Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Oakland

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Oakland, California?

  (510) 777-3333 is the non-emergency contact number for the Oakland Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Oakland, California?

  If you need to make a request for police information, you can download the public records request form at https://oaklandca.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/government/o/OPD/s/document/dowd002885.pdf. You can also send an email to opdrecordrequest@oaklandca.gov or call the Public Records Request Coordinator at (510) 238-7143. In-person requests can be made at the Records Division, located at 455 7th Street, Room 306, Oakland, CA 94607, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• What legal principle does Oakland adhere to in relation to a dog owner's liability?

  Oakland adheres to California’s legal principle of "strict liability" when it comes to dog owner's liability. California Civil Code Section 3342 stipulates that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries or damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner knew about the dog's aggressive tendencies or had any prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous behavior.

• When can Oakland dog owners escape liability for compensatory damages?

  Instances involving humans harmed by a police dog are examples of situations in which a dog owner in Oakland may be able to avoid liability. Dog owners may also be able to avoid liability if the wounded party was trespassing at the time the dog inflicted harm, such as during an attempted intrusion into the owner's home. The dog owner's responsibility may also be reduced or eliminated if the victim incited the dog's aggressive behavior or if the dog behaved in reasonable defense of its owner against an assault.

• Which parties could be held liable for a dog attack in Oakland?

  Oakland residents such as dog owners, neighbors, and dog breeders can be legally pursued for compensation arising from an attack, bite, or mauling. This is because they should exercise control over dangerous animals. These individuals bear responsibility for injuries or fatalities, irrespective of the animal's previous aggressive behavior. California's strict liability dog bite law eliminates the need to prove negligence.

• What are the steps to be taken after a dog bite in Oakland?

  Individuals who have been attacked by dogs in Oakland must document their injuries through photographs, take pictures of the attacking dog for future identification purposes, and promptly seek necessary medical treatment. It is also important for dog bite victims to locate the owner of the involved animal and notify the local police or animal control authorities about the incident. They should get in touch with an Oakland attorney specializing in dog bite cases to discuss their rights and legal options.

• What is the statute of limitations for animal bite cases in Oakland?

  Oakland adheres to California law, which enforces a strict two-year window for initiating a personal injury lawsuit pertaining to a dog bite or animal attack incident. Within this period, the case should either be resolved or officially lodged in the relevant court. It is worth emphasizing that the timeframe for taking legal action against the state or a municipal department is much shorter than the standard two-year limit.