Dogs are considered one of man’s best friends and they provide a family with decreased stress levels and provide an overall feeling of levity and comfort. However, like all animals, dogs tend to bite when they feel threatened or anxious. Dog bites can be truly devastating as they can leave victims with damages that can last a lifetime if not properly treated. According to numerous reports, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States. Out of this vast sum of dog bite incidents, 1 out of 5 ends up becoming infected. These infections can cause severe damages and in some instances may require further hospital treatment to reach a full recovery. If you or a loved one has ever experienced a dog bite, it is highly recommended that you not only understand what to do after receiving a dog bite, but also the laws that protect you from experiencing further trauma. This article will focus on the dog bite laws that protect you in Kern County, as well as what to do after experiencing a bite. If you need more information, consult with one of our experienced lawyers at the top-rated Normandie Law Firm today.
Kern County
Kern County is a large space of central California that comprises the Bakersfield metropolitan area. Beyond the city of Bakersfield and the surrounding towns, Kern County offers the stunning natural views of the eastern Sierra Nevada, Red Rock Canyon State Park, and Sequoia National Forest. People from all over the world come to Kern County to experience these natural wonders for themselves. Those that visit Kern County hardly ever expect to be bitten by a dog, but these things happen, and when they do, there are some laws in Kern County that protect the residents and tourists that reside there. For additional information, reach out to a skilled attorney with expertise in dog bite injury lawsuits.
Dog Bite Laws In Kern County
The dog bite laws in Kern County not only protect dog owners but residents and visitors of the area. One of these major laws dictates that the owner of any animal that bites a person, and any person who treats any person for an animal bite is required to report the incident right away. This law also states that in the event of a bite said dog must be put under a strict quarantine that can either be performed at the home of the dog owner or a place designated by the animal control officers. Dogs or cats that have bitten a person and are not vaccinated for rabies are expected to be quarantined at a county animal shelter, and the owner is expected to pay for the board and care fees that may accumulate thereafter.
Dog bite laws in Kern County also designate that it is unlawful for the owner of a dog to allow the said dog on the property of someone else or public property without having the consent of the owner or controller of said property. If consent is given, the dog is expected to be restrained by a leash and under the control of someone able to control the said dog.
In Kern County, dog bite laws also explicitly mention that the animal control director has a right to declare an animal as dangerous if they have the evidence to believe that the animal poses a potential hazard to the health and safety of the public at large, other animals, or property. If the dog is declared as dangerous, the owner is expected to keep the animal securely fastened or confined on the owner’s property without question. Animal control services will then perform regular evaluations of the dog owner to ensure that they are following the order given to them. If the dog that is deemed dangerous inflicts further harm upon another person, the director of animal control services may order that the dog is impounded for euthanasia. If a dog owner violates any of the orders given by the animal control director, the dog owner could face a misdemeanor. For assistance in filing a claim against a dog owner, contact a qualified lawyer experienced in dog bite cases today.
Kern County’s dog bite laws are extensive in ensuring the protection of both Kern County residents and visitors. This is because dog bites, if left untreated, can leave a victim with severe damages, some of which are incredibly difficult to recover from fully.
The Damages of Dog Bites
A majority of dog bite incidents occur at home more than they do anywhere else. They are also often caused by dogs that we are most familiar with. Those who are the highest risk of dog bites are children between ages 5 and 9 and men. However, dog bites can occur anywhere by any other means. For this reason, it is incredibly important to be aware of the best course of action in preventing dog bites You should reach out to an attorney who has experience in dog bite injury cases. Listed below are some steps that can be taken in preventing a dog bite:
- Don’t encourage your dog to play aggressively
- Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for its young
- Don’t pet a dog without allowing it to smell you first
- If a dog looks as though they may attack, don’t run from the dog
- Don’t panic or make loud noises when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- Don’t approach unfamiliar dogs
- When small children play with dogs, make sure that they are under supervision.
Sometimes a dog will bite even after following the appropriate preventative steps. Certain dogs will still attack when unprovoked and as such, it is incredibly important that you understand the steps you can make to treat the wound. These treatments tend to vary based on how severe the injury is, and is listed below for your reference:
- Minor Wounds: With minor dog bite wounds it is recommended that you wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antibiotic cream, then cover the wound with a clean bandage. You should see a healthcare provider if the wound becomes: red, painful, warm, or swollen; if you develop a fever; or if the dog that bit you was acting strangely.
- Deep Wounds: If you have suffered a deep wound it is recommended that you apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop or slow, or you feel faint or weak, call 911 or any other local emergency medical service immediately. With deep wounds, it is highly recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Dog bite wounds can be more than just immediately physically damaging, as when left untreated they can result in life-threatening infections. Some common infections that a dog bite victim can contract are listed as follows:
- Capnocytophaga: This is a bacteria that lives in the mouths of humans, dogs, and cats. These bacteria don’t make dogs or cats sick, so it is not always easy to identify if your pet has it. The spread of Capnocytophaga to humans is rare, but they are typically spread through bites, scratches or close contact with a dog or cat. Most people who come into contact with dogs or cats do not become sick. However, people with a weakened immune system are at a greater risk of becoming sick.
- Pasteurella: this is a type of bacteria seen in over 50% of infected dog bite wounds. The bacteria commonly cause a painful, red infection around the bite area, but it can cause more severe conditions in those with a weakened immune system.
- MRSA: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to some antibiotics. Dogs and other animals can carry MRSA without showing symptoms. However, the bacteria can cause skin, lung, and urinary tract infections in people. In some, MRSA can spread to the bloodstream or lungs and cause life-threatening infections.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is a toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, and can cause rigid paralysis in people exposed to it through deep bite wounds.
These are just a few of the infections that a victim can suffer as a result of a dog bite. Fortunately, dog bites that occur in Kern County are protected by some laws that are meant to ensure the safety and security of both residents and visitors. However, if you do experience a dog bite, you have every right to file a lawsuit against the owner to earn compensation for the damages. Reach out to an expert lawyer with experience handling dog bite claims for more assistance.
How Normandie Law Firm Can Help
Dog bites can be both incredibly physically damaging, and emotionally traumatizing. If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite as a result of the negligence or misconduct of an owner, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against them. At Normandie Law Firm, one of the top firms in Southern California, our accomplished attorneys with experience in dog bite cases can assist you in the often arduous process of building your case, filing your claim, and collecting compensation for your damages. While our attorneys are based out of Los Angeles, we also practice in Sacramento County, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Fresno, San Diego, Orange County, Stockton, Bakersfield, and throughout the entire state of California.
FREE CONSULTATION: As a show of this commitment to you and your case we offer our clients the benefits of a zero fee guarantee policy. Under our zero fee policy, all clients don’t pay for our services until their case is won. If you feel in need of a second opinion, second opinion case reviews are also free under this policy. Call now for a free consultation by an experienced attorney, and we can guide you down the path of receiving proper compensation for your damages.
