In the event you are attacked by a loose dog, seek safety and medical attention immediately. Then, contact a dog bite attorney as they can help guide you and establish potential liability. Your attorney may be able to work with local animal control to capture and scan the dog’s microchip if applicable or ask the shelter to contact them should the owner arrive.
Defining Dog “Owner”
There are certain circumstances where an individual may not be an official “dog owner” and might feed local strays in the area. As defined by Sonoma County code, an owner is:
“any person who owns an animal or who has charge, care, custody or control of, or has a right to control an animal for fifteen (15) or more consecutive days” with an exception for veterinarians.”
With this in mind, you may have a claim if you were bitten by a stray dog cared for by a neighbor or resident. A business or other entity, like a boarding service or animal control, could even be held liable if a dog escaped under their watch.
Premises Liability
Ultimately, in order to receive your deserved compensation, it is essential to establish who maintains ownership or control of a dog. If you are bitten by a dog with no identifiable information whatsoever, recovering damages may prove more complicated.
There are situations in which you may be able to file a premises liability claim. Premises liability claims arise when someone is injured on a party’s property as a result of the property owner’s negligence. Property owners have a duty to practice reasonable care to protect people on their property.
Your Sonoma Dog Bite Attorney
Should you be bitten by a stray dog, whether you can prove the ownership of the dog or not, contact Flahavan Law Offices as soon as possible. With over 50 years of experience providing legal guidance to dog bite victims, we will handle your case and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Call us today at (707) 414-0119 or fill out a form online for a free initial consultation.
