Enjoying the companionship of dogs is something so many pet owners across the world do. Having a dog is something that can bring a lot of happiness in life. It is true that most dogs are very friendly, companionable, and give their owners a lot of love but the same may apply in reverse when it comes to outsiders. That is why dog bites and personal injury claims are taken quite seriously.
Dog bites get reported in large numbers every single year. While it is true that not all dog bites will lead to any sort of physical injuries, the emotional trauma can be long-lasting. That is why victims of such dog bite often file personal injury claims against owners of such dogs. Here are some of the things you must be aware of dog bite personal injury claims.
Get a Lawyer
It is smart to get a lawyer to file a personal injury claim in LA when it is a dog bite in question. This will ensure that legal action is taken as early as possible.
Legal Responsibility
Owners of dogs have a legal responsibility towards them. There is liability attached to the owners and victims are entitled to get compensation if they have suffered from an attack by a dog. Dog owners have a legal obligation to pay for damages if their dog bites a person on private or public property.
It is important to also note that dog owners cannot say that they were unaware of how their dogs were behaving and therefore do not have any legal responsibility. This means that if the owner says that they were not aware of any sort of aggression their dog had before the accident happened, he is still going to be held liable for compensation.
This is good news for victims of dog bites because it means that no matter what, in most situations, if they have been bitten by a dog, they will get compensation.
The Case for Criminal Charges
It may seem surprising to the uninitiated that criminal charges can be put against a dog owner whose dog has attacked a victim. This will happen in case the owner was aware of the aggression and nature of his dog and still the dog attacked another person. Dog owners who know the past tendencies of their wards are liable for damages as well as criminal charges.
Period
It is also important to note that when a victim has been attacked by a dog, there is a certain statute of limitations he has to file a claim within. This is usually 2 years from the date of the incident. So it is critical that the filing for a claim happens as soon as possible so that any legal hurdles are not there.
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, it is a good idea to start legal proceedings. This will also go a long way in preventing dog owners from being casual about their wards.
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