Author: MichaelEhline

California and LA County Dog-Related Laws in 2023

Written by MichaelEhline on April 5, 2023. Posted in Dog Bite Blog.

Are you thinking about getting a dog? Have one but are not sure about all of the statutes surrounding pet ownership? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the top dog laws in Los Angeles so that you don’t have to! Take a look at the number of canine statutes and rules out there for pets and owners alike. Top Los Angeles employers like Animal Control are always looking to euthanize lost dogs, and according to their Los Angeles County website, there’s quite a lot dog owners must consider.

California has several dog-related laws, including:

Dogs must be on a leash: With or without a license, County Code Title 10, Section 10.32.010 states it is not permissible to permit a dog to run at large day or night. This is called the “leash law.”
Canine Vaccinations: All dogs four months of age or older must have rabies shots. The shots must stay maintained for the entire licensing period. Failure to comply with the law may result in a citation and court appearance under California Health and Safety Code Section 1920 and County Code Title 10, Section 10.20.220.
Unattended Canines: Dogs must not run loose. When outside its yard, the dog must remain leashed. Violations of County Code Title 10 Section 10.32.010 can result in a citation, court appearance, and fine of up to $250.
Dangerous dog laws: California has laws that allow animal control agencies to declare a dog dangerous if it has attacked or bitten a person or other animal. Owners of dangerous dogs may be required to take measures to prevent future incidents, such as muzzling the dog or keeping it in a secure enclosure.
Annual Licensing Requirements: The state law of California and county ordinances require owners to purchase dog licenses every year. You must also securely fasten the license to the canine’s collar whether they leave your house or yard. Also, cat licenses in all county unincorporated areas and several contract cities are required. But the failure to permit a canine can end up in citations, fines, and court appearances. These cases are mostly brought under the California Health and Safety Code, Section 1920, and the California Food and Agriculture Code, Section 30502. But many cases are filed under County Code Section 10.20.190.
Dog bites: In California, dog owners can be held liable for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.
Animal Abandonment: Abandoning an animal under California Penal Code Section 597(s) subjects the owner to a fine of $500. Also, a violation could mean six months of jail time.
Barking Dogs: Dog owners or custodians must not permit a dog to annoy and bark for an extended amount of time continuously. If so, they may be guilty of a public nuisance. After all, it disturbs the peace. Also, this can be a misdemeanor. So then it would carry a penalty of up to $1,000. But it could also be punishable by six months in jail under the California Penal Code 373(a) and L.A. County Code Section 10.40.065. Neighbors with complaints can contact their local Department of Animal Care and Control agency. Victims usually submit an Animal Complaint Form.
Proper Shelter: Owners of canines must provide adequate shelter from weather conditions of extreme hot, cold, and rain at all times under California Penal Code Section 597(a) and County Code Title 10 Section 10.40.010.
Inhumane Treatment of a Canine: People may not mistreat, abuse, torture, or subject animals to needless suffering. California Penal Code Section 597 and County Code 10.12.160 make this crystal clear. Also, animals may not become deprived of water, proper food, or shelter. A violation may end up as a felony charge. Also, anyone wishing to report a case of inhumane animal treatment or neglect should contact their local animal control agency.
Dogs in Open Vehicles: It is illegal to transport any canine in an open vehicle in California, including in or on the back of an empty truck while traveling on any highway, county road, street, alley, or lane. Violation result is citations, court appearances, and a fine of $250 per incident.
Exception: Vehicle Code Section 23117 allows open truck transport in particular cases. But the cross tethering to the sides of the open vehicle must be secure. But the car must be 3 feet 10 inches (46 inches).
Hobby Breeder: Also, under the law, a person who breeds dogs to sell is a hobby breeder. But unless the person has a valid Animal Facility license, they cannot produce for pay or other compensation. Anyone who breeds a female dog must obtain a Hobby Breeding permit as outlined in Section 10.90.010. The purpose is to prevent the over-breeding of animals. The permit authorizes whelping of no more than one litter per female canine in 12 months. Also, no more than one dog litter per private household is allowed per one year under L.A. County Code Title 10, Section 10.20.045, and 10.90.010.

In addition, Los Angeles County has its own dog-related laws, including:

Licensing: All dogs in Los Angeles County are required to be licensed with the county. This includes providing proof of rabies vaccination.
Barking dogs: Los Angeles County has laws that prohibit excessive dog barking, which animal control agencies can enforce.
Leash laws: Similar to the state law, dogs in Los Angeles County are generally required to be on a leash when in public places.
Dangerous Canines: The owner of a public menace dog may have the animal removed and impounded. The agency may file a petition with the Municipal Court when they believe a canine is dangerous to determine its disposition. The dog owner may need to give up or dispose of the animal. County Code Sections 10.37.020, 10.37.150, and 10.37.040 are also a basis for a claim.

It’s important to note that laws can change over time, and it’s always best to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information.

You must license all dogs for four months and up with the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control. These licenses are good for one year. If not updated, there is a $20 penalty. All dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies. The city provides some low-cost rabies clinics each July. The municipality further reduces license fees if the dog is spayed or neutered. The Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 10.32.010 prohibits dogs from running by themselves on any public street or park without a leash on.

All About California Dog Attacks. — Ehline Law Firm dog attacks statistics.

The leash must not exceed six feet. It is illegal to transport dogs in the bed of any truck. However, the exception is if the dog is securely cross-tethered. Dogs remain prohibited from defecating on public property. Dogs must refrain from barking in a disturbing interfering with the peace of a neighborhood. The city requests that if a person sees a wild animal on their property, to call animal control. California law is specific regarding dog bites and attacks.

Were you hurt in a dangerous dog mauling in Los Angeles, California? If a dog attacked you, this comprehensive list of canine-related statutes and ordinances gathered by Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, APLC, will help answer your questions. We hope after reading this, you will be one step closer to receiving deserving, full, and fair dog bite compensation.

Civil Code Sec. 3342. Continued

(a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon express or implied invitations.

(b) Nothing in this section shall authorize the bringing of action according to subdivision (a) against any governmental agency using a dog in military or police work if the bite or bites occurred while the dog was defending itself from an annoying, harassing, or provoking act, or assisting an employee of the agency in any of the following:

1. In the apprehension or holding of a suspect, the employee has a reasonable suspicion of the suspect’s involvement in criminal activity. 2. In the investigation of a crime or possible crime. 3. In the execution of a warrant. 4. In defense of a peace officer or another person.

(c) Subdivision (b) shall not apply in any case where the victim of the bite or bites was not a party to, nor a participant in, nor suspected to be a party to or a participant in, the act or acts that prompted the use of the dog in the military or police work. (d) Subdivision (b) shall apply only where a governmental agency using a dog in military or police work has adopted a written policy on the necessary and appropriate use of a dog for the police or military work enumerated in subdivision (b). [1953 ch. 37, 1988 ch. 298.] California Civil Code Sec. 3342.5.

Owner’s Duty to Remove Danger Present to Others by Dog (a) The owner of any dog that has bitten a human being shall have the duty to take such reasonable steps as are necessary to remove any danger presented to other persons from bites by the animal.

(b) Whenever a dog has bitten a human being on at least two separate occasions, any person, the district attorney, or city attorney may bring an action against the owner of the animal to determine whether conditions of the treatment or confinement of the dog or other circumstances existing at the time of the bites have been changed so as to remove the danger to other persons presented by the animal. This action shall be brought in the county where a bite occurred. The court, after hearing, may make any order it deems appropriate to prevent the recurrence of such an incident, including, but not limited to, the removal of the animal from the area or its destruction if necessary.

(c) Whenever a dog trained to fight, attack, or kill has bitten a human being, causing substantial physical injury, any person, including the district attorney, or city attorney may bring an action against the owner of the animal to determine whether conditions of the treatment or confinement of the dog or other circumstances existing at the time of the bites have been changed so as to remove the danger to other persons presented by the animal. This action shall be brought in the county where a bite occurred. The court, after hearing, may make any order it deems appropriate to prevent the recurrence of such an incident, including, but not limited to, the removal of the animal from the area or its destruction if necessary.

(d) Nothing in this section shall authorize the bringing of an action pursuant to subdivision (b) based on a bite or bites inflicted upon a trespasser, or by a dog used in military or police work if the bite or bites occurred while the dog was actually performing in that capacity. (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent legislation in the field of dog control by any city, county, or city and county. (f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the liability of the owner of a dog under Section 3342 or any other provision of the law. (g) A proceeding under this section is a limited civil case. [Amended 1998 ch. 931.]

Why Should I Get Help from Dog Bite Lawyers?

Savage dog attacks are a grave matter, requiring medical care and vaccinations. If you suffered a dog attack and are unsure about your legal situation, contact our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers now at (213) 596-9642 to get legal help. Furthermore, if a dog bites a person, the City requests they contact the County Health Department Rabies Control Section. Their number is (323) 730-3723. If you lose a dog or cat, reach the city after exhausting all options.

Furthermore, the city is always available for assistance. Did we miss one, or was the law amended since we published it? Could you send us your thoughts via email?

Driving Directions to the Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Ehline Law Firm (213) 596-9642 from East Valley Shelter. 14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, CA 91405.
888-4LAPET1 (888-452-7381)
(818) 756-9323
We are 36 min (17.1 miles) via US-101 S.

Understanding Elder Isolation and Worse

Written by MichaelEhline on April 5, 2023. Posted in Elder Nursing Abuse Blog.

Elder isolation is when older adults are socially disconnected from their family, friends, and community. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health.

There are many factors that can contribute to elder isolation, including the loss of a spouse or close friends, physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, and geographic isolation in rural or remote areas. Other factors may include financial constraints, lack of transportation, and language barriers.

Elder isolation can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including worsening physical health, increased risk of cognitive decline, and higher rates of depression and anxiety. It can also lead to an increased risk of elder abuse and neglect, as isolated seniors are more vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment.

To address elder isolation, it is important to provide seniors with opportunities to connect with others and engage in meaningful activities. This can include social programs, volunteer opportunities, and support groups. Providing transportation and other resources to help seniors access these opportunities can also be helpful. Additionally, healthcare providers can play an important role in identifying and addressing elder isolation by screening patients for social isolation and providing appropriate referrals and support.

Summary: Elder isolation is when older adults are socially disconnected from their family, friends, and community. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health.

Federal and California state guidelines govern care for nursing home residents in the Golden State. The caretaker’s duty of attention includes protecting the human rights of the elderly, yet this duty will often be violated by caretakers in and out of nursing homes.

These human rights violations go along with isolation, with many going under or unreported.

If caretakers isolate elders, it is a civil and criminal act.
And victims, by law, may hold the facility and others responsible.
So these plaintiffs can sue in civil court.
And they will sue to recover financial damages.

Beyond that, the DA can file a criminal complaint. And restitution may be part of any plea bargain. An award of monetary damages can be granted in the civil case.

Elder Isolation Knowledge

What does it mean?

Has your elder kin suffered at the hands of caretakers?
Did they suffer isolation or severe emotional trauma?
Is long-term PTSD or depression on the horizon?

If so, you should contact our elder abuse law firm because nursing homes and caretakers are not immune from the law, with many statutes existing to prevent your senior loved one’s harm or suffering.

Isolating someone is a form of elder abuse. Federal and state laws govern elder isolation. California Penal Code Section 15610.43 defines more senior isolation as elder abuse.

Physical, emotional, and financial elder abuse all exist. Still, isolation is a terrible form of emotional elder abuse that can happen in private homes or nursing care facilities and is overlooked as a terrible crime.

Elder Isolation Abuse Will Include:

Acts that prevent elders from receiving or making telephone calls. Also, denying them contact with those outside the facility.
Isolation also includes preventing seniors from contact with family members. It also applies to relatives and other loved ones. It can consist of many affirmative actions. So telling a caller that grandpa is “not available” is enough.
The nursing home cannot prevent a resident from speaking with friends. Medical doctors and clergy members all have a right to contact. Most of all, seniors have the right to talk to attorneys and police.
They also have the right to be free without restraint.
If confined for extended amounts of time, that is false imprisonment.

How Do You Take Action if You Suspect: Elder Abuse, Isolation, or Confinement?

What can you do?

Confinement includes: “… defilement, debasement, or isolation.”

If you suspect abuse, the steps to take are below for you to protect the unwary senior citizen. Hopefully, you will devise your strategy to prove the abuse and protect victims with help from this article.

Some of the things you can do are:

Please report it to the local police department.
Contact the state agency that oversees nursing homes and care facilities.
Collect any evidence of the abuse. And this can include pictures and records.
You can document any talks related to the abuse.
You can retain an elder abuse attorney.

Whether you are at home, inside a nursing home, or care facility, you have rights as an elder and family member of a victim. When your close family members suffer, a legal expert from our highly experienced, superior law firm will provide the legal help you deserve.

Elder Abuse: Filing Lawsuits and the Victim’s Right to Compensation. What is That?

Staff members of abusive nursing homes have confined elderly residents against their will, a brutal way to dominate the elder. Treatment of an older adult like this is atrocious.

And it can have devastating results for the seniors such as:

This loss of socializing with family and friends is terrible.
And it can result in fear, depression, and anxiety.
In bad cases, it may lead to post-traumatic stress, suicides, and death.

Filing a lawsuit against the negligent parties holds them to account. Also, it helps alleviate anxiety and stress. That way, the older adult knows their abusers won’t get off. And this takes away the fear of abuse.

Also, it gives the old residents quality of life with future caretakers. That way, care providers can provide the attention expected by law. Getting a PI lawyer is a step toward protecting your loved one.

And the call is free and confidential. And no duty exists to pay us a dime. So all you have to do is learn about elderly rights. After that, you can hire us or shop around. But if you hire us, we will hold the negligent party responsible.

Find out why the firm has a sterling reputation. Call for an appointment right away at (213) 596-9642. It’s smart to get a free, no-pressure legal consultation. Pertinent here, you get a chance to determine your rights and options.

Fremont Dog Bite Lawyers | Legal Support for Victims of Dog Attacks

Do Doctors Need to Report Dog Bites in California?

Written by MichaelEhline on April 5, 2023. Posted in Dog Bite Blog.

The Short Answer is Yes – Doctors Are Supposed To Report Dog Attacks

First, a little background here. Medical doctors, including psychiatrists and others, including lawyers and priests, owe a duty of confidentiality to those who come in confidence. The idea is to encourage truthfulness because the person revealing secrets will be protected from any dire ramifications.

However, because of medicine, HIPPA laws, and other doctors’ need to share information learned about the public and other dangers, physicians do not have an absolute duty of privilege to keep secrets about certain dog bites.

Of particular interest, the state may require doctors not to keep confidences and secrets in some instances, such as contagions. Emergency room doctors providing patients with medical treatment face this dilemma often, discussed below.

Doctors in the U.S. and Canada have a special responsibility to their patients (imagine the doctor examining an infant with signs of molestation) and the public as mandatory and permissive reporters of violence and public dangers. Hence, doctors report dog bites all time and may have a duty to do so under relevant state and local dog bite laws.

Mandatory Reports: A mandatory report legally requires a doctor to report public interest dangers. California Teachers and doctors, for example, must report child abuse. California policy requires doctors to report dog bites due to the public risks of Rabies. The duties of a mandatory reporter may include documenting factual evidence, such as dates, times, and places of the dog attack, as well as the diagnosis and prognosis of the professional medical doctor’s opinions.
Doctors may even be required to tell the proper agency or local health department how many stitches were received by the victim. All this dog bite injury info goes in the police report. Failure to comply with the reporting process can even subject the doctor to criminal liability with the police department. So it’s a serious issue!
Permissive Reports: Opposite of a mandatory report are permissive reports. Some would say permissive reports are outright unethical. So these reports create ethical dilemmas. And this is because statements to a doctor in this gray area should be confidential unless the patient places them at issue (making a dog bite or car accident insurance claim, for example – would require your medical bills, treatment records, chart notes, etc.). Nonetheless, physicians can confidently share information they receive, even death reports, when they issue a discretionary, permissive report.

IMPORTANT! First, physicians must not violate their Hippocratic Oath. These doctors must do good and ensure that their patients receive the best possible medical care quickly. And speed is especially needed after a dog bite attack because of the violence in the episode and the potential for acute bacterial infections. The animal control office is entitled to this information under California law to protect the public.

But what happens if the dog owner or bite victim discloses the dog’s address and other information when discussing the patient’s condition with the doctor?

What if the patient does not want the bite reported to animal control or the police?
Or what happens if the victim does not want to make a fuss over the attack and refuses to turn over the dog owner’s information?
What happens if the victim knows the dog or dog’s owner and does not want it reported to Los Angeles County animal Services?
What happens when the victim, a family member, and the pet owner agree not to tell the authorities?

Well, from the doctor’s perspective, the short answer is that it does not matter. No matter what, physicians must exercise clinical judgment in unclear cases where violence is at issue or if reporting is legally required. Analyzing the situation should benefit the patient and contribute to California’s public safety.

The patient can play dumb and initially refused to identify the dog’s location. But once the patient spills the beans, it’s getting written down into the Health Department designee “Report.”

Doctors Have A Special Responsibility As “Dog Bite Reporters”?

To recap. Make sure and be careful what you tell a doctor. Accurate doctors must ensure that their patients receive first aid and are well attended to. But doctors are also mandated by California state law to report all cases of a dog attacking a human that requires medical attention in a “Rabies Area.”

And there are no exceptions. Often this role is filled by the victim or the doctor contacting animal control. In some cases, both parties will make reports on their own.

The Code Of Regulations Requires Any Dog Bite In A Rabies Area to Be Reported?

According to Section 17 of the California Code of Regulations 2606, doctors and anyone designee must immediately report dog bites in a designated County Rabies Area to a local health officer or their designee. (A designee can be a private non-profit group, or a small city, such as Redlands, could lease health services from a County agency, for example).

What California Counties Are Rabies Areas?

In California, a “rabies area” is defined as a county where Rabies remains a public health hazard. And the person responsible for declaring what counties are Rabies Areas is the California State Department of Health Services Director.

The official history is that since 1987, all 58 counties in the Golden State are Rabies Areas as declared by the past and present Directors. (Click here for a list of all 58 Counties).

What Evidence Must A Mandatory Dog Bite Report Contain?

Los Angeles County, the City of Los Angeles, and almost every other jurisdiction above have a similar procedure. First, you will find it remains standard to report dog bite mishaps to the local health official or health department.

And some of these smaller departments use private kennels and other agencies as their designee. And this is common in San Bernardino County, for example.

Ultimately, the report lands in the in-basket of Animal Control agents, and these employees will send them via fax or over the world wide web in many designated counties. So it depends on the rules.

A Typical Dog Bite Report Will Include the following:

Date, time, and place of the assault.
The Bite victim’s name and relevant contact info.
The victim’s parent or guardian info will be used, assuming the minor received bites.
Dog owner’s contact info, if available.
Dog’s breed and general description.
Wound site description, such as hand or limb damage, and diagnosis
Notes on dog bite treatment, such as vaccination injections, the number of stitches used to patch the patient up, etc.

The physician’s contact information and other persons reporting the attack should be provided.

No matter what, physicians must report any California patient’s dog bites as documented in the medical evaluation or treatment regimen. And there is no requirement that the injury be severe, even if no rabies were present.

The hospital must immediately transmit the physician’s hospital report to the Health Department for the local County or City’s agents, local health officials, or designees.

According to the CDC, mandatory dog bite reporting helps identify and stop the spread of diseases like Rabies and tetanus. But ethically, a doctor does not have to report when a dog assaults another animal. Other than that, any bite report must go to the official health official or its designee.

For example, in Sacramento County, the bite to dog bite victims must be promptly reported to the Dept of Animal Care, as cited on their website. All of these cases in the state of California are clear. The medical professional maintains a special obligation to let the government know. And this allows animal control to record that the dog attacked a person during the dog bite incident.

And if the dog does so a second time, it will be put down. Furthermore, medical reporting of a dog bite in California creates a record for potential use in a civil or criminal lawsuit.

Conclusion – A Dog Owner Might Be Reported Over Dog Bite Incidents

Documentation is vital for both the dog owner and the bite owner– and doctors should not shirk their responsibility to either. If you wish to learn more about dog bites or general California personal injury laws, contact us at (213) 596-9642 or by using our online contact form for a free consultation today.

PSA: Restrain Your Pets as Post Office Can Stop Mail over Dog Bites!

Written by MichaelEhline on March 30, 2023. Posted in Dog Bite Blog.

According to the Postal Service, more than 5,400 mail carriers are injured each year in the United States. Despite all efforts by the agency to reduce dog bite incidents involving their employees, including educating the public on keeping their dogs restrained during normal delivery hours, it seems that the public is least bothered by their dogs attacking mail carriers.

Many people fail to realize that the post office can stop mail over dog bites as a last resort to ensure the protection of their mail carriers. Let’s dive into the lives of postal workers with Ehline Law and our dog bite attorneys to understand the risks they face and how dog bite injuries can affect your mail deliveries.

Training 101: Dog Owners Lie about Their Dogs

Every postal service trains its delivery employees, and they emphasize the most on the employees’ first day not to trust the dog owners when it comes to their dogs.

“He’s a good boy,” “He hasn’t done that before,” and “Don’t worry, my dog doesn’t bite” are some of the things mail carriers hear regularly.

Many mail carriers suffer dog bite injuries after the resident convinces them their dog is not aggressive and will not bite. Although videos circulating TikTok and other social media platforms may seem funny to viewers at home, it is a traumatic experience for mail or letter carriers, especially those who suffer dog bite injuries.

The Worst Mile: Injury Crisis in Amazon’s Delivery System

According to Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s largest workers’ compensation insurer, the top five injuries sustained by Amazon delivery workers include:

Slip and fall
Strains and sprains
Dog bites
Vehicle accidents
Hitting an object.

Although dog bites can often injure a mail or letter carrier, in some cases, dog bites can lead to death. On October 24, 2022, residents of the Wood Heights area of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, rang up the Ray County Sheriff’s office to report an Amazon delivery van parked in the neighborhood for hours.

When the police and emergency services arrived, they found the body of the Amazon delivery driver with two dogs ready to attack the officers. The Amazon mail carrier was dead, and there was blood near the doggy door of the house, suggesting that the dogs were responsible for the death of the Amazon delivery driver. After law enforcement concluded the initial investigation, the police reported canine bites on the mail carrier and extreme trauma exerted on the body.

On August 21, 2022, Pamela Jane Rock, a postal service mail carrier, got out of her vehicle after the truck broke down to inspect the cause of the problem. Unfortunately, five dogs, escaping under the home’s fence, mauled her down. Nearby residents tried to protect the mail carrier by scaring away the dog, but it was too late.

Rock suffered serious injuries and required amputation at the hospital before going into cardiac arrest. Although the doctors revived rock, her condition remained unstable, and she died a few days later from the trauma.

The Postal Service Can Refuse to Deliver Mail Because of a Dog

Although the local post office continues to promote responsible pet ownership, it has the right to cancel mail delivery as a last resort to protect its mail and letter carriers. Suppose the company’s mail carriers have several unfortunate encounters in a particular location. In that case, they have the authority to decide on the local level whether they want to keep delivering mail in that neighborhood.

When the local office decides that their mail carriers are no longer safe in a particular area, they will stop their mail delivery service in that neighborhood and require residents to pick up their mail from the local post office.

After a dog attack in 2020, Amazon postal service suspended delivery service in Jacksonville, Florida. Postal companies suspended mail delivery services in parts of Des Moines, Iowa, Cleveland, Ohio, Greenfield, Indiana, and Virginia in 2022 after mail carriers complained that they no longer felt safe delivering in those neighborhoods.

USPS issued a statement when there was a dog attack in Cleveland, stating that although the company aims to provide great customer service and ensure the safety of its workers, it cannot continue its postal service in the Cleveland neighborhood until the threat to its employees is over.

According to USPS, California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan were the top 5 states with the most dog bite incidents in 2021. USPS has also issued multiple public service announcements emphasizing dog owners to restrain their pets when the letter carrier arrives.

Dog Attack Prevention Tips for Mail Carriers: Preventing Dog Attacks While at Work

Below are some of the tips mail carriers must use to ensure their safety while delivering mail and letters:

Avoid running from aggressive and unrestrained animals when they approach you, as that can trigger a chase response.
Carry a dog repellent to ward off dogs in case a dog tries to attack you. Always check your dog repellant can before starting your day.
Report any dog bite incident to your supervisor to ensure your co-workers are also cautious when delivering in those neighborhoods.
Stay alert, and observe the area before leaving your delivery truck.
Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds during deliveries, as it can adversely affect the ability to hear and know your surroundings.
Avoid handing out mail to children at home as dogs are more protective of children leading them to launch a full-blown attack.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law

A worker (mail carrier, letter carrier, and any other employee) cannot pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a dog owner if they suffer injuries while on the job since there is the Workers’ Compensation and Federal Employees’ Compensation Act depending on the status of the employee. However, others can bring a dog bite lawsuit against the dog owner to recover the damages under California’s strict liability law.

If you’ve suffered dog bite injuries in California, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation, as you may be able to seek compensation.

The Need for Education on Prehospital Burn Management in a Combat Zone

Written by MichaelEhline on March 24, 2023. Posted in Burn Injury Blog.

A study revealed that the prehospital burn management in a combat zone resulted in the affected troops receiving higher levels of prehospital fluids or no fluids at all. Ehline Law and our burn injury attorneys have worked closely with veterans and those actively serving to understand their problems and fight for the compensation they deserve. Here, we will review the practical realities of fluid resuscitation and some solutions.

The Modified Brooke and Parkland Formula

To calculate the required fluid requirements for a burn victim, the medics may use the following two formulas:

Modified Brooke formula: Under the modified Brooke formula, medics must multiply 2mls by the body surface areas burned (BSAB) and then multiply that by the victim’s weight.
Parkland formula: Under the modified Brooke formula, medical professionals must multiply 4mls by the body surface areas burned (BSAB) and then multiply that by the victim’s weight.

Both formulas help the medical professional calculate the first 24-hour fluid requirement with half of the fluids administered during the first 8 hours. However, these formulas may be unrealistic before fluid resuscitation in a prehospital setting.

The USAISR Rule of 10

The USAISR (Department of Defense’s primary laboratory for developing solutions to trauma and critical care challenges) Rule of 10 formula provides a helpful framework for guiding the initial fluid resuscitation of burn victims to prevent shock and optimize outcomes in the early stages of the burn injury.

Under the Rule of 10, the medic rounds of the burn size to the nearest 10% total body surface area. For burn victims weighing between 40 and 80 kg, the medic multiplies the burn size by 10 to derive the initial fluid rate. For every 10 kilograms of weight above 80 kg, the medic must increase the rate of fluid by 100 ml/hour.

Let’s look at an example of a burn victim who weighs 90 kg and has burn injuries over 10% of their TBSA. The medic would administer 100 ml/hour (10 multiplied by 10) of fluids plus another 100 ml/hour since the victim is 90 kgs.

In most cases, the USAISR Rule of 10 estimates falls between the estimates derived using the modified Brooke and Parkland formula.

Prehospital Fluid Resuscitation Study Identifies the Need for Educating Prehospital Personnel

A study examined the US burn casualties arriving at the Ibn Sina Combat Support Hospital (CSH) between 2006 and 2009. During the study period, the hospital received 255 burn casualties, with only 48 of them meeting the inclusion criteria (mean injury severity score of 37.1). Around 50% of the 48 received prehospital vascular access, while 20 received prehospital fluid resuscitation.

According to the study’s findings, 28 of the burn casualties did not receive prehospital fluid resuscitation. In contrast, those that received fluid resuscitation received fluid volumes higher than the American Burn Association guidelines (ABA). Only 13 of the 48 burn casualties received pain medication.

Observations Support Improved Education

The study revealed that half did not receive any fluid resuscitation in a prehospital setting. On the other hand, the other burn casualties received fluid resuscitation over ABA and Committee for Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines on fluid volumes. The medics also did not provide pain management uniformly to major burn casualties and vascular access.

The findings suggest the need for better education of the prehospital personnel serving in a combat zone for prehospital fluid resuscitation of primary thermal injury.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Ehline Law Burn Injury Lawyers for Tactical Combat Casualty Care

If you’ve suffered burn injuries due to another’s negligence or recklessness, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation with our burn injury attorneys, as you may be able to seek compensation. We will do the surgical research and grab this bull by the horns to discuss specific prehospital lifesaving interventions and more.