Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience. However, dog ownership also comes with important responsibilities. Many people do not take these as seriously as they should and fail to prevent their dog from injuring other people.
Dog attacks are incredibly serious for both adults and children, and some breeds are more likely to be aggressive than others. That’s why many states, and parts of Southern California like Avalon and Lancaster, have laws in place restricting specific dog breeds. Most of these laws primarily regard pit bulls.
If you or someone you love was injured in an attack, a Los Angeles dog bite attorney from Salamati Law can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Restricted dog breeds in California
There are a few different restricted dog breeds in California, including:
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Just because a breed is on the list doesn’t mean that people in the area can’t own it. If over four months old, they must be licensed and spayed or neutered.
These laws are in place as prevention, as dog bite statistics, reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, indicate that 4.5 million bites happen every year, with the majority of the victims being children.
What to do if a dog attacks you
The most important step to take after a dog attacks you is to try and identify it. Identify the owner and where they live as well. It’s also crucial that you get medical attention. Even bites that seem minor should be checked out, as they commonly lead to infection. If the dog cannot be identified and is a stray, you should also get rabies shots.
Be sure to report this to your local health department, police, and animal control office. If you can identify the owner, take down their name, address, and dog license information. Finally, contact a lawyer to see if you have a case.
Contact Salamati Law Firm today
If properly trained and cared for, any potentially dangerous dog breed can be a lovely pet. The problems begin when the owner doesn’t fulfill their responsibility. That’s why California law clearly states that the dog’s owner is liable for the attack and should, therefore, be held responsible for any damages claimed by the victim.
However, no matter how clear the law is, you still need an expert representing you and your rights. Contact Salamati Law to have a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles today.
