Dog bites can be truly damaging and can come almost unsuspectedly. Dogs may be considered some of our most loyal companions, however, they are still animals and will attack when they feel provoked to do so. According to a multitude of reports, 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States every year. From these cases, 1 out of 5 bites become infected. These infections can leave victims with injuries and conditions that can be incredibly difficult to treat. This is why some dog bite laws in Tulare County, including in Tulare City, Hanford, Visalia, and in California as a whole protect not just residents and visitors to the area but ensures that dog bite victims do not experience further trauma. For more information, consult with an accomplished lawyer experienced in dog bite cases. Our experienced lawyers at the top-rated Normandie Law Firm will be able to help you.
Tulare County
Located in the southern end of the Central Valley, Tulare County is home to over 442,179 people. Once known for the, now drained, largest freshwater lake in the west, Tulare Lake, the region is still known for the stunning natural wonders of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Tourists from around the world flock to this region to experience the natural beauty that Tulare County has to offer. There are also great sights to see in Hanford, Porterville, and Visalia. However, very few who visit this part of California expect to be bitten by a dog. Fortunately, there are some animal attack laws in Tulare County that ensure the protection of visitors, residents, and animal attack victims.
Dog Bite Ordinances In Tulare County
In Tulare County, it is required that the victims of dog bites, and the owner of a dog that bit another person report the bite immediately. This is done to ensure that a proper evaluation can be made of the dog’s current health. This evaluation of the dog’s health status is performed over a quarantine period. This quarantine can proceed at a dog owner’s home if it is found suitable by animal control officials, or at an animal control center. This evaluation is intended to find out if the dog is carrying the deadly bacterial disease, rabies.
Dogs in Tulare County are also required to be registered and licensed if they are more than four months old. This is done to not only ensure a dog is returned to the owner if lost but to make sure the dog is current on its infection vaccines. Dogs in Tulare County are also expected to be on a leash if on the private property of another, or on public property where unleashed dogs are prohibited. The dog is also required to be handled by someone able to do so, meaning by an individual who cannot be easily overpowered by the dog.
Dogs in Tulare County that attack either other animals or have multiple instances of attacking people can be deemed as vicious animals. This is determined by a hearing by a court, and if the dog is found as vicious, the dog owner must adhere to the safety regulations the court put in place. These regulations can include things like ensuring the dog is leashed at all times, making sure the dog is adequately restrained or requiring the dog owner to take the dog to a trainer to ensure the dog will not attack in public.
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite in Tulare County, it is important to understand the full extent of damage a dog bite can inflict on a victim. For more details, call a qualified attorney with expertise in dog bite injury lawsuits.
The Damages & What To Do If Bitten
According to some studies, most dog bite incidents occur at home. They are also usually inflicted by dogs that we are most familiar with. Typically, children between ages 5 and 9 and men are at the highest risk of dog bites. However, these attacks can happen to anyone at anytime. This is why it is in your best interest to understand what to do to prevent a dog bite from occurring. Some recommended preventative measures you can follow include:
- 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.
- Don’t encourage your dog to play aggressively
- Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for its young
Unfortunately, even after you follow these measures, some dogs will attack when unprovoked. When a dog does bite, it is important to know what to do to treat the wound effectively. These treatments tend to vary in the severity, 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 leave victims with an extensive series of damages, and when left untreated can result in the contraction of deadly infections. Some of these common infections contracted by dog bites include:
- 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.
Regardless of the damages that you have suffered from your dog bite incident, the laws in Tulare County and the greater State of California designate that the owner of the dog should be held liable. If you or a loved one have suffered a dog bite, you have every right to file a dog bite lawsuit against the dog owner. However, it is important to note that when attempting to sue a dog owner, a skilled attorney who has experience in dog bite cases can help you reach a more positive outcome. It will be to your benefit to seek out dog bite attorneys in Hanford, Visalia, Tulare City, and Porterville.
How Normandie Law Firm Can Help
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, one of the top law firms in the state, our expert attorneys with experience in dog bite cases can assist you in understanding dog bite ordinances in Tulare County and fighting and winning your dog bite lawsuit. Do not look further for a dog bite lawyer in Visalia. 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. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer who has experience handling dog bite injury claims.
