According to the U.S Census Bureau, there are approximately over 60,000 pet dogs in all of Placer County and as dog attacks can happen without warning, they can often leave victims with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant medical expenses. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Roseville, you may be entitled to financial compensation under California law.
At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we help dog bite victims throughout Roseville and Placer County pursue the compensation they need to recover and move forward. Whether the attack occurred at a neighborhood park or on a public sidewalk, our Roseville dog bite lawyers are prepared to investigate the incident and aggressively pursue a fair compensation on your behalf.
Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Dog Bite Incidents in Roseville and Placer County
Roseville is home to more than 160,000 residents and countless dog-friendly neighborhoods, parks, trails, and recreational spaces. Popular areas such as Maidu Regional Park, Royer Park, Miner's Ravine Trail, and numerous residential communities see regular pedestrian and pet activity on a daily basis.
While most dog owners act responsibly, attacks can occur when dogs are improperly restrained, inadequately trained, or allowed to roam freely. Should that happen, it can create a lot of confusion and questions regarding the legalities of recovery and responsibility.
Why Dog Bite Cases Are Serious
Many people underestimate the severity of dog bite injuries, because even a single bite can cause significant tissue damage, nerve injuries and infections. Depending on the severity of the bite, permanent disfigurement and nerve damage is entirely possible and children are especially vulnerable due to their height. While some people try to do their best to make sure whatever damage their dog has inflicted is taken care of, there are others who try to elude accountability all together.
California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
California has one of the strongest dog bite victim protection laws in the country and provides numerous provisions for dog bite victims to get the justice and compensation they deserve. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly held liable when their dog bites someone who is lawfully present in a public place or lawfully on private property.
This means injury victims typically do not need to prove a duty of care like most personal injury claims. Instead, the victim generally must show that the defendant owned the dog, the dog bit the victim and that the victim was lawfully present where the attack occurred. Additionally, police dogs are exempt from any dog bite claims that were performed while on the job, because they were performing their civic duty to aid local law enforcement.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Dog Attack?
Although the dog's owner is often the primary liable party, additional people or entities may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Potentially liable parties may include:
Property owners
Landlords
Property management companies
Dog walkers
Pet sitters
Business owners
Homeowners associations
However, if there are any complications that make it difficult to determine liability, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer to gain more insight to your situation and hold the right parties accountable for their actions.
What If the Dog Never Bit Anyone Before?
Many dog owners mistakenly believe they cannot be held responsible if their dog has no history of aggression. However, California law rejects this argument, because unlike states that follow a "one-bite rule," California does not require a prior history of attacks. Even a first-time bite can create full legal liability for the dog's owner.
What If I Was Bitten at a Friend's House?
Many dog bites occur during visits to friends, family members, neighbors, or acquaintances. As a result, victims are often hesitant to pursue legal action because they do not want to create financial hardship for someone they know. However, dog bite claims are frequently paid through:
Homeowners insurance policies
Renters insurance policies
Landlord insurance coverage
Umbrella insurance policies
In many cases, compensation comes from insurance coverage rather than directly from the dog owner. Additionally, it is important to note that if a friend does not take financial responsibility for a serious injury, then injury victims should really reconsider the nature and depth of their friendship.
What If the Dog Bite Happened at an Apartment Complex?
Apartment complexes throughout Roseville, including developments near Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Blue Oaks Boulevard, and Douglas Boulevard, may present unique liability issues if a dog bite has occurred on those properties. According to California Civil Code 1714, all property owners have a duty to ensure every person on their premises is safe and when a dog bite occurs, they can potentially share responsibility.
This can especially become an issue should the property owner or property management company know of a dangerous dog on the property, failed to enforce pet restrictions, ignored prior complaints, or failed to address known safety concerns.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California?
California generally gives dog bite victims two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Any failure to file a claim within the timeframe will run into the state’s statute of limitations and it will prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how much evidence you have.
If you try to file a claim after the two year deadline has passed, your claim will be immediately dismissed in the California court system. As such, it is highly recommended to start as soon as possible, because evidence can disappear quickly and filing a claim may take some time.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in Roseville?
If you have been involved in a dog bite incident it is important to try and do the following steps. While it is understandable to feel shaken up after a dog bite, however, by taking some proactive steps, you will be setting yourself up in a better position to protect your rights.
Seek immediate medical treatment
Report the incident to local authorities
Obtain information about the dog and owner
Photograph your injuries
Preserve torn clothing and physical evidence
Collect witness information
Follow all medical recommendations and follow ups
Contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible
Contact Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog attack in Roseville, you should not have to bear the financial burden alone. California law provides powerful protections for dog bite victims, and you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, our legal team has handled dog bite claims throughout Placer County and are ready to fight for your rights.
Why Choose Our Roseville Dog Bite Lawyers?
With decades of experience representing people throughout Placer County, our attorneys have a proven track record of securing settlements and giving clients the legal representation they deserve. As dog bite cases involve complex insurance issues, medical documentation, and liability investigations, our legal team will walk you through the legal process and clearly explain your options to you.
Additionally, our firm can:
Conduct a comprehensive investigation
Gather evidence and witness statements
Obtain animal control reports
Handle insurance company negotiations
Calculate future damages
Pursue maximum compensation through settlement or trial
On top of it all, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay anything until we win. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or by filling out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.