Victims of a dog bite attack can suffer from wounds, infections, and emotional trauma. Though the incident may only last a few seconds, the ongoing medical issues can mean lengthy medical bills and an inability to work. Beyond the physical injuries, the emotional impact can be devastating – many victims experience anxiety, fear of animals, and even post-traumatic stress that affects daily life. If you were harmed by an animal because of a negligent owner, you deserve fair compensation for what you have endured as a result.
Our personal injury attorneys at Dunnion Law understand how difficult it can be to move forward with your life after a dog bite. Our attorneys take a strategic approach to dog bite cases – collecting critical evidence, working with medical and behavioral experts, and presenting a compelling argument to maximize your recovery. We are committed to walking our clients through every step of the way and helping to hold any responsible parties accountable. Meet with an accomplished Fresno dog bite lawyer at our firm today.
When a dog bite happens in a public space or while the victim is lawfully on the property, California follows what is called strict liability under California Civil Code § 3342. Under this doctrine, full responsibility is placed on the dog owner for the attack and any resulting injuries. Unlike other states, California does not require proof of a prior attack or any history of aggressive behavior. Regardless of the animal’s previous behavior, the owner is liable.
Strict liability is particularly important when an owner claims they did not know their dog might bite someone. As long as the attack happened under lawful circumstances, they are financially responsible. The only exceptions to this exist in cases involving trespassing or provocation. Experienced legal advice from an attorney in Fresno can evaluate whether or not strict liability is applicable in your dog bite case, and how that affects the damages you can recover.
A dog bite can result in substantial physical and psychological harm. Depending on the severity, a victim can suffer from lacerations, torn ligaments, and even disfigurement, potentially requiring reconstructive surgery. Long-term effects can include infections, nerve damage, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites and have a harder time defending themselves against an attack. Many young victims develop a lasting fear of animals that remains into adulthood and requires extensive counseling.
Medical care to treat these injuries can cost thousands of dollars in addition to any lost income due to an inability to work. If you are currently dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At Dunnion Law in Fresno, our dog bite lawyers will make sure your injuries are thoroughly documented and accounted for in your claim.
After a dog bite, victims can recover damages for any medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, or rehabilitation necessary after the attack. We can also help you seek compensation for the inconvenience, disfigurement, and physical impairment caused by the bite.
In addition to strict liability laws, California also follows a system known as pure comparative negligence. This allows victims to financially recover even if they are found to be partially responsible for the incident. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 but found to be 50 percent responsible, your damages would ultimately be reduced to $50,000.
In some cases, third parties, including landlords, pet sitters, or business owners, can share responsibility if their actions or negligence contributed to a dog bite. Multiple sources of liability can also mean multiple insurance policies, and sometimes insurance companies will use the pure comparative negligence doctrine to reduce payouts. That is why it is especially crucial to seek advice from a lawyer who understands the system and can push back against these tactics. Our attorneys can calculate the full value of your dog bite claim in Fresno and negotiate for maximum compensation.
The first thing is to assess your dog bite or attack injuries, or visit a doctor as soon as possible if the injuries are severe. Because a dog bite or dog attack can cause both short- and long- term damage, it’s likely you are entitled to compensation. We urge you to contact our personal injury lawyers to help you pursue a settlement from the dog owner. Regardless of whether the bite or attack took place in a public space or lawfully in a private place, the owner of that dog is considered liable.
See MoreOur clients trust us to advise and guide them about whether to accept an injury settlement or not. It is best to speak to one of our personal injury lawyers who can inform you with knowledgeable and experienced insights. But, in any case, you should not settle until meeting with our team.
See MoreImmediately.
We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can file your claim before the California statute of limitations expires. This statute sets how long you have to file a claim depending on the type and cause of your injury.
See MoreEven though you may not be at fault for the accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will not pay for your medical bills, nor your property damage, until they complete their own liability and damage evaluation. Until then, you must make payment on medical costs associated with your accident or, have your health insurance pay them while your case is underway. It’s important to make sure that all of your medical providers bill your health insurance.
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If you have recently been bitten by a dog, now is the time to act. Gathering records and interviewing eyewitnesses can be difficult, and you should not have to face the process alone.
Our lawyers know how to approach these cases with compassion and determination, and we understand they are about much more than just financial recovery. Since 1975, we have won record-breaking settlements for those injured from dog bites and dog attacks. Call a Fresno dog bite lawyer from our firm today and start your path towards justice.
