Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?

Yes, the owner of a dog is typically held responsible for bites in California. Under state law, the owner of a dog is liable for any damages or injuries that the animal causes and can be held liable for any medical bills and lost wages an injured person might incur because of a dog bite. Generally, the owner’s insurance policy will cover the costs if their dog inflicts injury or damage to another party. In California, if it can be proven that the owner of a dog knew that the dog had a propensity for aggressive behavior, it is more likely that the owner will be held liable for any bites that their dog causes. Any unintentional harm that an animal causes, including a dog bite, is still the responsibility of the owner. In some cases, the animal may be deemed to be a “dangerous animal” and the owner may be subject to strict requirements regarding the animal’s control and containment. In order to be held liable, it must be proven that the dog bite was foreseeable by the owner. This means that the owner knew that the animal was likely to bite someone or that the owner was negligent in ensuring that their pet was securely restrained. Therefore, if a dog bite occurs, it is important to establish whether or not the owner was aware of the animal’s temperament and behavior in order to determine if the owner is responsible.

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Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?

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