Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Dogbite

I was babysitting my 4 year old niece at my home. In our backyard under the supervision of my wife and I she approched my sleeping dog (with the intention to pet her) and startled dog. The dog bit her on the face. We were 10' away from her when the incident occured. I immediately brought her to emergengy where she recieved 5 stiches on her nose. I filed a dogbite report with the hospital and with the city animal control. My dog was taken for a mandatory 10 day quarantine and even though the dog had never showed any outward aggresion prior to this incident, I authorized her destruction when the quarantine period ends. My estranged brother-in-law let me know in no uncertain terms he intends to file suit and ''take us for everything''. At this time ( 5 days after incident) I have not recieved any formal correspondence but believe it to be forth comming. Can one divorced parent file a lawsuit on behalf of their child without consent of the other parent? What steps if any can I take to protect myself? Should I notify my home owners insurance of the incident or wait until I am notified of a suit?


Asked on 8/08/07, 12:11 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Dogbite

Yes. Notify your homeowner's insurance.

Read more
Answered on 8/09/07, 9:17 pm
Robert L. Bennett Law offices of Robert L. Bennett

Re: Dogbite

I am enclosing some dog bite information for you.http://injury.findlaw.com/personal-injury/personal-injury-a-z/dog-bite.html

One divorced parent does have the ability to file a law suit, without permission from the other.

You should have already notified your homeowner's carrier. Do it at once! They will appoint a lawyer to defend you, at no charge to you.

Read more
Answered on 8/09/07, 9:24 pm
Jonathan Stein Law Offices of Jonathan G. Stein

Re: Dogbite

Notify your homeowners insurance IMMEDIATELY. They may be able to settle the case so you are not sued.

Read more
Answered on 8/10/07, 11:24 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in California