What causes a dog bite?

If you are bitten by a dog in the state of California, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. However, this assumes that you didn’t do anything to provoke the animal. Take a look at a couple of different reasons why a canine may bite a person.

Dogs tend to be territorial

It’s not uncommon to see dogs snarl, growl or take other aggressive actions to protect what they see as rightfully theirs. If you get too close to a dog that doesn’t want you on its yard, near its toys or near its human, it may decide that physical confrontation is warranted. Canines may be especially aggressive if they have not been properly trained or socialized. This is because they might see humans as threats as opposed to something that they can share with.

Did you do something to provoke an attack?

Grabbing a canine’s tail, ears or face is a great way to increase the risk of a serious dog bite injury. Throwing an object at a dog may also be seen as an attempt to provoke an attack. In these scenarios, it is unlikely that you would be entitled to damages. You may also be seen as the aggressor if you made loud noises or took any other actions that were designed to annoy the animal that attacked you.

If you are hurt in an animal attack, it may be possible to file a personal injury case against its owner. Medical records, witness statements and other forms of evidence may make it easier to establish that you were hurt because of the owner’s negligence. Generally speaking, you have two years from the date of an attack to file a lawsuit.