Red Bluff Dog Bite Lawyer

Red Bluff Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are everywhere. All sizes and shapes can be found in homes, at the park, around town, and in your neighborhood. Most of the time, they are on a leash and friendly, but some dogs roam free, unchecked and unrestrained by their owners. They can be a nuisance or even terrorize people. Dog bites can happen in an instant and be a painful and traumatic experience for a victim. If this has happened to you, you need a Red Bluff dog bite lawyer you can trust.

Barr and Mudford, the personal injury law firm, is on your side. With decades of experience, we know the law and your rights. After a dog bite, you may face extensive injuries, loss of wages due to time off work, or stress and emotional turmoil. You need a Red Bluff personal injury lawyer to help with your dog bite claim. Insurance companies have their own attorneys. You need one, too, fighting for what you deserve after being bitten by a dangerous animal.

Dog Bite Law in California

Dog laws in California are very strict. The owner of the dog is liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog. California Civil Code 3342 states that a dog bite or injury must occur in a public place or on private property where the victim had permission to be. This could be anywhere in the community or while you’re visiting a friend or family member in their home.

It’s important to note that these laws apply to any dog, even if they don’t have a history of previous bites or attacks. This strict-liability statute underscores why responsible dog owners must take proactive steps to limit their liability.

In Tehama County, a dog must be on a leash anytime it leaves its owner’s property. This restraint allows the owner to control their dog while out in public and reduces the risk of injury.

Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites

There are many injuries associated with dog bites, which are on the rise. According to a report issued by the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information, in 2024, there were 56,941 cases of emergency room visits involving dog bites across the state, compared to 54,682 in 2023, an increase of over 2,200.

These injuries included:

• Puncture wounds from teeth
• Cuts and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Bruises and muscle tears
• Infections
• Anxiety attacks

What to Do After a Dog Bite

As with any traumatic event, it’s difficult to know what to do after a dog has bitten you. There are some steps that can help your recovery and your case:

• Seek medical attention immediately. Go to the nearest emergency room to have your injuries treated and documented. Even if you don’t think the bite was that bad, you still need to be seen by a doctor. You may need a vaccine or antibiotics. If your injuries are severe, call 911. The police can file a report detailing the incident along with the personnel at the hospital.
• Collect evidence right away. Take pictures of the dog, the area or location where it happened, and any injuries you sustained. Write down the details, so you can remember them later, like what the dog looked like if you didn’t get a picture. Collect contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses who can corroborate your side of the story.
• Report the dog to the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. There’s a form for Nuisance or Potentially Dangerous Dogs that summarizes the incident. They can follow up and track whether the dog has inflicted injuries on others in the past.
• Contact an experienced Red Bluff dog bite attorney. These cases can get very complex quickly, and you need someone to work on your behalf while you heal. A skilled lawyer can investigate and file your claim, then negotiate with insurance companies to get you results.

FAQs

What if I Don’t Know Who Owns the Dog That Bit Me?

If you don’t know who owns the dog, you should give a description of the dog to Tehama County. A dog license is required for every dog over four months old. To apply, each owner fills out an application at the Tehama County Animal Center. Since every dog should be documented in the county, they may be able to find the dog that bit you in their records.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?

In California, you have two years to file a personal injury claim, like a dog bite. After the deadline, you are no longer eligible for compensation. It’s important to hire a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to start the process. You don’t want to wait until after your injuries have healed and witnesses forget what happened.

What Compensation Can I Collect for My Dog Bite Injury?

The compensation you can collect depends on the extent of your pain and suffering during and after the dog bite incident. You may have extensive medical bills. It may have impacted your ability to work or your mental health. Having a knowledgeable lawyer in Red Bluff, California can help you calculate the appropriate number.

Who Pays Compensation for a Dog Bite?

The homeowners’ or renters’ insurance companies usually pay your compensation. They may try to fight your claim, using their own investigators and lawyers, which is why understanding insurance company tactics and your legal protections is crucial. Under the California Civil Code, the owner is liable for a dog bite. If they don’t have insurance, they can be ordered to pay out of pocket. This includes any medical bills accrued due to the dog bite injury.

Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Northern California

At Barr and Mudford, we’re known as a top personal injury law firm in Red Bluff. We’ve represented thousands of clients and received numerous awards. Your results are important to us. Since 1967, we’ve taken on insurance companies in court, getting compensation that our clients were entitled to under California law. Don’t let your dog bite case go unresolved, especially if you were seriously injured. Contact us today for a consultation and to get justice.