When another dog attacks your dog, it is both upsetting and unexpected. Beyond worrying about your pet’s injuries, you may wonder, My dog was attacked by another dog—what can I do? California law is on your side. You may recover compensation from the other dog’s owner for things like vet bills and other costs related to the attack.
At Weinberg Law Offices, we recognize that your dog is a cherished part of your life, and when it is hurt, it is not just a financial issue—it is personal. We are here to help you understand your rights and take the steps needed to seek justice for your pet.
My Dog Was Attacked by Another Dog, What Are My Rights?
Seeing your dog hurt by another dog can leave you with many questions about what to do next. In California, the law views pets as personal property, which means cases involving dog-on-dog attacks are not covered under the state’s dog bite statute. Instead, these situations typically rely on proving that the attacking dog’s owner was negligent.
Negligence occurs when an owner fails to act responsibly, such as when owners do any of the following acts.
- Letting their dog roam freely. If the attacking dog was off-leash or improperly contained, the owner may be liable for the harm caused.
- Ignoring aggressive behavior. Owners who are aware of their dog’s history of aggression but fail to take precautions can be found responsible. Things that would qualify as a history of aggression include a history of the dog growling menacingly, lunging at, or previously attacking others.
- Breaking leash laws or regulations. Violating local animal control laws can support a claim against the attacking dog’s owner.
You are looking for answers if you have been asking, My dog was attacked by another dog—what are my rights? The answer lies in California’s negligence and property damage laws.
For example, an owner who knows their dog has been reactive in the past but still takes them to a park without proper precautions may be held accountable if their dog attacks another. On the other hand, if a dog has no known history of aggression attacks without warning, the owner might not be considered negligent.
Weinberg Law Offices understands how stressful and emotional dog-on-dog attacks can be. Our California dog bite lawyers are ready to help you seek compensation for your pet’s injuries and hold the responsible owner accountable.
What You Can Recover After a Dog Attack
When another dog attacks your dog, the financial and emotional costs can quickly add up. California law allows you to seek compensation for damages, such as:
- Veterinary expenses. This includes emergency care, surgery, medications, and ongoing treatments your dog may need.
- Loss of value. If your dog is a rare breed, competes in events, or serves a specific purpose, you may be eligible for compensation for any decrease in its value caused by the attack.
- Emotional distress. The pain of witnessing your dog’s attack and dealing with their recovery can be recognized through noneconomic damage awards.
Additional compensation may be pursued in cases of gross carelessness or deliberate harm. For example, emotional harm caused by negligence could involve a dog owner intentionally allowing an aggressive dog to roam without supervision, knowing it poses a risk to others. Punitive damages might apply if the attacking dog’s owner encouraged the attack, ignored repeated warnings about their dog’s behavior, or failed to restrain a dog with a known history of violence.
The California dog bite attorneys at Weinberg Law Offices will address veterinary costs, emotional strain, and other damages, helping you work toward justice and accountability for what you and your dog have endured.
What to Do If Your Dog Was Attacked
If your dog is attacked, taking the proper steps afterward can make a difference in their recovery and your legal case. Here is where to begin:
- Seek veterinary care immediately. Even if your dog’s injuries seem minor, a veterinarian can check for hidden issues like infections or internal damage.
- Document the injuries and the incident. Take photos of your dog’s injuries, the attacking dog, and where the attack happened. Save all veterinary records and receipts related to the attack.
- Collect witness information. If anyone saw the attack, ask for their contact details. Their statement could support your case.
- Report the incident to animal control. Filing a report creates an official record, which can help hold the attacking dog’s owner accountable.
By following these steps, you can help your dog recover while laying the groundwork for seeking compensation from the responsible party.
FAQs
Can I Sue For My Dog’s Veterinary Bills?
Yes. California law allows you to recover reasonable and necessary costs for your dog’s medical care, including emergency treatment, medications, and rehabilitation expenses. These costs must be directly related to the attack.
What If the Attacking Dog’s Owner Claims They Were Not Aware of the Dog’s Aggression?
You may still have a case if the owner violated leash laws or failed to control their dog. If the owner acted irresponsibly, negligence can be established without prior knowledge of aggression. An attorney can investigate to gather evidence.
Can I Get Compensation for Emotional Distress?
In cases of extreme negligence or deliberate harm, damages for emotional distress may be possible. Witnessing your dog’s attack and dealing with their recovery can have a significant emotional impact. These claims often require strong evidence and legal support.
How Our California Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to cases. Here is how we handle situations like yours:
- Case investigation. From leash law violations to aggressive behavior patterns, we leave no detail unchecked.
- Clear communication. Attorney Yoni Weinberg is fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish. We believe that open communication is the cornerstone of a successful attorney-client relationship.
- Experience with real results. Our team brings years of experience and a tech-savvy edge to uncover details others might miss.
Our attorneys know this is not just about covering bills. It is about ensuring someone takes responsibility for what happened.
For a free legal consultation, call (818) 697-1079 or complete the case evaluation form below
Your Dog Deserves More Than a Quick Apology
When another dog attacks your dog, a simple apology does not undo the harm or cover the mounting vet bills. At Weinberg Law Offices, we believe the responsible owner should be held accountable for the damage caused.
California law sets strict deadlines for filing a claim, so acting promptly is essential. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you seek the compensation your dog deserves.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.
As a personal injury attorney, my mantra is that there is no such thing as a “small case”. I will give 100% matter how big or small a case may be. I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, languages which I use regularly in my practice.
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