California Laws Governing Animal Attacks

Research shows that owning a pet can alleviate a person’s sadness or depression. Dogs, cats, birds, and all other animals have been proven to help people cope with problems and even deal with anxiety. But what happens if pets are the ones causing problems and anxieties in our homes? Yes, this is possible. When we fail to train our pets properly, they may yield to their instincts and subsequently act wild.

Under California law, specifically the Penal Code 399 PC, a pet owner becomes liable when (a) he or she wilfully lets the animal run free or does not use ordinary care in keeping it, and (b) as a result, another person is killed or suffers serious bodily injury because of the animal. The penalty imposable under the law ranges from 6 months to 3 years jail time and/or a $1,000 to $10,000 fine.

If you happen to meet an untimely animal attack by somebody else’s pet, make sure to let the owner know first, then contact a personal injury lawyer. The latter can help with what discourse you can follow next so that you get paid damages, and the animal can be dealt with properly. On the other hand, if you are the pet owner, lawyers can help set up a legal defense, so that you cannot be held liable.

Thus, for accidents, personal injuries, and liabilities regarding these, it is always important to seek legal help. Turn to the most reliable and skillful attorney in San Jose, California – Attorney Geoffrey C. Nwosu.

The Law Offices of Geoffrey C. Nwosu is a law firm based in San Jose that also handle other legal areas with competent medical malpractice attorney, product liability attorney, and motorcycle accident attorney in California.

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