According to data from the American Pet Products Association, roughly 69 million U.S. households have one or more dogs. Unfortunately, thousands of people suffer bite injuries from man’s best friend every year. Most victims are children.
California’s dog bite statistics are disturbing. The Golden State consistently has the greatest number of dog bite injury claims in the country. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 4,500 dog bite claims were filed in California in just two years.
Responsible dog ownership and management can go a long way toward preventing life-changing attacks. Keep reading to learn more about your legal rights if a dog in Sacramento bites you or a family member.
Dog Bite Statistics
The following statistics from DogsBite.org reveal alarming details about dog bite incidents in the United States:
- 568 Americans were killed in dog bite incidents over a recent 16-year period.
- In 2020 alone, dog bites killed 46 Americans.
- 15 dog bite fatality victims (33 percent) in 2020 were under age 9. More than half of these victims (53 percent) were infants.
- Only 24 percent of fatal dog attacks in 2020 occurred off the owner’s property.
- 22 percent of fatal dog bite victims were visiting or living temporarily with the dog owner when the attack happened.
What Is Strict Liability for Dog Bites?
Some states follow a “one-bite” rule that exempts dog owners from liability if their dogs bite other people but have never bitten or exhibited aggressive behavior before. However, California holds dog owners strictly liable for dog bites, whether or not they knew or should have known their dogs could be dangerous.
- What happens if a dog bites someone on your property?
California animal owners are strictly liable when their dogs bite and injure other people who are “lawfully in a private place,” including on their own property. If a dog bites someone who is trespassing, the owner is less likely to be liable.
- What happens if the victim provoked the dog?
It depends. If the dog bite victim intentionally provoked the dog, the dog owner would likely not be liable. However, if the provocation was unintentional, the courts may weigh other evidence, such as the dog’s history and the severity of the bite injury, to determine liability.
Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
There are many homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies that cover dog bite injuries. However, some policies have breed restrictions. If you are a dog owner or a dog bite victim in California, it’s essential to make sure your insurance policy does not exclude liability for the type of dog in your case.
If the dog owner has no insurance policy to cover a victim’s medical expenses and other losses, the victim may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the dog owner cannot pay out-of-pocket, recovery options may be limited.
An owner could also face criminal charges for a dog bite in California if the dog was roaming and the owner or person in control of the dog was aware that it was “mischievous.”
Contact a Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Did you suffer injuries or lose a loved one in a California dog attack? Reach out to the experienced Sacramento dog bite lawyers at Demas Law Group today. We can help you pursue all possible avenues for compensation for your injuries, including filing a wrongful death claim if the attack was fatal. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.
