Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Sacramento, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Sacramento is (916) 808-5471.

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

  You can get a copy of police reports at the Sacramento Police Department. For in-person requests, you can go to either one of the two police facilities at 5770 Freeport Blvd., Suite 100, or 3550 Marysville Blvd. You should have a valid government-issued identification and a valid ‘right or need to access the police report. If you will be requesting the police report via mail or fax, please address it to 5770 Freeport Blvd., Suite 100. The fax number is (916) 808-0636.

• Who is liable when a dog bites someone in Sacramento?

  There is a strict liability standard for dog owners in California for dog bite cases. If you are bitten by a dog in Sacramento, you can file a claim against the dog owner regardless of whether their dog has bitten someone in the past. Any losses incurred by a casualty of a dog bite are the dog owner's responsibility.

• Can trespassers hold dog owners in Sacramento liable for a dog bite?

  Yes. Trespassers can hold dog owners in Sacramento liable for a dog bite. However, bitten trespassers need to prove that the owner was negligent and that negligence led them to sustain injuries. California Civil Code 3342, which states that dog owners are strictly liable for dog bite incidents on public property or where the dog bite victim had a lawful right to be, does not cover bitten trespassers. Therefore, bitten trespassers may have difficulties proving their case.

• Is there a deadline for filing a dog bite claim in Sacramento?

  Yes. In line with California Civil Code 335.1, the statute of limitations for dog bite accident cases in Sacramento is two years from the date the incident occurred. A dog bite victim may be able to claim compensation only if they file within two years. If the statute of limitations has expired, the case may be dismissed.

• Can you bypass the filing deadline in Sacramento for a dog bite claim?

  The courts may grant a tolling of the statute in some instances. In Sacramento, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims may be paused if the victim was under 18 years old at the time of the incident. They may file a claim two years from the date of their 18th birthday. Victims with physical incapacitation or mental or psychological impairment may also be exempt from the statute of limitations. In addition, the court may bypass the statute of limitations in cases where there is late discovery of the injuries arising from the dog bite accident.

• Can a victim in Sacramento sue for a police dog attack?

  Yes. If a police dog attacks someone in Sacramento for no reason, the victim may bring a liability lawsuit against the responsible law enforcement officials. However, someone inflicted by a police dog cannot sue if they annoyed, harassed, or provoked the police dog. Moreover, there are no grounds for a lawsuit against the police dog handler if a person was bitten by a police dog while it was assisting an officer in a criminal investigation, detaining a criminal suspect, or defending another person or officer.