What if I was injured by a dog who was off its leash?
If you were injured by a dog who was off its leash in California, you may be able to seek compensation for damages. California is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. This means that the owner of the dog is liable for any damages caused by the dog, regardless of whether or not the dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior. Additionally, the owner of the dog is held liable for any damages caused regardless of whether the dog was on or off a leash. Under California law, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages (due to time off work), and pain and suffering associated with the dog bite. The law also allows punitive damages, which are additional payments that are awarded to punish the dog’s owner. This means that if the owner acted recklessly or was negligent in keeping their dog off a leash, they may have to pay more than just the costs associated with the bite itself. In order to pursue a claim, it is important to gather any relevant evidence, such as witness statements, photos of the injury and a copy of the police report (if one was made). You should then contact an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite law to review the evidence and help you decide whether to file a claim.
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