Santa Cruz

Dog Bite Attorney

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(831) 480-1177

Santa Cruz Dog Bite Attorney

Even though many other species of pets have gained popularity in the U.S. in recent decades—from iguanas to snakes and even skunks—dogs remain the most popular and beloved of them all. Dogs and humans have maintained a symbiotic relationship for thousands of years, and prior to the 20th century canines were used in large part for practical purposes rather than as pets. However, there is a darker side to “man’s best friend.” Each year thousands of people are injured by dogs, and in some cases very seriously. If you are injured it is very important that you seek representation by an attorney. Nadrich & Cohen, LLP has many years of experience successfully helping clients gain compensation for their injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a vicious animal, please call us for a free consultation, by calling (831) 480-1177, or by completing the contact form on this page.

Dog Bite Statistics

The Centers for Disease Control keeps a record of dog bite injury attacks, and reports that each year over 800,000 Americans are injured in dog attacks. In 2012 more than 27,000 people were so maimed that they required reconstructive surgery. In California 5 people were killed by dogs in 2013 out of 23 in the nation.

While there is an ongoing debate about whether certain breeds are by their nature more likely to attack and injure people than others, there is no disputing the statistics. All the deaths in the U.S. last year from dog bites were from pit bull attacks. The following are the most dangerous breeds statistically:

Pit bulls
Rottweilers
Huskies
German shepherds
Chow chows
Dobermans
Bull Mastiffs

California’s Dog Bite Laws

The laws regarding dog attacks in California are complex. Strict liability applies if a person is bitten and injured by a dog either in a public place of when they are on the grounds of the owner lawfully. If they are trespassing, however, or are engaging in behaviors to provoke the dog, they may not have grounds for a lawsuit. If a dog attacks a person without biting, then the strict liability provision does not apply. Rather, the rules for negligence are used. This means that the plaintiff must prove that the owner owed a duty of care, that the duty was breached, and that injury resulted from that breach.

Children ages 5-9 are by far the most likely to be attacked and injured by dogs. This is likely due to their small stature, and their innate curiosity. It is not difficult to imagine a child being intrigued by a dog it hears but never sees, and climbing a fence into a back yard to greet the dog.

Santa Cruz Dog Ordinances

Santa Cruz is a very progressive community and provides areas where dogs can run free without being leashed. There is a likelihood that this will change soon, however. Local ordinance prohibits vicious or dangerous dogs to roam unrestrained in most places. If an event occurs the pound officer, may by written order, require that a dangerous dog be confined to its own premises, muzzled, or kept on a leash.

What to Do if You or Your Child Are Injured in a Dog Attack

It is very important for parents to educate their children to avoid dogs that are unfamiliar to them. They should never approach a dog without being in the supervision of a parent. If you or your child are injured in a dog bite attack, the first thing to do is seek medical help. You then need to file a police report. Make sure you can describe the dog in detail. Finally, contact an attorney with Nadrich & Cohen, LLP. We have decades of experiencesuccessfully representing clients who have been injured in dog attacks. To request a free consultation with a dog bite attorney, call us today at (831) 480-1177, or complete the contact form on this page.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP

101 Cooper Street #249 Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Phone: (831) 480-1177

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Randal Cohen and his assistant Lizbet go above and beyond the call of duty to take care of their clients. Randal is extremely sophisticated yet down to earth and makes you feel that you are important and that he is always trying 100% for you. He takes great pride in his work and works hard at all times. The settlement I received was beyond my expectations. Thank you Randal and Lizbet

Very helpful! I am most grateful for the kindness and help i received from Mr. Nadrich. He handled my case very well and got me the best compensation for my situation. He is a good attorney.

Mr. Nadrich and his staff were always professional concerning my case. I would recommend him and his law office including Randal, Larry, Sylvia, Elizabeth and Jennifer to anyone needing their type of service.

I would refer my friends, family and coworkers to Nadrich & Cohen. Nobody ever pushed me aside when I called. They always talked to me. They are good lawyers and they are good people.

Nadrich & Cohen handled our daughter’s injury case with the utmost respect, professionalism, and courtesy. Each and every member of their staff worked tirelessly to ensure that our daughter received fair compensation for the injuries she sustained in a Pit Bull attack. We would recommend them without hesitation!

Nadrich and Cohen took a very stressful time for us and made it feel like things were going to be ok. The lawyers took time to answer all of our questions and let us know that they were going to do everything they could to get us the compensation we deserved.

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