Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Re: Dog Bite

It depends how badly your neighbor was hurt. By all means, ask about your neighbor's well-being, send a "get well" card, flowers, etc., whatever you can to show the neighbor you care and you're sorry she was hurt. Offer to pay the medical bills for her and her dog. Often, an apology goes a long way to avoid a lawsuit.

Re: Dog Bite

You are responsible to compensate the victim to the extent of their injuries. A qualifed attorney can help you evaluate the claim.

Re: Dog Bite

Even though it was unintentional, this incident is your responsibility. It was your dog (running free in violation of the law) that bit the neighbor and her pet, and it was your child who made it possible by subverting the restraints you had installed on your property. Between you and the neighbor, who do you think should be financially responsible?

How much exposure you have will depend upon many factors, the most important of which is the extent of the injuries your dog caused. If your neighbor is partially at fault then you may only have to bear a portion -- perhaps only a small portion -- of the cost.

You need to sit down with a lawyer and discuss the details of the case one on one. That's the only way to get a sense of the risks in this particular case rather than in dog bite cases generally.

Good luck.

Re: Dog Bite

Your dog, your responsibility. Promptly work out a settlement for payment of the medicals and other out of pocket expenses, and something for 'pain and suffering'.