Dog bite attacks are particularly traumatic, as they are usually unexpected, especially from normally docile neighborhood dogs that act as if they wouldn't hurt a fly. However, even the gentlest dog, can suddenly change his attitude without warning, and without provocation. Facial injuries account for almost 77% of all dog-bite injuries; therefore plastic surgery is a common medical expense to incur. If you, or a loved one, have been bitten by a dog, you should report the incident immediately to the local police department, and to the nearest animal control center.
Seek medical attention at once; even if you feel that your injuries don't warrant the trip and are merely minor; infection may set in and exacerbate your wounds, resulting in some cases, to potentially life-threatening septicemia (blood poisoning); therefore, always seek medical advice. After seeking medical advice, consult with a qualified dog bite lawyer who will uphold your rights, and treat your unique case with the personal attention it deserves.
California's Dog Bite Law, clearly states who is at fault in a dog bite attack. The owner of the offending dog is responsible for the dog's conduct at all times. The owner is responsible for damages claimed by a victim, should his animal inflict wounds upon that victim. California Civil Code §33421 3342. (a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.
"Special rules apply, when the victim is a child under the age of five. Children from within that age group are, as a matter of law, deemed incapable of negligent acts. In People v. Berry (1991) 1 CA 4th 7782 the defendant's dog killed a young child; he was charged with keeping a mischievous animal that caused death; a felony per California Penal Code section 399. Defendant's defense was that there was no proof that the child acted with due care. Court ruled that no such proof was required where the child is a minor under age five, because children that young are not legally capable of acting with reasonable care toward a dog." Where, in the case of any savage dog attack on an adult or a child, psychological counseling may be needed to deal with the mental trauma of the incident. Nightmares, depression, personality disorders, uncharacteristic behavior, hysteria, violent outbursts, and withdrawal, are all signs that professional psychological counseling may be needed.
