Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer

Getting bitten by a dog can be a terrifying experience, and you can sustain serious injuries that require major medical attention. In some cases, a dog attack can be life threatening, and lead to expensive medical bills and long periods of recovery.

Dogs bite people for many reasons, but it isn’t logical to argue they are liable for their actions. In most cases, there is a human who is responsible for the dog. A Fresno Dog bite lawyer can identify who is liable for your dog bite and help you get compensation. 

At J&Y Law, our Fresno personal injury lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars in awards and settlements for injury victims. Contact us today for a free consultation and tell us your story.  

Do You Need an Attorney for a Dog Bite?

It is smart to hire a lawyer whenever you are involved in a personal injury claim. While it is possible to handle the situation yourself, an attorney will almost always help you get a better outcome. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you only pay us when we win. 

We can help you avoid many common mistakes in personal injury cases, such as accepting a lowball settlement from an insurance company. We will know when an offer is fair, and we will not let insurance companies take advantage of you. 

When it comes time to file a claim, we can ensure you meet important deadlines and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, we can also help you file a civil suit and represent you in court. 

Who Is Liable When a Dog Bites Someone?

We will investigate your case and determine who was at fault. California has strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning the owner is responsible when their dog bites someone, even if the animal has never done so before. Still, there can be cases when the at-fault party isn’t clear.

For example, if the dog is under the control of a dog walker, then the dog walker, the owner, or both may be liable. A landlord can also be liable if they knew there was a dangerous animal on their property and did nothing about it. 

The owner may not be liable if you were trespassing or provoked the dog, or if the owner had proper signage posted warning people about the dog and you entered the area anyway. 

What Compensation Is Available in a Dog Bite Case?

Dog bite cases range from around $5,000 for minor injuries, to $100,000 or more for serious bites. The compensation you can receive from a dog bite case is dependent on the extent of your damages.

Some of the expenses you may be able to recover include:

• Your medical costs, such as those associated with doctor visits, medications, surgery or procedures, and rehabilitation
• Your lost wages and income if you are unable to attend work when you are injured
• Future medical costs you may incur while recovering from the dog bite
• Property damage, if applicable

In some cases, you can claim non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, or mental anguish. Your Fresno dog bite attorney can advise you if they apply to your case. 

Do You Have to Sue Over a Dog Bite?

In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners insurance police will cover you if their dog bites you. However, it depends on the policy. Some insurance companies require dog owners to purchase separate policies to cover bites, or they may refuse to cover specific breeds.

If your damages are not recoverable through the liable party’s home insurance policy, you may be in a position where you need to file a civil suit to recover compensation. A dog bite lawyer in Fresno can advise you of your options and how to proceed. 

What if the Dog’s Owner Doesn’t Cooperate?

You may feel there is more to fear from the dog’s owner than the dog itself. Some dog breeds that are often considered dangerous are excellent pets when trained correctly. Sadly, they are also favorites of criminals who use them for defense and intimidation.

If you feel unsafe talking to the dog’s owner, don’t put yourself in a hazardous situation. Get medical attention, report the incident to the police, and contact an attorney for advice. 

What if a Stray Dog Bites Me?

Unfortunately, if you are bitten by a dog that does not appear to have an owner, or who runs off after the attack, you may have few options. You can rely on your health insurance to pay your medical expenses, or pay out of pocket.

You can take a photo of the dog, which may help you identify it later. Of course, it is important to get medical care and report the attack to the authorities. They may wish to attempt to locate the dog to prevent future attacks. 

Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite?

It is always a good idea to report an animal attack to the police. This protects your case if you need to recover damages, but it may also prevent another person from being attacked.

Additionally, 17 California Code of Regulations §2606 dictates that all bites by potentially rabid animals be reported to the local health officer. 

Talk to a Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are beloved in our society, and for many people they are valuable members of their households. We play with them, pet them, and hug them, and it is easy to forget they have the tools to inflict serious damage on a human being if they so choose. 

Ultimately, humans are responsible for their dogs, and when bad things happen, those humans can be liable. If a dog has bitten you, our Fresno dog bite attorneys can find out who is responsible and hold them accountable for your injuries. 

Since 2010, our team at J&Y has fought for the rights of injured victims. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.