Posted in California on January 27, 2021
Most people assume that their state has a leash law in place for dogs. However, what many people do not realize is that leash laws are typically not regulated at the state level. Only Michigan and Pennsylvania have statewide leash laws in place. In general, states let local jurisdictions decide how and when dog owners are responsible for their pet’s confinement. That said, leash laws are incredibly important when it comes to protecting the public. Here, our dog bite injury lawyer wants to discuss leash laws pertaining to Long Beach, California, and how these laws could play a role in the event you or a loved one are bitten and injured by a dog.
Long Beach Dog Leash Laws
Long Beach has taken steps to protect visitors and residents from dog bites. The city has passed a law that requires that dog owners and other people responsible for a dog to have a leash in their possession that shall be worn by the dog at all times if the dog is not in a designated exercise or park area. Pet owners are required to have their dog on a leash not more than six feet long if the dog is not on private property.
Additionally, Long Beach law says that a person responsible for a dog shall otherwise comply with any rules governing parks and relevant parking regulations. In other words, in areas where a leash may not be required, the dog owner is still responsible for supervising their pet.
California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Unlike other states, California holds dog owners strictly liable in the event their dog bites and injuries somebody else. This means that the dog owner will be responsible for paying for the expenses that the victim incurs regardless of whether or not the dog has ever been anybody before. So long as the injury victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private location when the bite occurred, the dog owner will be held liable. This is true even if the dog was on a leash at the time the incident occurred.
Dog bite injuries are not uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 800,000 people seek medical assistance each year due to dog bites. Unfortunately, more than half of these incidents involve children. Injuries from dog bites are often severe and can include the following:
- Severe puncture wounds and lacerations
- Severed veins, arteries, muscles, and tendons
- Amputated fingers
- Crushed bones
- Significant blood loss
- Infections
- Scarring and disfigurement
Speak to an Attorney for Help with Your Case
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to a dog bite, you need to work with an attorney as soon as possible. Dog bite injury cases in and around Long Beach can become complicated. A skilled attorney will be able to investigate every aspect of your claim in order to determine liability. Importantly, an attorney will handle all negotiations with aggressive insurance carriers in order to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. This can include coverage of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, scarring and disfigurement, and more.