What Are California Dog Laws?
California’s strict liability law makes pet owners liable for the harm or injuries their dog causes to another person. A dog owner will be held accountable if they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous. That means a dog owner can’t argue in defense that they didn’t realize that their dog was a threat, and if harm occurs, they must pay.
Before acquiring a dog as a pet, a dog owner should choose a less dangerous breed. Doing so reduces innocent victims’ exposure to harm if the dog attacks under unexpected circumstances. A skilled personal injury attorney in California provides an overview of the most dangerous dog breeds.
However, it’s important to note that there’s no such thing as a “safe” dog breed. All dogs, regardless of their past calm behavior, can become dangerous anytime. This list is based on the breeds’ reputation and the number of reported attacks in the past.
What Are Dangerous Dogs?
A potentially dangerous dog has done any of the following in the past:
- Bitten someone or caused an injury
- Performed some act that required the victim to take defensive action to prevent bodily harm off the owner’s property
- Injured or killed a domestic animal off the owner’s property
What Are Vicious Dogs?
Vicious dogs are those that meet the following conditions:
- Have been listed as potentially dangerous and continue to exhibit dangerous behaviors
- Have severely killed or injured someone without provocation
- Have been seized as a result of engaging in dog fighting under the owner’s watch, which is a crime under Penal Code 597.5 PC
If you’ve sustained injuries due to an attack by a dangerous or dangerous dog, contact a skilled dog bites lawyer in Torrance for legal counsel. The lawyer can evaluate your case and help you file a lawsuit against the owner to recover compensation for the damages.
Pit Bulls
Pit bulls are by far the most dangerous dogs, although they are nowhere near the largest. They are fearless, and the strength in their jaws makes them lock into the victim’s flesh without the intention of letting go until the victim is dead.
German Shepherds
The breed is popular nationwide and used as a police dog and service animal. The dog is known for being intelligent and loyal, making it an ideal protective family pet. However, the breed’s fierce streak makes it deadly in the face of a threat.
An attack by a German Shepherd will likely leave you with life-altering bite wounds and injuries. An aggressive dog bites attorney in Torrance can help you hold the dog owner liable to recover the compensation you deserve for the damages.
Doberman Pinschers
The Doberman Pinscher is a unique dog breed with iconic ears, a powerful physique, and a confident stance. While the dog is popularly domesticated and gentle around children and elders, it can suddenly bite or attack out of fright, danger, excitement, or nervousness.
Even dogs without a history of aggressiveness can bite as a defense mechanism when under pressure. If you’re a victim of a Doberman Pinscher’s attack or bite, talk to a Torrance dog bites attorney for legal help.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers can be trained to become docile family pets in the hands of a dedicated owner. However, depending on various circumstances, they can be either loving and affectionate or unfriendly and aggressive. The Rottweiler breed is powerful, intelligent, and strong-willed, qualities that can be exploited to the benefit or harm of those the dog comes into contact with.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies have a reputation for athletic stamina exhibited during Alaskan sled racing. They have endless energy and intelligence that requires daily mental and physical stimulation. Sadly, they can quickly become frustrated and act aggressively toward their victims. Their unpredictable personality is one of the reasons their bites can be so severe.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are often aloof and independent. They are highly territorial and act aggressively in response to other dogs or strangers who enter their territories. However, they can become overly aggressive if they lack enough attention or are poorly trained.
Are There Restricted Dog Breeds in California?
California places restrictions on a few dog breeds, including the following:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
However, just because a dog is on this list doesn’t mean homeowners can’t own it. The condition is that the dog must be licensed and spayed or neutered if over four months old. Despite the laws in place, many people still suffer bites and attacks from outlawed dog breeds in California.
Don’t suffer in silence if you or your loved one are a victim of dog bites by restricted dog breeds. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney in California for legal counsel and representation.
What Should I Do If a Dog Attacks Me?
After a dog attack or bite, one crucial step is to identify the dog and where it lives. Then, get immediate medical attention to assess the extent of the injury and get treatment. Even bites that you think are minor should be checked out to prevent them from developing severe infections. Your healthcare provider will advise you whether to get a rabies shot.
Then, contact a skilled dog bites attorney in Torrance, CA. They can investigate the matter and collect all the necessary evidence to help you create a solid case to recover compensation for the injuries.
An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Assessing Your Dog Bite Case
Even the most well-cared-for dogs can become dangerous and vicious at any point without provocation. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs don’t attack people, and they should be held liable for the injuries or damage the pets cause to their victims. If you’re a dog bite victim, you need expert legal representation to ensure you recover total compensation.
Our dog bite attorney in California can investigate your case and help you demand compensation for the medical expenses, loss of income, loss of earning capacity, disfigurement, and pain and suffering caused by the attack. Call the legal team at KRA Legal, PC, at 310-774-4260 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.