Dog Bites Glendale

Residents and visitors in Glendale, a vibrant part of Los Angeles County, often encounter dogs in public spaces like Verdugo Park, Brand Park, and residential neighborhoods. While many interactions are safe, dog bites remain a serious public safety issue that can result in significant physical and financial harm, including severe infections, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. Understanding the specific legal framework in California and the local ordinances in Glendale is necessary for any victim seeking recourse.

Benji Personal Injury Accident Attorneys provides legal counsel to individuals injured by animal attacks. The following information outlines the statutory rules, case precedents, and local regulations that govern dog bite claims in this jurisdiction.

California Strict Liability Statute

California Civil Code § 3342 establishes a strict liability standard for dog bites. This statute holds a dog owner liable for damages suffered by any person legally on private property or in a public place. This means liability applies to individuals who are invitees (e.g., guests, customers), licensees (e.g., mail carriers, utility workers), or otherwise lawfully present. This liability attaches regardless of whether the dog has shown previous signs of aggression. The owner is responsible even if they had no prior knowledge of the animal's viciousness.

This differs from the "one-bite rule" used in other states, where an owner might avoid liability for a first-time attack. In Glendale and throughout California, the owner is accountable from the first incident. Liability generally applies unless the victim was trespassing, willfully provoking the animal, or was bitten by a police or military dog performing official duties. California also recognizes the concept of comparative negligence, meaning if the victim's actions contributed to the incident, their recoverable damages may be reduced proportionally.

Legal Definition of a Dog Bite

Victims often sustain injuries that do not result in open wounds or punctures. California courts have addressed this specific issue to ensure victims receive coverage for various types of injuries caused by aggressive dogs. The precedent set in Johnson v. McMahan (1998) expanded the legal interpretation of a "bite."

In this ruling, the court determined that a bite occurs when a dog closes its jaws around a person, even if the skin is not broken. For example, if a dog grabs a worker’s pant leg, causing them to fall and sustain an injury, the strict liability statute applies. Injuries resulting from secondary actions directly caused by the bite, such as falls or blunt force trauma, are eligible for compensation under this legal standard.

Glendale Municipal Code and Vicious Dogs

Local regulations in Glendale, like those across Los Angeles County, provide additional layers of oversight regarding dangerous animals. Glendale Municipal Code § 6.08.045 defines a "vicious dog" as any canine that bites or attempts to bite a human or animal without reasonable provocation. It also includes dogs with a known propensity to attack.

The city imposes specific consequences for owners of such animals:

• Fines: Penalties for owning a demonstrably aggressive dog can start at $1,500 for a first offense and can increase to $2,500 for a second offense.
• Mandatory Investigation: The Glendale Health Department and Glendale Police Department are required to investigate reported dog bites. The City of Glendale contracts its animal control services to Pasadena Humane.
• Impoundment: Authorities may seize and impound the animal pending a formal hearing. Depending on the incident and the hearing's outcome, the dog could be ordered to be removed from the city or even euthanized.

These local administrative actions operate separately from a civil personal injury lawsuit. However, the documentation generated by a city investigation often serves as critical evidence. Police reports and animal control records from Pasadena Humane can substantiate the details of the attack and the history of the animal involved.

Damages Recoverable in Dog Bite Cases

Victims of dog bites often face expenses that extend beyond immediate emergency room visits. Benji Personal Injury Accident Attorneys assists clients in calculating the full extent of their losses. Recoverable damages in these cases typically fall into economic and non-economic categories.

Statute of Limitations

Time is a limiting factor in personal injury claims. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit regarding a dog bite is two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file a claim within this window usually results in the court dismissing the case, barring the victim from receiving compensation. Exceptions to this timeline exist, most notably when the victim is a minor. If the victim was under 18 years old at the time of the dog bite, the two-year statute of limitations is tolled (delayed) until they reach their 18th birthday. They then have two years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit, effectively giving them until their 20th birthday.

Steps to Take Following an Incident

The actions taken immediately after a dog bite influence the outcome of both medical treatment and legal claims. Priority must always be placed on health and safety.

• Identify the Owner: Obtain the name, address, and insurance information of the dog owner.
• Seek Medical Attention: Professional medical documentation links the injuries directly to the incident. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and prompt medical care is crucial. Keep all medical records and bills.
• Report to Authorities: For animal-related emergencies, such as dangerous animals or aggressive dog attacks posing an immediate threat, call the Glendale Police Department at (818) 548-4911. For non-emergency animal control issues, including reporting a dog bite, contact Pasadena Humane (which provides animal control services for Glendale) at (626) 792-7151.
• Document Evidence: Take photographs of injuries, torn clothing, and the location of the attack. Collect contact information from witnesses. Maintain a detailed record of all communications with the dog owner and authorities.

Benji Personal Injury Accident Attorneys reviews these details to build a case based on California’s strict liability laws and Glendale’s municipal codes. Legal representation ensures that insurance companies address the full scope of the victim's injuries and liabilities.