When a dog attacks, the repercussions can be devastating. Dog bite injuries can result in significant physical pain, emotional harm and medical costs.
If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog attack in Santa Cruz, don’t face the overwhelming legal process alone. Contact Jacoby & Meyers today for a free case evaluation with our experienced dog bite attorneys.
Our Santa Cruz injury lawyers will help you navigate California’s strict liability laws while pursuing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call (408) 341-6883 or complete our online form to start your recovery journey.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability in Santa Cruz County
Your rights and legal options following a harmful dog attack will depend on the laws in your state. Most states follow either strict liability or one-bite dog injury laws. California is a strict liability state under Civil Code § 3342.
This law states: “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.”
Under this law, it is generally not necessary to prove that a pet owner was negligent, or did not act with reasonable care, to qualify for financial compensation for a dog bite injury in Santa Cruz. It is enough to show that you have injuries that were caused by the animal.
California Laws Affecting Dog Bite Claims
If a pet owner was negligent or displayed a wanton disregard for others’ safety in connection to a violent dog attack, the injured victim may be eligible for compensation under multiple liability laws. For example, if records show that a dog had previously bitten someone, the owner could be held liable or legally responsible for a subsequent attack under the one-bite rule.
Violations of state or local animal control regulations could also provide proof of negligence during a dog bite injury claim. For example, Santa Cruz has municipal laws in place against allowing a dog to run at large (off-leash) in public places. If you or your dog bite attorney can establish negligence or a violation of the law, the pet owner may be held responsible.
In addition to dog bite laws, you will also have to navigate traditional California personal injury laws during your claim. One of the most important is the statute of limitations. California Civil Code § 335.1 gives injured victims just two years from their incidents to file related personal injury claims. If you miss your deadline, you will most likely lose the opportunity to hold a pet owner accountable.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Santa Cruz Cases
Dog attacks can be incredibly violent. When some dogs attack, they don’t stop until significant damage has been done.
Although every case is unique, commonly reported dog bite injuries in California include:
- Puncture wounds
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Muscle and tendon damage
- Nerve and tissue damage
- Facial lacerations and scarring
- Eye and ear injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Infection risks and complications
- Amputations
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Fatal dog attacks
No matter what types of injuries you or a loved one suffered, our dog bite injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers can help.
Where Dog Bites Occur in Santa Cruz
According to the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, 48,596 emergency room visits were documented for dog bite injuries in 2022. This represents a 70 percent increase from 2005.
Hot spots for dog bite incidents in Santa Cruz include:
- The beach
- Public parks
- Dog parks
- Neighborhoods and residential areas
- Hiking trails and outdoor recreational spots
- Dog-friendly businesses
- Apartment complex common areas
Dog attacks can happen anywhere in Santa Cruz, often when you least expect it. It’s important to realize that you may be eligible for financial compensation after this type of event, regardless of where the injury took place.
Determining Liability in Dog Bite Cases
The owner of the dog that bit you is the obvious choice when determining the defendant or at-fault party in your dog bite injury claim. However, the pet owner may not be your only liability option, depending on the circumstances.
Other possibilities include:
- A property owner or controller
- A landlord (for allowing a tenant to harbor a dangerous dog)
- An animal caretaker
- A dog walker or house sitter
- A doggy daycare center
Some situations may involve the liability of multiple parties, such as the pet owner and a landlord. Properly documenting the attack and collecting evidence can allow you to identify all potential sources of financial compensation for your dog bite injuries.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand that no amount of money can make up for a physically and emotionally traumatic dog bite injury. However, securing fair financial compensation for your losses could give you more hope for the future.
As a dog bite victim in Santa Cruz, you may be eligible for compensation for the following:
- Medical treatment expenses
- Plastic surgery and reconstructive costs
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress compensation
- Wrongful death benefits in fatal cases
The value of your dog bite injury claim will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries and how much insurance coverage is available. Working with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in Santa Cruz is the most effective way to achieve fair and full case results.
Why You Need a Specialized Santa Cruz Dog Bite Attorney
The average dog bite injury case has legal nuances that can be difficult to navigate on your own. An attorney, on the other hand, will have all of the legal knowledge, experience and resources you need to get justice.
A lawyer who specializes in dog bite injury cases in Santa Cruz County will have many traits that can benefit you, such as:
- Understanding of local animal control procedures
- Experience with insurance coverage issues
- Knowledge of dog breed-specific risks
- Resources for medical documentation
- Track record in similar cases
The right attorney will guide you seamlessly through the legal process with a litigation strategy that is suited to your unique needs. Your lawyer can help by investigating the dog attack, preserving and collecting evidence, working with animal behavior experts, negotiating settlements from insurance providers, and litigating your case in court if settlements fail.
Request a Free Dog Bite Injury Case Review in Santa Cruz
Get help for your dog bite injury claim when you contact our Santa Cruz dog bite injury lawyers We can help you get medical care, report a dangerous dog, connect to support groups and medical resources, and pursue justice by taking legal action. Call us at (408) 341-6883 24/7 to book your appointment.