Dogs are usually considered to be man’s best friend. But that isn’t always the case. Some dogs are mean and vicious. Other dogs are typically kind and playful but react oddly in certain situations. If this happens and you get attacked or bit by a dog, you need to call and talk to one of our Sacramento dog bite lawyers here at TorkLaw. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling cases just like yours.
Most dog bite injuries will be covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. If this is the case, it may not be difficult to get your claim paid. However, if the owner had no insurance, or if the attack isn’t covered, you’ll need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner. TorkLaw can help you do that.
Are Pet Owners Required to Keep their Animals on a Leash in Sacramento?
All dogs in Sacramento are required to be on a leash. The only animal that isn’t required to be on a leash is a horse. If the dog that bit you was not on a leash, it shouldn’t be hard for your Sacramento dog bite lawyer to prove the dog’s owner was at fault. The pet’s owner will be issued a citation for violating the leash laws. This can also be used as evidence to prove your case.
Obviously, if your attack takes place on private property, this law may not apply. For example, if you get a bit while in the dog owner’s house, they wouldn’t be required to keep the animal on a leash. The same is true if you’re trespassing on the owner’s property and get attacked.
TorkLaw Attorneys Know the Laws in Sacramento When it Comes to Vicious Dogs
If you’re attacked by a dog in Sacramento, the law requires that you report the bite. And, if you get treated at the hospital for a dog attack, the medical staff are also required to report this bite. When they do that, the animal care and regulation team will investigate the attack to see if the dog needs to be quarantined or not. They’ll also look to see if the dog’s owners had the proper paperwork for the animal.
All pet owners are required to maintain a license and vaccination records for their animals. If a dog attacks someone and the owner doesn’t have this information, the dog can be impounded. Even if they do have this information, there’s still a chance that the dog can be quarantined for at least two weeks. The city will look at the following things in determining whether the pet’s owner can take them back home:
- The severity of the bite
- The location where the attack took place
- The relationship the dog has to the person with it when the attack took place
- Whether the owner has an adequate and available place to quarantine the animal
After you report your attack, you should call and talk to one of our Sacramento dog bite lawyers right away.
Your Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer Will Demand Damages
If you or your loved one are bitten by a dog in Sacramento, you are likely entitled to damages. Aside from the violations of the municipal codes, the dog’s owner may be liable for your injuries. Depending on the facts of your case and the seriousness of your injuries, you may be entitled to some or all of the following:
- Medical bills – This includes any expenses for the treatment of your dog bite injuries. It also includes any out of pocket expenses you experience for follow-up treatment.
- Lost wages – If you miss a significant amount of time from work because of your injuries, you can demand compensation. The same is true if you can no longer work after the attack. The defendant will be liable for the difference between what you would’ve earned had their dog not attacked you what you’ll actually be earning.
- Pain and suffering – If your injuries are serious, you may be entitled to pain and suffering. These damages are meant to compensate you for any mental and physical anguish caused by the incident. They often make up the lion’s share of your settlement.
Every case is different, so there’s never a guarantee that you’ll receive these damages. But your Sacramento dog bite lawyers at TorkLaw will work hard to get you as much money as possible.
You Should Call the Offices of TorkLaw as Soon as Possible After Your Injury
If you or your child are bitten or attacked by a dog in Sacramento, you may not know what to do. Most people aren’t familiar with the local animal laws in Sacramento. Thankfully, our attorneys do. They’ve been handling personal injury cases like yours for decades. They know what it takes to get your family the justice they deserve. They also know how to negotiate with the defendant’s lawyer or insurance company to get you the money you deserve.
What you should do is call and talk to one of our Sacramento dog bite lawyers as soon as possible after the attack. This way, they can get on the case while the evidence is still fresh. You can sit down with a seasoned injury lawyer who knows how to approach this sort of case. They’ll get your story and collect any information you already have. They can answer your questions and give you an idea of what your case may be worth.
Call the offices of TorkLaw today, and our dog bite lawyers can get to work on your case. The initial consultation is free, and you don’t have to pay until your case is settled.