Dogs are a common sight in public, and most people are able to interact with them without anything going wrong. Unfortunately, animal attacks can happen when you least expect them. If a dog has bitten you, the owner may be responsible for covering your damages.
Before you can recover the compensation you deserve, you will need to determine dog bite liability in Fresno. Dunnion Law has been practicing for over 50 years, and our attorneys have over 300 years of combined legal experience. One of our dedicated dog bite attorneys can explain your options, so you do not have to face this alone.
In Fresno, canine bite cases are generally governed by a strict liability standard. This means that a dog’s owner can be held legally responsible for a bite, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before and the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. Unlike negligence-based laws in other states, California Civil Code § 3342 places the burden on the dog owner when their animal bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property.
Strict liability simplifies the process for bite victims. They do not need to prove that the owner was careless or that the dog had a history of violence. Instead, they must show that the bite occurred, that they were not trespassing, and that the dog belonged to the defendant. This legal framework can be an invaluable part of recovering the compensation you deserve.
There are some exceptions to be aware of when it comes to strict liability. If these exceptions apply in your case, you may not be able to prove accountability in a Fresno dog attack case.
Most importantly, you cannot meet the strict liability standard if you were trespassing at the time of the bite. You are only entitled to damages if you were lawfully allowed to be present at the place where the attack happened.
The defense can also prevent you from receiving damages if they show that you provoked the dog to bite you or that the animal was an on-duty law enforcement dog.
A dog attack can result in deep puncture wounds and potentially cause long-lasting nerve damage or scarring. Our goal in establishing responsibility in a Fresno dog bite case is to secure fair compensation for your injuries. If your case is successful, the court may award damages based on your physical, financial, and emotional losses.
You could receive compensation for medical expenses for treating your injuries, lost income if you are unable to work while recovering, and damages for:
These damages are especially common in cases involving serious scarring.
Proving the value of your damages is a critical part of any dog bite injury case. Our attorneys can help you compile your medical records, establish your lost wages, and calculate the other damages you deserve.
A dog bite can cause serious, long-term injuries. You should not have to pay for your medical care on your own. You deserve compensation from the owner of the animal that bit you, so you can move forward with your life. Understanding dog bite liability in Fresno is the first step toward getting the outcome you deserve. Call today and schedule an appointment at Dunnion Law for a confidential consultation.
