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Dog bites can inflict severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and substantial financial burdens on victims. If you or a loved one were injured by another party’s dog, you have the legal right to seek compensation for damages. At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our knowledgeable Fresno dog bite lawyers possess the experience and resources necessary to get our clients the maximum recovery.
Schedule a free consultation with our Fresno personal injury law firm by completing this online form or calling our Fresno office at (559) 900-3076.
Understanding Dog Bite and Animal Attack Laws
California’s dog bite and animal attack laws are imposed on pet owners for any harm or injuries caused by their animals. This means that if a dog bites someone, under the dog bite laws, the owner can be held responsible for damages, regardless of whether the owner knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Unlike other states that may honor the one-bite rule, California’s dog bite laws hold pet owners accountable for the damages their pets cause, even if it is the first incident.
Injured victims can seek expert guidance and support from Fresno dog bite lawyers. An established personal injury law firm will have years of experience handling such complex dog bite cases and can help victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries and other damages.
Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases
California’s personal injury laws regarding dog bites impose strict liability rules, holding dog owners responsible for any injuries their dog inflicts by biting someone, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
Dog bite victims are not required to demonstrate the dog owner’s negligence or the dog’s history of aggression. The only requirements for liability under this rule are:
- The victim was “bitten” by the dog
- The victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property when bitten
If the victim provoked the dog, such as teased or poked at the animal, or was trespassing on private property, the owner may not be liable.
Additionally, California’s strict liability rules specifically apply only to bite injuries. If a dog causes injury by other means, such as knocking someone down, the victim must prove negligence on the owner’s part.
How Liability Is Proven for a Dog Bite Claim
Proving negligence in dog attack cases that resulted in non-bite injuries requires evidence that the pet owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. This can be proven in the following ways:
- The owner had a duty to control or restrain the dog
- The owner failed to fulfill that duty
- The owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries
Common Defenses Raised by Dog Owners
When dealing with a dog bite case, it’s crucial to be prepared for the potential arguments the opposing party might present to help build a stronger case and anticipate the strategies used by the other side. Some of these common defenses include:
- Provocation: The dog owner may argue that the victim provoked the dog, leading to the bite. This could involve actions like teasing, hitting, or cornering the animal.
- Trespassing: If the bite occurred on private property, the owner might claim that the victim was trespassing and therefore assumed the risk of being bitten.
- Assumption of Risk: If a victim was aware of the risks involved with interacting with the dog and willingly accepted those risks, such as ignoring posted “Beware of Dog” signs or being warned about the dog’s behavior, the owner may not be liable.
- Comparative Negligence: If the victim’s own negligence contributed to the dog bite, the compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault, and their ability to recover damages may be affected.
Responsibilities of Dog Owners After an Incident
To prevent a dog bite or animal attack, pet owners are legally responsible for ensuring their dogs are properly trained, socialized, and cared for to prevent them from posing a threat in public or escaping and attacking others.Â
This responsibility includes keeping dogs leashed in public and securing the home to prevent an escape. Pet owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if they were not present during the incident.Â
The community can help prevent dog bite attacks by reporting aggressive dogs to local animal control in Fresno County. Dog owners should learn to recognize the warning signs of aggression, and children should be taught how to interact safely with dogs.
How Long Do You Have to File a California Dog Bite Lawsuit?
In California, personal injury claims stemming from dog bite incidents must be filed within two years of the injury. Failure to file within this timeframe may result in losing the right to compensation. Certain exceptions to the dog bite statute of limitations exist, including cases involving minors, military dogs, or law enforcement dogs.
To ensure the filing requirements are met, it’s helpful to schedule a free initial consultation with a Fresno dog bite attorney. They can help injured victims understand their legal rights and recover compensation for any damages sustained.
Types of Animal Attack Cases
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from dog bites, with around 885,000 requiring medical care.
Animal attack cases can involve a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals. Dog bite cases are the most common type of animal attack, but other animals can also cause serious injuries.Â
Regardless of the type of animal attack, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced legal team. Fresno dog bite attorneys can handle various animal attack cases, including dog bites, cat bites, and other animal-related injuries.
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases
Animal attack victims can experience significant financial hardships, as well as emotional distress. As a result of the animal attack, a personal injury lawsuit can compensate for the following types of damages:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional turmoil
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Permanent scarring
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychological counseling
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Fresno
Dog bites and animal attacks can result in various types of injuries, many of which require extensive medical treatment. Serious infections are a potential health risk associated with dog bites due to bacteria in a dog’s mouth, which, if not properly treated, can lead to further complications and long-term injuries. Common dog bite injuries include:
Punctures and Lacerations
A dog’s teeth can cause deep wounds, which can lead to infection. Immediate medical care is critical to prevent complications.
Broken Bones
Fractures in the arms, legs, or wrists can be caused by severe dog bites or falls resulting from aggressive dog behavior.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage from deep bites, especially from larger animals, can result in chronic pain, numbness, or permanent disability.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Victims knocked down by a dog may suffer concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries, resulting in long-term impairment.
Psychological Trauma
The emotional trauma caused by dog bites or animal attacks can include anxiety, fear of animals, PTSD, and a diminished quality of life.
What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Attack
After being attacked or bitten by an animal, get to a safe location away from the animal and try to remain calm. Then, take the following steps to protect yourself and your potential claim:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Some dog bites are minor and may be managed through basic first aid. However, health must always remain the priority, so seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, retain all medical records and medical expenses, linking the injuries and cost of medical treatment to the incident.
2. Report the Incident
Law enforcement or Fresno Animal Control should be contacted. They will investigate and document the incident. This will be particularly helpful during the legal process when establishing liability if the involved dog has a history of aggression.
3. Collect Evidence
If it’s safe, take pictures of the dog, any injuries sustained, and the location of the incident. Also, get the contact information of the dog owner and any witnesses. Additionally, retain all medical reports, bills, and any documentation related to the event.
4. Consult a Fresno Dog Bite Attorney
Contact a Fresno dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to discuss next steps and the legal process. Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer has a proven track record of success in personal injury claims and continuously fights to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
How a California Dog Bite Lawyer Will Benefit Your Case
Navigating a claim involving a dog can be challenging. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize compensation, and dog owners may deny liability. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you by:
- Investigating the case thoroughly
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies
- Gathering and presenting compelling evidence
- Ensuring fair valuation of sustained damages
- Taking the case to court, if necessary
Why Choose Our Fresno Dog Bite Attorneys?
After an accident, Jeff’s got you. Our Fresno personal injury law firm has years of experience successfully representing victims of dog bites and animal attacks, offering the following benefits:
- Proven Experience: Years of success in obtaining maximum compensation in Fresno dog bite cases.
- Personalized Representation: Customized legal strategies tailored specifically to your circumstances.
- Zero Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency-fee basis, so clients pay nothing unless we win their case.
- Local Knowledge: Our attorneys know Fresno’s local courts, insurance practices, and community dynamics.
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer provides top-tier legal representation to the Fresno community. Schedule a free consultation today to discover how we can maximize your case.
Other Personal Injury Cases Our Law Firm Handles
We have law offices throughout Fresno County, including Clovis, Del Rey, Madera County, Selma, Tranquility, Parlier, Kingsburg, Auberry, Orange Cove, and Riverdale. We also offer representation for the following practice areas:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber Accidents
- Lyft Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Personal Injury Law Firm
Our dedicated Fresno dog bite lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We’re committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and securing the compensation you deserve for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Contact our Fresno personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
Address:
44 P Street, Suite 304
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone Number: (559) 900-3076
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
Our personal injury lawyers offer complimentary case evaluations at all Southern California offices. Contact us at any of our locations at your convenience.