Pet ownership is an increasingly prevalent part of America’s collective experience. There are more pet owners now than ever, and a growing infrastructure is being created to help accommodate this furry obsession. Restaurants, cafes, and breweries are becoming increasingly pet-friendly, and it’s not uncommon to see many wagging tails at a nice dinner out on a Friday night.
While the animal lovers among us may cheer on that news, it also has a dark side. Dog attacks have increased significantly in the years since the pandemic, with lethal attacks growing from 40 per year to over 100 and ER visits from dog bites soaring to over 49,000 in California alone.
Few pet owners realize that their pets are considered legal extensions of themselves when they bring home a new furry friend. Whether from a bite, a collision, or another incident, pet-related injuries can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for the owner.
Damage From Aggressive Animals
Delivery drivers are frequent victims of the more territorial or protective dogs. Dogs often charge out of homes when doors are opened for package delivery, leading to bites or other injuries. Drivers trying to enter a property while unaware an aggressive dog is present are also common casualties.
To many a parent’s horror, children playing in parks or playgrounds who approach an unfamiliar dog unsupervised can quickly become victims of nervous aggression. The chaos of running, screaming, and high energy can stress some dogs, triggering aggressive responses.
As any dog owner can tell you, the more dogs in an area, the more likely a fight will break out between them. If a dog fight gets too intense, owners will move in to break it up, and a hyped-up dog may not react well to being pushed around. The aggression will often transfer to the person breaking up the fight, leading to bites and injuries.
Accidents Involving Animals
For example, an object-obsessed dog will often block out all else when chasing down their favorite toy, leading to collisions. A recent case involving Leslie Law Firm involved a similar situation where a dog chasing after a thrown toy knocked over a person in their path, causing a severe knee injury.
Another common vector for injury is affectionate but poorly trained dogs jumping on people to ask for food or attention. While adults may be able to support their weight, children and the elderly may not be, causing nasty falls and injuries.
Even seemingly minor events, like scratches from a pet’s nails or slobbery licking, can escalate due to allergies or infections caused by saliva or bacteria. While pets are often playful and well-meaning, their actions can unintentionally lead to harm, making it essential for owners to exercise caution.
What To Do If Another Party’s Pet Has Caused Injury
If another party’s pet has injured you, you should consider contacting a personal injury attorney at your earliest convenience. Pet attacks are characterized as Strict Liability meaning that the pet owner can not argue that the injured party is responsible for their injury. These injuries are usually covered under homeowner or renters insurance policies.
Leslie Law Firm is the premier local dog bite injury specialist for Orange County residents. Our team can help gather evidence, negotiate with the owner’s insurance provider, and build a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured due to another party’s pet, don’t hesitate to contact Leslie Law Firm. We will handle each step of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. Call today!
