What Do Leash Laws Cover?

More than 4.5 million people receive dog bites every year. According to the Los Angeles Times, California is the Dog Bite Capital of the World, and statistics year after year report California as receiving the highest number of dog bite claims. Bottom line: Leash laws are incredibly important. When a dog is on public property, it should be controlled by a competent individual.

If you have sustained a puncture wound or other serious injury from a dog bite, here are 3 important things to know.

California Leash Laws Hold the Defendant Liable for Any Negligence

if a dog brings injury to another person while in a public place–even if the dog escaped from a house or yard–the dog’s owner can be found responsible. Additionally, several different laws in California require leashes be a certain length. In Long Beach, leashes should not be any longer than 8 feet, for example. Different jurisdictions have different leash length requirements. It’s important to know the leash laws and to understand–in the event of a dog bite–who is responsible. We understand leash laws and can help you understand your rights and next steps. Specifically, we will listen to your story and help you evaluate 2 things–

• Who can be held liable in this situation?
• What is considered negligence and what is not considered negligence? (We will ask you simple questions such as, “Were you bit by your employer’s dog while you were working?” “Were you at a dog park?”)

California Leash Laws Can Result in Compensation If You Have Been Bitten

Recovery requires more than “putting ice on it.” Victims of dog bites have physical, emotional, and financial issues that require attention. Recovery may even include speaking to an insurance company, paying medical fees, handling property damage, and dealing with personal pain and suffering. California is considered a “strict liability state” regarding dog bites, meaning the owner of the dog is held responsible for any dog bites, assuming the person who was bit was not in violation of anything such as trespassing or provoking the animal, etc.

If you were bitten by a dog and it is–in fact–proven to be someone else’s fault, California leash laws allow you to seek compensation. This money may be used for any of the following:

• medical care and treatment
• pain and suffering (including but not limited to the physical and mental suffering that happened as a result of the dog bite)
• property damage
• lost wages (both immediately and future wages)
• punitive damages (monetary punishment of the dog owner)

A California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Your Dog Bite Case – Get a Free Case Review

If you have sustained a dog bite in California, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you. You need someone on your side who understands leash laws and will work to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t need to fight this battle alone. We have investigators and experts on hand to help you get the assistance you need. Call: 1-800-208-3538 for a free case review. We don’t charge you any legal fees unless we help you settle or win your case.