Orange County Accident Lawyer Blog

California Workplace Dog Bite Injuries: Who Is Responsible?

Each year, thoudans of mail carriers and other workers are attacked by dogs. What can you do if you become an Orange County dog bite victim while on the job?

CA Dog Bite Lawyer: Most Dog Bite Attacks Involve Dogs With No History Of Biting

80% of dogs that bite children have not bitten before. Our California dog bite attorneys explain why dogs suddenly attack, even dogs with no history of biting.

Dog Bite Victims Have Rights in Orange County or in the Sky.

You might expect to have to worry about dog bites when walking in a neighborhood. Perhaps you’d expect dog bites to be a problem when walking in the park. But, I’ll bet you never thought you’d have to worry about dog bites while flying. Last Saturday, both a flight attendant and a passenger aboard board US Airways flight 522 sustained painful dog bites when a dog travelling in the passenger cabin was let out of its carrier by its owner. Dog bite law is confusing. Whether you are bitten in the sky or here in Orange County, you have rights. And Orange County dog bite lawyer can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. To learn more, contact the California personal injury attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596.

Dangerous Dogs: More Californians Are Being Hospitalized With Dog Bite Injuries

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released a report showing that the number of dog bite victims admitted to hospitals increased by 86% in the 15 years between 2003 and 2008. The treatment of a dog bite can be expensive. If you have been bitten by a dog that was trained to be aggressive or was not properly restrained, you may have lost wages and the ability to work as well. You deserve compensation for your losses. The Orange County dog bite attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie help dog bite victims to recover compensation for their medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage and other losses caused by dog attacks. To learn more, contact our Newport Beach law office at 866-981-5596

Temple City Pit Bull Attack

Last Saturday a pit bull and three other dogs escaped from their yard and viciously attacked John Wachter and his Labrador Retriever, Chloe. An Orange County dog bite attorney recounts the incident and discusses attack victims' rights.

May 16-22 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Dog bites are a serious public health problem that inflicts both physical and emotional damage on its victims. Almost 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Children, especially boys between the ages of five and nine, have the highest incidence of dog bite injuries. The attorneys at Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie represent dog bite victims in Orange County and throughout Southern California. If your child has been injured by a dog, we can help you get insurance compensation for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering. Contact our office at 866-981-5596 to learn more.

Dog Mauling of three children in California.

Dogs mauled three children in California. Dog bite lawyer expert James Ballidis discusses the best way to defend yourself and your children. Call our office if you have any questions at 1 866 981-5596.

Bull mastiff mauling of woman leads to lawsuit against owner and County Animal Care services

Last December a Laguna Hills woman was viciously attacked by three bullmastiffs and narrowly escaped death due to the heroic efforts of two neighbors. This week she is suing the city of Laguna Hills and the Orange County Animal Care Services for not doing enough to protect her from these known violent dogs.
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Elaine Christian was taking a walk around her mother’s neighborhood when suddenly she was mauled by three bullmastiffs, weighing between 95 to 130 pounds. If it wasn’t for a neighbor, Jim Warren, who witnessed the attack, Christian may not be here today. Warren literally threw himself over the woman to shield her from the dogs. Another neighbor who was attacked earlier as well was able to escape and call 9-1-1.
The Orange County Sheriffs were the first to arrive on the scene and had to Taser and pepper spray to control the dogs. They were later put to sleep.
Since the attack, many neighbors have come forward to tell their stories of the dogs running loose in the neighborhood, dog brawls and other more minor attacks. Orange County Animal Care Services had even quarantined one of the dogs prior to this episode for fighting.
Lawyers for the public agencies argue that they are not liable for and have no legal obligation to prevent such attacks.  The law is under development in this area.  City and County officials are mandated by statute to act in certain circumstances.  If they are mandated to act, the agency can be held liability for failure to carry out that mandate.  If on the other hand, the local and county ordinances are written in vague terms and not mandatory terms, there is no duty to act and thus no liability. 
As an example, in a case we recently settled, the Municipal Code of San Clemente 6.28.010, made provisions for the definition of a “vicious dog” and set forth procedures to follow when the dog was determined to be vicious.  The agency failed thereafter to follow the ordinance, and thus had liability for the incident.  
Whether a claim can be made against a governmental entity is a matter for an experienced California dog bite attorney.  Additionally, most cases require the victim file a written claim against the proper entity within 6 months or you are precluded from suing the entity.
Call us if you have such a claim.  We can help you.  Call now at 1 866 981-5596.