Dog bites can be incredibly damaging and traumatizing to those unfortunate enough to have to suffer through them. Many rarely expect for a dog to bite them, but like all animals, dogs will still attack when they feel threatened or anxious. Dog bites can cause more than the initial damage and trauma as well. If left untreated, dog bite wounds can develop into severe infections that can be life-threatening in certain situations. Out of the reported 4.5 million dog bites that occur every year in the United States, one out of five become severely infected. This is precisely why there are some laws in California and Monterey County that protect dog bite victims, as well as the visitors and residents of Monterey County from experiencing the full extent of damage a dog bite can cause. For more details, consult with an experienced attorney at the top-rated Normandie Law Firm. It is important that you get crucial information from a skilled lawyer experienced in dog bite cases.
Monterey County
Located along the Pacific Coast in Northern California, Monterey County is home to plenty of natural wonders that can’t be found anywhere else. From the gorgeous seaside slopes of Big Sur to the charming coastal cities of Monterey Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County attracts visitors from across the world and is home to approximately 415,000 people. Monterey County is an iconic stop on the famous State Route 1 Highway that runs from the southern tip of California in San Diego to the northern end of California near Eureka. Those who live and visit Monterey County hardly ever expect to encounter the damages of an animal attack, partially because of the city and county ordinances that protect them from dangerous animals. However, these things can still happen, and when they do, it is important to understand the laws that protect your rights as a citizen and visitor of Monterey County. You should reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in dog bite injury lawsuits to learn more.
Monterey County Dog Bite Ordinances
Monterey County Dog Bite Laws are established to protect the rights of both dog owners, and other patrons within Monterey County. One of the main animal laws in Monterey County is the required licensing. All dogs and cats over four months of age in Monterey County are expected to be licensed; this licensing is put in place to ensure the dog or cat is properly vaccinated. Pet owners have 30 days to obtain a license before a late fine is issued by local authorities. A strict leash law is also enforced in Monterey County; this law dictates that dogs must be on a leash at all times when they are on public or private property where dogs running at large is prohibited. This leash law also implies that the person handling the dog is fully capable of doing so, meaning an adult who can guide the dog without being overpowered by it.
When a dog bite does occur in Monterey County, the victim or owner of the dog that attacked a person are expected to report the incident immediately to appropriate authorities. These authorities could be medical staff, or animal control personnel. Quarantine can also be imposed, which requires the owner to either quarantine the dog in question on their premises or in the care of an Animal Control Center. During this quarantine, animal control personnel monitor the health and condition of the dog for signs of rabies. The length of this quarantine can vary, but in most cases, it lasts ten days.
If a dog attacks other animals or has shown reoccurring signs of aggressiveness, then the dog could be labeled “vicious and dangerous.” Essentially this means that the dog cannot be trusted in the public without the dog owner adhering to some rules and regulations. Some of these regulations include:
- Having the dog on a leash at all times when outside the home
- Ensuring that there are adequate restraints like fencing or walls at the home
- Require the dog, and dog owner works with a trainer to ensure the safety of the dog to the public.
These laws are put in place to protect visitors and residents of Monterey County from the full extent of damage a dog bite wound can cause. While these laws are important in protecting against dog bites, it is also important that you understand the ways to prevent a dog bite, how to treat a dog bite wound if it occurs, and the infections that can arise if you do not seek out adequate medical assistance fast enough. Our accomplished attorneys with experience in dog bite cases can help give you further information.
Preventative Measures & The Damages
According to some studies, dog bite incidents occur at home more than any other typical setting. These studies have also shown that they are caused by dogs that we are most familiar with, and that those at the highest risk of suffering from a dog bite are young children and men. However, that is not to say you can let your guard down when you are not at home with an unfamiliar dog. Aggressive dogs can be found anywhere, and when you encounter one, it is important to understand the best course of action to prevent a bite from occurring. Some of these preventative measures include:
- 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 strange dogs
- When small children play with dogs, make sure that they are under supervision.
Preventative measures can only go so far however if you encounter a dog that will still attack when unprovoked. For this reason, it is incredibly important to understand how you can treat a dog bite wound. In almost all cases it is highly recommended that you seek expert assistance from a health care professional, however, it is fair to say that reaching a doctor or hospital right away isn’t always available to you. So, it is important to understand what to do to treat a dog bite wound. Bulleted below are the two main dog bite wound treatment types that a person can administer to a victim:
- 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.
When medical attention is not administered right away, a dog bite wound can become infected. Some of these infections can be treated with the right medicine, but others can cause truly life-threatening conditions that can be incredibly challenging to cure. Some of the common infections contracted by dog bites are listed below:
- Rabies: Rabies is the most dangerous diseases that people can contract through dog bites. While cases of rabies are rare, the rabies disease is incredibly lethal. Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and once symptoms show is almost always fatal. One of the most common ways to contract rabies is through the bite and saliva of an infected animal. Victims who have been exposed to an animal that could have rabies should immediately seek out medical treatment.
- 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 some of the infections that can be caused by the bacteria found in a dog bite wound. Fortunately, the variety of laws in Monterey County protect victims from experiencing further damages. It is also important to note that California dog bite laws permit all injured dog bite victims to pursue legal action through a dog bite lawsuit that can be filed against the dog’s owner. However, with all lawsuits, it is incredibly important that you seek representation from an expert lawyer with experience handling dog bite claims.
How Normandie Law Firm Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of a dog bite, you have every right to file a claim for compensation against the dog’s owner. Clients who file a claim with the top Normandie Law Firm may find some if not all of the following damages compensable to them:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses
- Loss of Income
- Loss of potential future income
- Emotional Damages (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc…)
- Punitive Damages
Victims of a dog bites contact our Los Angeles law offices to learn more about how to receive compensation for their injuries. At Normandie Law Firm, our California attorneys can assist you in understanding dog bite ordinances in Monterey County and fighting and in winning your dog bite lawsuit. While we are based in Los Angeles, our experienced lawyers also practice in San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, Bakersfield, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento and throughout the state of California.
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If you contact our law offices today, we can walk you through the complicated process of filing your claim completely free of charge. As a show 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. Please, feel free to give us a call, and an attorney who has experience in dog bite cases can guide you down the path of receiving proper compensation for your damages.
