Dog Attack Advice Tag

What You Need to Know About Compensation After a Dog Attack

In California, dog attack cases are pretty open and shut. The owner is just about always liable for the damages caused. And most homeowners or renters insurance policies will cover the injuries under general liability. But here are a few things you should know:

• You can’t be a trespasser – If you are on someone’s property illegally and their dog defends the property, the homeowner is not at fault. You shouldn’t have been there. If you were invited onto the property or have another legal reason to be there, you have a right to your personal safety.
• The owner is responsible for anything that happens in public – Once the owner leaves home with their dog, they are now responsible for the dog’s behavior. The only exception would be if someone was behaving in a way that seems to be intentionally trying to taunt the dog into attacking.
• You only have a case if you get injured – Sometimes, a dog attacks just to scare someone, and they don’t bite or do any serious damage. If you don’t have medical bills resulting from the injury or other losses, then there is no case.

California’s Dog Bite Attorneys in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm has the experienced attorneys that you want in your corner when dealing with an insurance company to try and receive compensation after a dog attack. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360 to schedule a consultation and let our team help you get the compensation you deserve.

Tips for Delivering a Package to a House with a Dog

The stereotype of the dog running off a delivery person is a stereotype for a reason. Dogs don’t like strangers coming onto their turf. How can you do your job safely when the house you are supposed to deliver to has a dog? Here are a few quick tips.

• Don’t wear earbuds – Music can make a day of delivering packages go faster. But you’ll want to be able to hear if you encounter a dog (and without the sudden move of taking your earbuds out). Plus, if a dog comes at you from behind, you want to hear the growl or barking, so you don’t jump when you see it. That’s another sudden movement you want to avoid.
• Don’t try to befriend a strange dog – Your first inclination may be to try and pet the dog. Maybe you even have had good experiences encountering new dogs in the past. However, you shouldn’t approach a strange dog. Even if this is your regular route, don’t try to pet a dog in these circumstances. You don’t know the present situation. The dog may just not want to be approached that day.
• Don’t assume the owner being present makes the dog safer – In fact, a dog may get upset if you approach their owner rapidly and thrust something toward them. So take your time and hand the package to the owner gently. In fact, it may be better to put it down and let the owner come to the package (especially now since social distancing is also a good idea).

Support for San Diego Dog Bite Victims

Petrov Law Firm can help you get the compensation that you deserve from the owner’s insurance. Contact us today at 619.344.0360 to learn more.

Tips for Care Following a Dog Bite

First things first: If you cannot confirm that the dog that bit you is vaccinated against rabies, seek medical attention immediately. There is no treatment for rabies once symptoms begin to show, so if you can’t be sure, you need to take the treatment as soon as possible following the dog bite. You will also require medical attention if you can’t stop the bleeding. If the dog is properly vaccinated, here are some tips to help you to keep the bite infection-free.

• Clean the wound with water and mild soap – Run water over the bite for up to 10 minutes to make sure all of the bacteria have been flushed out. Obviously, if there is too much bleeding, you will have to apply pressure to stop it. Use a clean cloth. Don’t just run water on a wound that is gushing blood. Take that to the emergency room.
• Bandage the wound – If you can get the wound clean and stop the bleeding on your own, it is now time to bandage the wound while it heals. Use an antibiotic cream to fight infection (some also help with the pain). Use sterile bandages and change them every few hours during the day and immediately when you wake up in the morning.
• If you see an infection starting to set in, contact a doctor right away.

Get Legal Assistance Following a Dog Bite in California

If you do require medical visits, stitches, missed workdays, or experience any other tangible losses due to the attack, contact Petrov Law Firm in San Diego. We can help you to recuperate these losses through a settlement with the owner’s insurance company. Call 619.344.0360 to get started today.

California Regulations Regarding Dog Bites

Did you know that more than 4 million dog bites occur each year? That may seem like a shocking figure unless you know that over one-third of households own one or more dogs in the United States. That makes up more than 76 million dogs. That’s more than one dog for every five humans!

While dogs are usually very safe pets, what happens when a dog attacks someone? In California, it is important to know the laws specific to this state. Here are a few regulations.

• Proof of negligence is not required – For most personal injury cases, you have to prove that the property owner was negligent. This is not the case with dogs. There is an implied risk.
• There is no “one bite rule” in California – Some states let a dog owner off the hook if the dog has never attacked anyone before. This law does not exist in California. The owner is liable for damages the very first time the animal attacks a human.
• The person who was attacked must not be responsible for the attack if they want compensation – If you are trespassing on private property or intentionally antagonizing a dog, then the bite is your fault, not the owner’s.

Legal Support for Dog Bites in California

Dog bite settlements are usually handled by an insurance company, and that means you are going to want an attorney, so you don’t get shortchanged on the settlement. Call Petrov Law Firm today at 619.344.0360 to learn what we can do to help.

Teach Your Children How to Play Nice with Dogs

Millions of dog bites occur each year across America, and hundreds of thousands require medical attention. Some of the worst injuries occur in kids because dogs can quickly attack a child’s face, whereas they often go after the legs in adults. Here are some vital suggestions to help your children avoid accidentally provoking a dog.

• Teach your child the importance of introducing yourself to a dog by letting it sniff you before trying to pet it.
• Don’t leave a young child alone with a dog. This is also true at home. Even the family pet can bite if it feels anxious.
• Teach your child good manners with the pets of others. Not only is it rude to just walk up to someone else’s pet and touch it, but the dog may also view the approach as threatening. Speaking with the owner first to get permission will put the owner, and therefore the dog, at ease.
• Remind your child that there are times they should not try to pet a dog. Dogs are more likely to bite if you wake them suddenly or approach them while they are eating.
• Train your child to deal with a dog that is aggressive. For example, remind them to back away rather than turning to run.

Assistance After a Dog Bite Injury

Despite proper training, sometimes a dog bite can happen. When the injury was caused by someone else’s pet, you should receive compensation for medical bills or other losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in southern California, contact Petrov Law Firm today at 619.344.0360 to get the legal assistance you need.

Why Rabies Is a Legitimate Concern After a Dog Bite

Rabies is pretty rare in the US, especially among domesticated animals that are usually vaccinated. However, there is still cause for concern. Here are three reasons that rabies treatments are strongly recommended if you can’t confirm the vaccination status of a dog that bit you.

• Rabies does exist in every state but Hawaii – So you can’t completely write off the possibility that the dog you were bit by had this deadly disease. In fact, the only reason that very few rabies deaths occur in developed nations is because of treatment, not the fact that the disease doesn’t exist.
• You may not be able to tell if the dog has rabies – The classic stereotype is an animal that is foaming at the mouth. Unfortunately, this is a dangerous myth because only some dogs with rabies will experience this symptom. Most animals will just seem to have a case of the flu.
• There is no treatment after symptoms appear – We’re not trying to be alarmist, but there is cause for alarm when it comes to rabies. The issue is that once a patient begins to show symptoms, the disease is too far along to save a person. If you are not 100% sure the dog is vaccinated, you must be treated just in case.

Dog Attack Attorneys in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm has experienced attorneys who can help if you have been the victim of a dog attack and are beginning to see medical bills piling up. Give us a call at 619.344.0360 to get your case started today.

The Three Requirements for Owner Liability for Dog Bites in CA

When a dog bites someone in the state of California, it is almost always the owner whose liability insurance is going to cover the damages. Here are the three requirements for owner liability for dog bites in California that cover nearly every case.

• The dog bite has caused damages – This is almost always the case with dog bites. If the bite breaks the skin and you can’t get proof of vaccination for rabies, you have to seek emergency medical treatment. Even if the dog is vaccinated, many bites require stitches or other treatment.
• The dog bite has occurred in a public place – When an owner takes a dog off their own private property, they are responsible for everything that happens after that.
• The dog bite has occurred on private property, but you were there legally – The only time an owner is not responsible for a dog bite is if it happens on private property and you are trespassing. If the owner invites you onto the property, they are responsible for keeping you safe, and that includes from their pets.

Fortunately, most homeowners or renters insurance policies include general liability, which will cover medical expenses and other losses. Of course, that means you will have to fight with an insurance company to get a fair settlement.

Getting the Assistance You Need After a Dog Bite in California

Petrov Law Firm is experienced in dealing with insurance companies in the wake of a dog attack. Contact our San Diego office today at 619.344.0360 to get your case started,

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

The short answer is, yes, it should. However, dog bites are not automatically a specific part of your policy. The bite is a part of your general liability. Homeowners insurance covers a person’s legal liability in general. Therefore, it should cover a dog bite whether the dog was at home when the attack occurred or not.

On occasion, there may be a breed restriction written into the company’s insurance policy. This is up to the owner to know. If an insurance company has this sort of restriction, pit bulls are almost always on the list. In that case, the owner should choose an umbrella policy that will cover any sort of liability or a different insurance company that doesn’t restrict the specific breed they intend to own.

So does that mean the person who gets bit will have to deal with an insurance company to have medical bills covered? In most cases, the answer is yes. Since insurance companies are notorious for giving people the runaround when a settlement is due, it is important to have a personal injury attorney assist you in receiving the full compensation you deserve.

Dog Bite Attorneys in California

If you have been attacked by a dog in southern California and now you see medical bills pile up, Petrov Law Firm can help. Call 619.344.0360 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. With our experience in your corner, you can receive the settlement that you deserve from the insurance provider.

Private Couriers Need to Be Careful Around Dogs

Dogs are notorious for attacking the mailman. However, any delivery person should be careful when approaching a home with a dog present. Dogs are territorial and may see you as a threat if they don’t know you. Since private couriers may not go to the same home frequently, here are some quick tips to help you be safe around dogs.

• Be extra careful in the presence of the homeowner – Dogs get even more protective over people than the home itself. Even a friendly dog may get upset if you make a sudden move (like handing a package to someone).
• Remove your earbuds – You want all your senses in play if you encounter a strange dog. Being able to hear the dog coming can prevent you from making a sudden reaction that startles it worse. Being able to hear a growl would let you know to back off.
• Leave the dog alone – Never try to pet a strange dog, even if it seems friendly. You will have plenty of other opportunities to interact with animals in less dangerous circumstances. If a dog does seem agitated, remember that you shouldn’t turn your back.

It is better to call the customer and explain the situation than to receive a nasty bite.

Help for Dog Attack Survivors in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm is here to help if you ever do experience a dog bite. Medical bills can add up fast, and you are likely to be dealing with the homeowner’s insurance company to get a settlement, which is no fun at all. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360, so we can help you maximize your settlement.

How to Keep a Dog Bite from Getting Infected

If you receive a dog bite, getting the proper medical care is vital. This is especially true if the dog has not been properly vaccinated or if you cannot acquire proof of vaccination in a timely manner. If the dog is vaccinated against rabies, then the main concern is keeping the wound from infection. Here are some tips to help:

• Clean the wound – Use a mild soap to clean bacteria from the wound. Run water over the wound for 5-10 minutes to flush out bacteria.
• Use a clean cloth to apply pressure until the bleeding stops. If you can’t stop the bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.
• Use an antibiotic cream – Many antibiotic creams also feature pain-relieving agents.
• Use a sterile bandage to wrap the wound.
• See your doctor to learn if any further care is needed.
• Change your bandages every few hours while you are awake and first thing in the morning when you get up.
• If you notice any signs of infection, seek further medical care. Signals that infection is setting in include changes in color around the wound, swelling, fever, or increased pain.

For serious wounds, you may require stitches. Depending on your medical history, you may need a tetanus shot. If the medical history of the dog is unknown or incomplete, you may be treated for rabies.

Get the Help You Need to Recover Your Losses

If you have been bitten by a dog in southern California, Petrov Law Firm can help you to recover your losses by negotiating a settlement for you. Call 619.344.0360 to learn more.