the injuries sustained in a dog attack can be. The firm is here to help anyone who has been bitten by a dog at no fault of their own.Lawmakers Set To Pass Bill Covering California Dog Bite Liability
| April 8th, 2013
April 8, 2013 In an effort to better protect cities from liability in California Dog Bite cases, a bill is being examined by state lawmakers that would prohibit government entities from being held responsible for “injury or death suffered by a pet or person” at dog parks. According to an article from the Capitol Weekly, the bill was unanimously approved by the Assembly Judiciary Committee this past Tuesday as a way to promote government officials supporting the construction of more dog parks in the state. While the current California Tort Claims Act already protects local governments from being held liable for the act of a dog on public property, proponents of the new measure say it is an added guarantee of protection when considering dog park projects. Assemblyman, Mike Gatto, explained when a dog bite or attack occurs at a park, the victim will likely attempt to hold the owner of the animal responsible for the dog’s actions. If the victim is unable to recover compensation or damages from that individual though, they will often attempt to collect from the host city or county. Gatto adds that the law closely mirrors legislation that was put into place for the state’s numerous skateboard parks. The California Injury Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers are aware of the serious dangers a dog bite can present and are hopeful the measure will be effective in holding owners more responsible for the actions of their animals.
