Stockton, CA asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: Hi I got bit by a dog yesterday at work he attacked me out of nowhere can I file a Lawsuit?

I work at a dog groomers giving dogs baths and i was washing off the last shampoo coat and the dog jumped and bit my lip I had to go to the emergency room to get stitches.

3 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You can successfully sue if the owner knew of the dog's propensity to bite and failed to warn you. There is no strict liability for dog bites for a person, like yourself, who has chosen to work with dogs. You have to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner.

Theodore Allan Greene
Theodore Allan Greene
Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: As the previous answer states - you would have to show the owner had some knowledge. As far as your treatment you would fall under workers compensation rules..

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: yes, you can sue if you can prove the owner KNEW of the dog's propensity to bite and didn't alert your company.

however, since you were injured at work, I would assume a workers comp claim would be the easiest to pursue.

set up an appointment with a local negligence/workers comp lawyer to discuss your options. Hopefully, there is insurance somewhere.

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