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Category Archives: Dog Bites

DON’T POKE THE BEAST! HOW YOU CAN ASSUME THE RISK OF A DOG BITE

By Heiting & Irwin |

Here in California, the “Dog Bite Statute” makes a dog’s owner responsible for injuries caused by their dog.  Found at Civil Code, Section 3342, subdivision (a) of the statute reads: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public… Read More »

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DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE DOG BITE EXPERTS?

By Heiting & Irwin |

A useful tool in litigating “dog bite” cases (see my prior blog about how a “bite” is not necessarily involved) involves a professional assessment of the subject dog’s behavior.  Although a veterinarian, or the subject dog’s specific (or primary care) veterinarian, may be deposed or called as a witness, there are experts with qualifications,… Read More »

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3 MORE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DOG BITE CASES IN CALIFORNIA

By Heiting & Irwin |

In addition to those points set forth in our prior post, the following points and information can also apply to what are commonly referred to as “dog bite” cases. Some animals are considered “inherently dangerous”. In certain situations, because of a tendency or “propensity” of a specific animal to cause injuries to others or… Read More »

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3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DOG BITE CASES IN CALIFORNIA

By Heiting & Irwin |

Injuries include risk of infection.  According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, approximately 15-20% of dog bite injuries develop infections.  Other sources report the risk as high as 25%. Dog bite related infections are polymicrobial, predominantly Pasteurella and Bacteroides spp. Infected bites presenting less than 12 hours after injury are particularly likely to… Read More »

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What Drivers Need To Know About Reducing Risks Of Animal Car Accidents

What Drivers Need To Know About Reducing Risks Of Animal Car Accidents

By Heiting & Irwin |

As winter gives way to spring, animals may emerge and appear more frequently on California’s roadways. Drivers can limit the potential for animal car accidents by taking steps such as limiting their speed and being vigilant about their surroundings. If you experience a car accident, contact the California attorneys at Heiting & Irwin by… Read More »

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Cases Involving Amputation Injuries

By Heiting & Irwin |

An amputation requires the “removal of either a severely injured or deceased bodily segment”. Although amputations may happen because of medical conditions such as the implications presented by diabetes, in personal injury cases, the removal of a body part is usually the direct result of a trauma. This can happen in a car accident,… Read More »

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FACIAL WOUNDS FROM DOG BITES

By Heiting & Irwin |

While all injuries from a dog bite or attack require careful treatment and attention, facial wounds, lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions can be especially problematic for victims. After the treatment stops, the victim is often left to cope with nightmares, flashbacks, and other negative feelings resulting from the attack, as well as the after-effects… Read More »

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NO FREE BITES AT THE DOG PARK

By Heiting & Irwin |

Dog owners are responsible for damages suffered by any person who is bitten by their dog in a public place… but what about the public dog park? Does the city or county which owns and/or operates the dog park bear any responsibility? There may be some ambiguity as to the public entity responsibility today,… Read More »

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What is the Value of an Injured Pet?

By Heiting & Irwin |

In what seems to be a trend of new cases expanding the rights of pet owners, the Court of Appeal for the Second District recently ruled that the usual standard of recovery for a dead or injured pet (market value) is inadequate when applied to injured pets. The recent case, Martinez v. Robledo, (2012)… Read More »

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YOUR RIGHT TO COUNSEL in CIVIL PROCEEDINGS

By Heiting & Irwin |

Heiting & Irwin You have likely heard or read on multiple occasions, the expression “you have the right to speak to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you…” (known as the Miranda warning). These are some of the rights of an individual charged with a crime. Criminals,… Read More »

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