What Causes Dogs to Bite in California?

With nearly 1,000 dog bite victims needing emergency medical treatment for severe dog bite injuries each day, California’s strict liability dog bite laws protect victims who are harmed due to a traumatic dog attack, regardless of what caused the dog to bite. Losses may be significant, resulting in physical limitations, medical expenses, and emotional suffering. Knowing why dogs bite and what causes them to attack may be helpful in preventing such incidents from occurring. If prevention is not possible, it may also help determine liability in California dog bite claims.

If you have experienced a California dog bite injury, speak to an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to hold the dog owner accountable for their dog’s aggressive behavior and recover compensatory damages for the injuries and other losses you have suffered. At Younglove Law Group, we offer a complimentary consultation of your claim and provide legal guidance on your best course forward.

Determining the Cause of a Dog Bite in California

Dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, even if they are not ill-tempered by nature. Oftentimes, a biting response is an indication of discomfort that is cautioned by barking, snapping, or snarling. The following reasons are what may cause a dog to bite in California:

Biting out of fear: The most aggressive behavior, including biting, is stemmed from fear. A dog might be fearful of a person, situation, sound, or other unfamiliar elements. This response is typically rooted in being overwhelmed and is communicated through biting to protect itself.
The dog was startled: Dogs are especially sensitive to being startled awake when they are sleeping. They may be disoriented, confused, and dazed, resulting in biting. This is particularly common for older dogs who have diminished senses.
Guarded or protective nature: Some dogs are especially territorial and may bite to ensure that their possessions, such as food and toys, are not taken away. This may come from resource guarding behavior or strong guarding tendencies of their home to protect the safety of their loved ones, even if the danger is not real.
The dog is sick or injured: When a dog experiences an injury or is sick, it is more likely to bite and experience behavior changes due to stress.

To prevent dog bites, it is essential to avoid unfamiliar dogs or any actions that may be perceived as antagonistic. If an aggressive dog bites unprovoked, you may be able to seek compensatory damages from the dog owner for expenses related to the attack. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, and other expenses related to the incident.

Strict Dog Owner Liability in California

California has strict dog bite liability laws for dog owners. If a victim of an aggressive dog bite incident incurred significant injuries and other damages, the liable party must pay for expenses related to the attack, even if the dog has never exhibited aggressive behavior before. This is true in instances where:

The victim was bitten
The victim was in a public place or was lawfully in a private residence

Victims may not seek compensatory damages in the event of a police or military dog bite that was working with law enforcement or defending someone. However, this does not apply to victims who were not suspects of participating in an alleged crime. Speak to an experienced California dog bite lawyer for an assessment of your claim to obtain the justice you deserve if you have experienced traumatic dog bite injuries and other losses.

Speak With Younglove Law Group for an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in California

At Younglove Law Group, we have years of experience fighting for victims affected by dog bite injuries and obtaining the justice they deserve through millions of dollars recovered in settlements and jury verdicts. Our California dog bite lawyers understand the unique challenges associated with dog bite claims and offer individualized representation tailored to fit your needs and interests.

The legal team at Younglove Law Group provides aggressive, compassionate, and award-winning legal services to help you achieve your desired outcome so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life. To learn more about your legal options, schedule a complimentary consultation at (949) 691-3660, or fill out our contact form today.