Best Dog Bite Attorneys in San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  (619) 531-2000 is the San Diego Police Department's non-emergency phone number.

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

  If you wish to obtain a police report in San Diego, you have two options. You can either contact the San Diego Police Department by dialing (619) 531-2000, or you can visit their physical location at 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101.

• Who covers the victim's losses following a dog bite incident in San Diego?

  The owner of the dog bears responsibility for the victim's losses as a result of a dog bite attack. San Diego follows the strict liability principle, which means that the injured party is not required to prove that the owner was negligent. The victim must only show that the dog belongs to the owner, that the dog bit him or her, and that the assault caused injuries and losses.

• Could someone else be held liable for a dog bite incident in San Diego?

  Someone other than the dog's owner may be held liable for the costs associated with a dog bite attack in San Diego. An individual who is harboring the dog at the time of the attack, such as someone walking the dog or caring for the dog while the owner is away, could be held liable. The landlord of a commercial or residential property that housed a dog during the attack could also be held liable for the resulting damages.

• What are a few typical defenses against dog bite claims that owners in San Diego frequently employ?

  In San Diego, common defenses used by dog owners in dog bite cases include: 

  • The dog was provoked or agitated by the injured person.
  • The injured victim was either trespassing or present on the property illegally.
  • Prior to the dog attack, the injured party harmed the dog or the dog's owner.

• Is it a requirement for all dogs in San Diego to be leashed?

  When inside your home in San Diego, you must ensure that your dog is restrained in a humane manner using a voice or electronic containment system, a leash, a fence, or another form of enclosure. When walking or bringing your dog to a public or private location, the maximum length of the leash must not exceed six feet.

• How can you determine the extent of insurance coverage a dog owner holds in San Diego?

  To determine the scope of a San Diego dog owner's insurance coverage, follow these steps:

  • Request the declaration page from the owner, preferably before the dog bite incident is reported to his or her insurer.
  • If both the insurer and the owner refuse, sue the owner to compel disclosure during the discovery stage of your case.
  • If the owner or the insurance company refuses to submit the declaration, send them a letter demanding it.