Dog’s are often considered one of our closest companions, yet, they are animals and as such will still attack when they feel threatened or anxious. Dog bites can result in injuries that can range from minor piercing wounds to some serious infections that can be life-threatening in certain instances. Based on some reports, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States. From these 4.5 million dog bite reports, 1 out of 5 bites become infected. These infections can cause some severe conditions that may require extensive hospitalization to reach a full recovery. Thankfully, in Stanislaus County, some laws protect residents and visitors from the trauma and dangers caused by dog bites. This article will focus not only on what to do after receiving a dog bite, but also the city and county ordinances that protect dog bite victims in Stanislaus County. If you have any other questions, consult with one of our accomplished lawyers with experience handling dog bite claims. Our team of experienced lawyers at the top-rated Normandie Law Firm will be glad to take your call.
Stanislaus County
Located in the Central Valley, Stanislaus County is home to approximately 514,453 people. The county comprises the Modesto Metropolitan area and is home to some historic museums and plenty of natural wildlife areas to explore. The seat of Stanislaus County is the city of Modesto which is home to roughly 201,165 people and is considered the 18th largest city in the State of California. Many people from throughout the state of California and the county pass through Stanislaus County, and very few of them expect to be bitten by a dog. Fortunately, there are some dog bite laws that protect residents and visitors from the threat and trauma of the animal attack.
Stanislaus County Dog Bite Ordinances
In Stanislaus County, all dogs over the age of four months are expected to carry a dog license. This license is established to return the dog to the owner if the dog gets lost, but to also help Animal Control Agencies in the area in determining whether or not the dog is up to date on their vaccinations. In the event of a dog bite, it is required that the dog owner or dog bite victim report the event to local authorities immediately. This may result in a ten-day quarantine, in which the dog’s health will be monitored by trained professionals. This quarantine can either occur at the dog owner’s home or an Animal Control Center. Dogs in Stanislaus County are also required to be kept on a leash whenever they are in the public or private property. It is also required that the person handling the dog has fully capable of doing so, meaning an adult who will not be overpowered by said dog. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your dog bite incident, state and county law dictate that the owner is held liable for the ensuing damages. The injuries that a victim can sustain as a result of a dog bite can be truly devastating, and in some instances, even life-threatening. For this reason, it is in your best interest to understand the best steps you can take to prevent a dog bite, as well as what you should do if you become a victim of one. An expert attorney who has experience in dog bite cases can give you more information.
The Implications and What To Do
Most dog bite accidents occur at home more than anywhere else; they are also inflicted by dogs that we are most familiar with. In most cases, children between ages 5 and 9 and men are most susceptible to dog bites. However, these attacks can occur to anyone at any time. For this reason, it is incredibly important to understand some of the preventative measures of dog bites. Bulleted below are some tips you can follow to prevent 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 strange dogs
- When small children play with dogs, make sure that they are under supervision.
These preventative measures will not always guarantee that a dog will not attack. Some dogs will bite even when unprovoked, and in these situations, it is important to understand what you can do to treat the wound. These treatments can vary depending on the severity of the injury and are 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 truly devastating, especially when they are left untreated. If a victim does not receive proper treatment, they could be met with life-threatening infections. Some common infections contracted by dog bites are bulleted 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 infectious bacteria that can cause serious conditions to dog bite victims. Fortunately, the number of dog bite laws in Stanislaus County protect victims from suffering further trauma. It is also important to note that in almost all dog bite incidents in the state of California, the dog owner is considered liable for the damages the victim has sustained. However, when attempting to sue a dog owner for damages, it is in your best interest that you seek proper representation from a skilled lawyer experienced in dog bite cases.
How Normandie Law Firm Can Help
Having a qualified attorney with expertise in dog bite injury lawsuits on your side can mean the difference between filing a successful claim for compensation and having your case dismissed from court entirely. 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 attorneys with experience in dog bite cases can assist you in understanding dog bite ordinances in Stanislaus County and fighting and win your dog bite lawsuit. While we are based in Los Angeles, we 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 we can guide you down the path of receiving proper compensation for your damages. An experienced attorney will help you get started to take legal action.
