Dogs are lifelong companions for humans, often becoming beloved canine friends to families. However, dogs are still animals and may exhibit aggressive and dangerous behaviors. From playful to defensive aggression, dogs can bite for many reasons. Even if they don’t intend to harm a child, a single bite can cause severe injuries to children.

Controlling and training your own dog is a lot easier than keeping an eye out for others’ dogs. If someone else’s aggressive dog injures you or your child, you can seek compensation for the harm you or your child suffered. Contact an experienced dog bite injury lawyer who can help you recover the losses you incur due to the accident.

Understanding Dog Bites and Injuries

Dog bites are a significant public health concern, particularly for young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, with half of these victims being children. Children aged 5 to 9 years old have the highest injury rates, and dog bites can cause significant damage to their growing and developing bodies. These injuries can range from minor scratches to severe trauma, including deep lacerations, infections, and even permanent scarring. Understanding the prevalence and impact of dog bites is crucial for parents and caregivers to take proactive steps in protecting their children.

Dog Bite Statistics and Pediatric Dog Bites

The statistics surrounding dog bites are alarming, especially when it comes to children. Each year, an estimated 4.5 million dog bites are reported in the United States, and half of these victims are children. Among these young victims, those aged 5 to 9 years old have the highest injury rates. Pediatric dog bites can result in serious injuries, including head and neck injuries, facial lacerations, and broken bones. The physical and emotional scars from such incidents can be long-lasting, making it essential for parents to be vigilant and informed about dog bite prevention.

Why Dogs Bite Children

Dogs may bite children for various reasons, and understanding these triggers can help in preventing such incidents. Common reasons include:

• Fear or Anxiety: Dogs may bite if they feel threatened or scared.
• Protecting Their Territory or Owner: Dogs can become aggressive when they perceive a threat to their space or family.
• Over-Stimulation or Excitement: High energy levels can sometimes lead to unintentional bites.
• Pain or Discomfort: Dogs in pain may react aggressively to touch or movement.
• Lack of Socialization or Training: Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized or trained may not know how to interact appropriately with children.
• Breed-Specific Traits: Some breeds may have a higher propensity for aggressive behavior.
• Medical Conditions: Health issues can affect a dog’s behavior, making them more prone to biting.

It is essential for parents and caregivers to understand that any dog can bite, regardless of its breed or temperament. Supervising interactions between children and dogs, teaching children how to interact with dogs safely, and providing proper training and socialization for dogs can help prevent dog bites.

What Are Some Signs in a Dog’s Body Language That a Dog Is Dangerous and May Bite?

In some cases, you may be able to tell if a dog is about to bite or show aggressive behavior, identifying them as dangerous dogs. Body language is imperative when analyzing whether or not a dog is about to bite. Consider some of the following ways you can tell if a dog may bite:

• The dog is tense with ears back or straight up
• The dog lifts the corner of its lip or mouth
• The dog is growling without a playful bow
• The dog’s head is low to the ground and in a stalking position
• The dog is intensely staring at you

If you find that a dog is showing any of the above signs, leave the area immediately or put as much distance between your family and the dog as possible. Knowing and understanding these signs can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing a dog bite.

3 Tips for Dog Bite Prevention to Keep Your Children Safe from a Dangerous Dog

It is impossible for you to always be on guard and watch your child’s safety. A dog attack can lead to severe injuries, making it crucial to educate children on how to behave around dogs. However, there are some ways to help your child learn more about being mindful and aware of dogs and their behavior.

Education

When your children learn about the proper ways to pet or show affection to a dog, they can approach the animal safely and respectfully. Teaching children to understand a dog’s body language can significantly reduce the risk of bites. Many children may try to pet the dog wrong or grab at their tail without understanding the dangers they may face. Explaining how to properly pet and play with a dog is essential when preventing bites.

Exposure

The more familiar a child is with a dog and its behaviors, the better they can pick up body language and tell when a dog is dangerous. Exposure to dogs should also include understanding how to recognize and handle fearful dogs to prevent bites. Not only can they learn from the dog’s behavior, but their parents as well. Children will model their behavior after their parents, so the more exposure they have to their parents and dogs, the more they can learn.

Supervision

Even when children are safely playing with a dog and have experience with one, there are times when they may encounter dangerous situations. Supervision is especially important when children encounter unfamiliar dogs, as these interactions can be unpredictable. During these moments, having the ability to jump in and separate the dog from your child is vital. Putting distance or taking your child from the situation before it gets dangerous can reduce the severity of injuries.

The best way to protect your child is to educate them on what to look out for when a dog shows signs of aggression. This will make sure that even when you are not there, they can protect themselves.

Family Dog Considerations

When considering bringing a dog into your family, it is crucial to think about the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. Choosing the right dog and ensuring it is well-trained and healthy can significantly reduce the risk of dog bites.

Choosing a Family Dog

• Research the Dog’s Background: Avoid adopting a dog with a history of aggression.
• Consider the Dog’s Breed, Age, and Gender: Some breeds and individual dogs may be more suitable for families with children.
• Ensure Regular Vet Checkups: Keeping the dog healthy can prevent pain-related aggression.
• Spay or Neuter the Dog: This can reduce aggressive tendencies.
• Obedience Training: Enroll the dog in obedience school to improve its social skills and behavior.
• Supervise Interactions: Always monitor interactions between children and the dog, especially in the early stages.
• Teach Safe Interaction: Educate children on how to interact with the dog safely, including recognizing dog body language and not teasing or provoking the dog.

By taking these steps, you can help reduce the risk of dog bites and create a safe and loving environment for both your children and your dog.

Contact Younglove Law Group for a Reliable Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are most often friendly and make exceptional companions, but staying aware of their body language and behaviors can significantly reduce the likelihood of your children suffering from a dog bite. If you or your child do happen to suffer from a dog bite, you may have a legal claim against the dog’s owner. If you or your child do happen to suffer from a dog bite, contact Younglove Law Group for a dependable lawyer. With years of experience working with clients to help them with their cases, we are proud to offer accessible communication and client-oriented legal services. Our main goal is to make sure you have the best possible representation for your claim.

Call (949) 691-3660 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with our dog bite lawyer.

As technological advancements continue to change the motor vehicle industry, self-driving cars are becoming increasingly more common. There are currently 1,400 self-driving cars in the United States. While these futuristic vehicles may be exciting, there are safety concerns associated with these autonomous vehicles.

Since the debut of self-driving cars on California roads, damaging accidents have occurred. Younglove Law Group has a team of California car accident lawyers with experience helping clients who have been injured in self-driving car accidents. If you have been hit by a self-driving car in California, it can be challenging to know who is at fault for any losses you have suffered from the accident.

Who Is Liable in a Self-Driving Car Accident in California?

Self-driving cars were designed with many goals in mind. One such goal is to decrease the number of motor vehicle accidents that occur each day in the United States. One of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents is human error, or negligence. Self-driving cars are a potential solution to this problem because they can drive themselves without the help of a human driver. Unfortunately, since the introduction of autonomous cars on the roads, self-driving cars have caused accidents on multiple occasions.

If you have been injured by an autonomous vehicle, there are a couple of different parties who may be held responsible for your injuries. The parties that might be liable for the accident include:

• Manufacturers: If the vehicle is being tested and is not yet available to be owned by the public, the manufacturer (g., Tesla) may be liable.
• Driver: If a driver of the car was supposed to stop the vehicle in the event of an issue, they could be held partially responsible for the accident.
• Owner’s Insurance Provider: If a person or entity owns the self-driving car, they may be liable for the accident.

Proving liability can be difficult for any car accident claim, especially when the car that hit you is self-driving. That is why it is crucial to employ the help of an experienced car accident lawyer in California. You want a skilled attorney on your side to help you with your claim.

Can You Collect Damages after a Self-Driving Car Accident?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a self-driving car accident, you may be able to collect financial compensation in the form of damages. Some of the damages you may be eligible to receive will cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

If you are unsure of what damages you are eligible to collect, a skilled car accident lawyer may be able to help you by going over the details of your claim.

Contact a California Self-Driving Car Accident Lawyer at Younglove Law Group Today

Proving liability in a car accident can be difficult, but it is even more complicated when a self-driving car is involved. While it may be challenging to prove who is at fault, it is not impossible when you have the help of a California self-driving car accident lawyer on your side.

Younglove Law Group is a car accident law firm with extensive experience helping clients who have been injured in self-driving car accidents in California. Our knowledgeable team has the skills needed to help you navigate the California claims process. We want to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve. To speak with one of our attorneys, you can fill out our contact form or call (949) 691-3660.

In this age of advanced technology and constant change, staying connected with our friends, family, and current events comes through our phones and other devices. While we may find it difficult to separate ourselves during the times when we are driving, it is essential to take others’ and our own safety into consideration, especially when using a cell phone. Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous issues on the road. A distracted driving accident can have severe consequences, often requiring legal assistance to prove driver distraction and support injury claims.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2019, 3,142 U.S. residents lost their lives due to distracted driving. Accidents involving distracted driving often result in individuals suffering from severe, life-threatening injuries that need extensive medical treatment. Despite California’s efforts to stop distracted driving, there is still a concern for public safety due to how difficult it is to enforce the restrictions.

Understanding Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a significant concern on the roads, posing a threat to the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is any activity that diverts a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. This can include visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. 

Understanding these types of distractions is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring road safety. By recognizing the various forms of driver distraction, we can take proactive steps to minimize risks and protect ourselves and others on the road.

What Are the 3 Types of Distractions to Stay Away from When Distracted Driving?

While many first think of texting and driving when dangerous distractions on the road are mentioned, there are many different ways to have your focus diverted from driving. Distracted drivers face numerous risks, including cognitive distractions like texting and talking on the phone, which significantly increase the likelihood of crashes. All the different ways someone can be distracted while driving can fall under three separate categories:

Visual

Visual distractions like billboards or objects outside your car divert your attention from the road onto something else — taking your eyes off the road. While outside distractions are unavoidable, limiting the distractions in your car that will pull your eyes away from the road can help prevent accidents. Many crashes occur because drivers divert their attention away from the road, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Manual

When a distraction causes you to take your hands off the steering wheel, they are classified as manual diversions. Examples of manual distractions are texting while driving, changing the radio station, and cell phone use. It may be challenging to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times, but unexpected situations occur on the road all the time, and if you only have one hand on the wheel, you may end up in a severe accident.

Cognitive

When you are first learning to drive, either your instructor or guardian may have told you not to drive if you are upset. Some distractions come from within and cause our minds to drift as we drive. If you have ever ended up at your house without any recollection of how you got there, you may have experienced “mind-wandering.” This phenomenon often happens when doing a repetitive task or where your body goes into autopilot.

A distracted driver is dangerous and can cause severe harm to those on the road. If you are involved in an accident and suffer severe injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Most Common Injuries Sustained in Distracted Driving Accidents

Accidents can happen without a moment’s notice and change your life forever. When dealing with the aftermath of a distracted driving accident, understanding the car accident claim process is crucial. Distracted driving is more than just a mistake and can cause you severe harm and even death. Some of the most common injuries you can face include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Concussion
• Sprains and Strains

When you are harmed in an accident because of someone else, you are eligible to recover compensation for the damages you incur in the accident. Not only can you suffer expensive medical fees, but also lost wages and treatment fees. A car accident lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need after a vehicle collision.

Contact Younglove Law Group for a Dependable Car Accident Lawyer

Many do not realize the severity of distracted driving until they are in an unfortunate situation. Commercial drivers, in particular, face severe risks due to distractions such as texting, with legal restrictions in place to mitigate these dangers. With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer at Younglove Law Group, you can receive the compensation you deserve. 

Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients from across California and are ready to offer their reliable services and knowledge to those who need assistance. The favorable outcomes and testimonials from past clients show our dedication to our clients and motivation for justice. Motor vehicle crashes impose a significant financial burden on employers, making it crucial to seek legal assistance to protect both employees and the company’s financial interests. Call (949) 691-3660 or fill out a contact form today.

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, making it a natural reaction to run up and pet a dog when you see one. While most dogs, especially those that are family pets, tend to be docile, they are still animals and may exhibit aggressive behavior when it is least expected. There are about 4.5 million dog bites reported in the United States each year. Whether a dog bite occurs because the animal was afraid, provoked, or the bite was a random incident, the question of who holds responsibility for the incident comes to mind.

Younglove Law Group is a team of skilled dog bite lawyers helping clients in California. While it can sometimes be difficult to determine who is responsible for a dog bite in California, you should consult with an experienced lawyer who may be able to help you determine who is liable.

California Dog Bite Laws

California dog bite laws are designed to protect the rights of individuals who have been injured in dog bite attacks. The state enforces a strict liability law, meaning dog owners are liable for damages caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any aggressive tendencies. This law applies to bites that occur in public places or on private property where the victim was lawfully present. By holding dog owners accountable, California aims to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite in California Under California’s Strict Liability Law?

While California Civil Code section 3342 states a dog’s owner is strictly liable for any injuries suffered by another person that were caused by their dog’s bite, several other potential parties may be held responsible when a dog bite occurs. In many California dog bite cases, liability can extend beyond the dog’s owner to other parties involved in the care or supervision of the dog.

The Dog’s Caretaker

If a dog attack occurs while the dog is under the care or supervision of someone else besides the owner, that caretaker may be held liable. While a dog’s owner does not need to have knowledge of a dog’s aggression or history to be held liable, a caretaker does. To be held liable for the incident, the caretaker must have been acting in a negligent way that led to the dog bite. There are exceptions to this rule as well, which an experienced dog bite attorney will be able to apply.

Residential Property Owners

If a property owner knows a vicious dog on their property is dangerous, they may be held liable for that dog’s bite. Additionally, if the dog escapes the property and bites someone due to a known defect such as a broken gate, the property owner may be held responsible even if the incident took place off the grounds.

Landlords

A landlord can be held responsible for a dog bite injury if they knew that a tenant’s dog had violent tendencies and had the right to remove the dog from the property but did not.

Commercial Property Owners

Commercial property owners have a responsibility to thoroughly inspect their properties for any dangers, including a potentially violent dog. If a dog bite does occur on their property, they cannot claim they are not responsible just because they were not aware of the dog on the premises, and they may face a dog bite civil suit.

Dog Owner Liability

Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are held responsible for any injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s awareness of any aggressive tendencies. This means that even if a dog has never shown signs of aggression before, the owner can still be held liable for a bite. Dog owners must take necessary precautions to prevent their pets from causing harm, such as properly restraining them and ensuring they are well-behaved in public and private settings. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for dog owners to avoid potential legal consequences and protect others from harm.

Dog Bite Victim Rights

As a dog bite victim in California, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. The state’s strict liability law ensures that you can hold the dog owner accountable, even if the dog has no history of aggression. To protect your rights and strengthen your case, it is essential to take immediate action following a bite. This includes seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, and gathering information about the dog and its owner. By understanding your rights and taking the necessary steps, you can pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in California, it is essential to take action to protect your legal rights and options. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: Dog bites can be serious and may require immediate medical attention.
2. Report the incident: Report the incident to the local animal control agency or police department.
3. Get the dog owner’s information: Try to get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information.
4. Document the incident: Take photos of the bite and any injuries, and keep a record of any medical treatment you receive.
5. Contact a lawyer: Consider contacting a lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and that the dog owner is held accountable for their actions.

Get Help From a California Dog Bite Lawyer for Dog Bite Victims

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you deserve to get financial compensation for your injury. A California dog bite lawyer can guide you through the complexities of California dog bite lawsuits, helping you understand your rights and the legal process. A California dog bite lawyer may be able to help you determine who is responsible as you pursue the damages you are owed.

Younglove Law Group is a team of California dog bite lawyers with extensive experience helping clients pursue the justice they deserve. Our skilled dog bite lawyers are proud to provide our clients with the personalized and dedicated representation they deserve. To set up a free case review with one of our award-winning lawyers, contact us here or call (949) 691-3660.

After an accident occurs, you may suffer from severe injuries and damages. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you can seek compensation for your losses from the responsible party. You can recover property damages, medical fees, and other financial losses that you suffer from after an accident by filing an injury claim. 

Filing a personal injury claim is complicated and comes with unfamiliar terminology and processes. If you’re looking to increase your chances of recovering the compensation you are eligible for, contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help navigate you through the legal documentation, conduct a thorough investigation, and discuss your eligibility for compensatory and punitive damages.  

Compensatory vs. Punitive Damages: What You Need to Know

When you are looking to recover the damages you suffered during an accident, you will need to know about the two different types of damages you can recover. Understanding what makes these types of damages separate and what you are interested in recovering is a critical first step in formulating your plan. 

Compensatory Damages 

Designed to assist with the cost of injuries and damages sustained in the accident, compensatory damages benefit and focus on the plaintiff’s recovery. If you break your leg in a car accident and are unable to work for eight weeks, the financial toll that you can endure due to lost income and medical fees can start to add up. Compensatory damages are calculated by adding the financial losses as well as subjective (non-economic) damages like pain and suffering to make sure you’re fully compensated. 

Punitive Damages

While compensatory damages focus on the plaintiff and their losses, punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their actions. The damages also seek to deter the defendant from committing the negligent act again. When a court decides that a defendant’s conduct merits an additional award to the plaintiff beyond their compensatory damages, punitive damages are used. 

After an accident, the medical treatment and recovery fees can feel overwhelming. With the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, you’ll have access to honest advice and information about what types of damages you are eligible to recover when you file your claim. 

Why Should I Seek Assistance from a Personal Injury Lawyer? 

Having a motivated individual by your side to help you receive the best possible outcome for your claim can make the legal process feel manageable and less daunting. While you may have no experience in the legal field, a knowledgeable lawyer can provide you with the necessary information for your claim. Other examples of what an attorney can do for you include: 

• Conducting a fair and just investigation
• Answering questions relating to your case
• Analyzing potential legal issues
• Negotiating settlement offers
• Discussing claims with insurance companies
• Reviewing legal documents
• Establishing the other individual’s negligence and liability

With someone by your side every step of the way, you’re able to feel prepared and hopeful for a positive outcome. Our team at Younglove Law Group has many favorable testimonials and results from past clients. We work hard to show how much our clients mean to us. 

Contact a Dependable Personal Injury Lawyer at Younglove Law

Accidents come with many responsibilities and tasks. The help of an experienced personal injury attorney at Younglove Law Group can offer dependable legal representation for your claim. With years of experience advocating for the rights of our clients, we’ve recovered more than $40 million in settlements and jury verdicts. Our main goal is to make sure you have reliable legal assistance so your claim has the best possible outcome. 

Call (949) 691-3660 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.