Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer

Been bitten by a dog in Fresno? A dog bite can leave you with painful injuries, medical bills and emotional trauma—but dealing with the legal aftermath shouldn’t add to your stress. Sure you can try to handle a dog bite claim on your own but without our expertise at West Coast Trial Lawyers you’ll likely settle for way less than you deserve or even lose your claim altogether.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Our law firm offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Call (213) 927-3700 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to speak with an experienced Fresno dog bite lawyer. Your recovery, your future, and your peace of mind matter to us.

The WCTL Difference

Harvard-Educated Leadership

Our President, Neama Rahmani, one of Harvard Law School’s youngest graduates and a former federal prosecutor, brings elite legal expertise to every dog bite case. His deep understanding of California law and California’s strict liability rules for dog bites ensures we build a powerful claim to get you the compensation you deserve after a Fresno attack. This expertise allows us to expertly guide clients through the legal process of pursuing a dog bite claim.

Available 24/7 – We Come to You

Dog bites can leave you shaken and unable to travel. Unlike other firms, our dog bite lawyers are available 24/7 and will meet you wherever you are.

Trusted by High-Profile Clients

High-profile clients trust West Coast Trial Lawyers to handle their cases with integrity and success. We bring that same dedication to every Fresno dog bite victim, fighting hard to hold negligent dog owners accountable.

Multilingual Legal Team

Our diverse, multilingual team is here for you, making it easy to navigate your dog bite claim with clear, comfortable communication. From explaining your rights to negotiating with insurers, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

No Fees Unless We Win

We know a dog bite can drain your finances, so we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case. With no upfront costs or hidden fees, our Fresno team is all in to get results for your dog bite claim.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

Our Fresno dog bite attorneys have extensive experience handling dog bite claims and can guide you through every step of your dog bite injury case or dog bite lawsuit. We know California’s strict liability laws (like Civil Code 3342 which holds dog owners liable regardless of the dog’s history) and use that knowledge to build a solid case. 

Our goal is to help clients recover compensation and secure the financial compensation they deserve for their injuries. We investigate the attack, gather critical evidence—witness statements or medical records—and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies that try to lowball victims. 

By having us fight for you, you’re not just getting fair compensation for medicals, lost wages and emotional suffering; you’re also holding negligent dog owners accountable so future attacks don’t happen. We are committed to obtaining the maximum compensation possible for each client.

California Dog Bite Laws

California dog bite laws are based on strict liability, meaning the dog owner is responsible for any damages caused by their dog, regardless of prior behavior. This is different from the “one bite rule” used in some other states, where a dog owner is only held liable if the dog has previously bitten someone or shown aggressive tendencies. Under California law, strict liability applies in the following circumstances: when a person is bitten in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the dog owner’s property.

In addition to strict liability, a dog owner’s liability can also be established through dog owner’s negligence. This means that if the dog owner’s negligence—such as failing to properly control or restrain their pet—contributed to the incident, they can be held responsible for the injuries.

Understanding California’s strict liability laws is important for both dog owners and victims. For dog owners, it means they have a responsibility to properly train, control their pets, and adhere to leash laws to avoid liability. For victims, it provides a clear path to legal recourse without having to prove the owner’s negligence, as they can be held liable.

Having a dog bite lawyer from a reputable firm who knows these laws can make a big difference in your dog bite case, so you get the compensation you deserve from an experienced dog bite attorney.

Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Proving liability in dog bite cases is a process of evidence collection and legal analysis. Fresno dog bite lawyers get the evidence, witness statements and medical records to build the case. Quick and thorough investigation is key to getting the facts and supporting the victim’s claim. Evidence of the dog’s behavior is key to liability as it shows if the owner should have known about the dog’s tendencies.

Dog bite and animal cases involve analyzing the owner’s responsibility for injuries caused by their pets under strict liability laws. Proving liability means the dog owner failed to prevent the bite or the dog had a vicious tendency. This means the owner owed a duty of care to prevent the bite and the victim was not at fault. A negligence claim may come into play if the victim’s damages are reduced if they are found partially at fault.

In some cases, premises liability may apply if the bite happened on the owner’s property and they didn’t take reasonable care. If it happened on private property, liability may be affected if the victim was trespassing or the owner failed to restrain a known dangerous dog. Our dog bite lawyers get the evidence, interview witnesses and consult with experts to get a solid legal strategy. Once liability is established, victims can take action to get compensation and hold the dog owner accountable. This is to hold the dog owner accountable and get fair compensation for the victim.

Types of Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

In Fresno dog bite cases, victims often suffer serious Fresno dog bite injuries that can have lasting physical and emotional impacts. It is important to hold the pet owner accountable for damages in these situations.

Dog bite victims in Fresno can seek various forms of compensation to address the physical, emotional and financial impacts of the incident. These compensations are economic, non-economic and punitive damages, each addressing different aspects of the victim’s suffering and losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are based on quantifiable financial losses suffered by the victim. These include:

• Medical expenses which can be substantial
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation expenses

Recovering these costs allows victims to get compensation, alleviate the financial burden and focus on their recovery.

Additionally, economic damages cover any future medical care related to the injury. This total compensation ensures victims are not left with medical bills and financial instability because of the incident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible effects of a dog bite, such as emotional distress and diminished quality of life. These damages acknowledge the deep psychological and emotional impact a dog bite can have on a victim. Emotional trauma from a dog bite can result in long term conditions like PTSD, making it hard for the victim to feel safe around dogs.

Emotional distress and psychological trauma are big factors when calculating non-economic damages in a personal injury case. Victims may need psychological counseling to deal with the aftermath of the attack and these costs can be included in the claim. Recognizing these emotional injuries means victims get full support in their recovery.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded when the dog owner’s actions show gross negligence or intentional harm, including cases of dog owner’s negligence. These damages are not just about compensating the victim but also about punishing the owner and deterring similar behavior in the future. For example, if a dog owner fails to leash a known aggressive breed, it’s considered gross negligence.

Victims can pursue punitive damages to hold the pet owners accountable for their reckless actions. This type of compensation serves two purposes: justice for the victim and responsible pet ownership to prevent future incidents.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries from minor wounds to severe trauma that requires extensive medical treatment. Bite and animal attack incidents can result in a range of injuries, from puncture wounds to deep lacerations and broken bones. Facial injuries are common in dog bite cases because dogs target the head and face. 

These injuries can be disfiguring and may require reconstructive surgery, adding to the victim’s emotional distress from a dog bite injury. In addition, a dog attack can cause both physical and emotional trauma, often leaving lasting scars and psychological effects.

Nerve damage is another common result of dog bites, causing chronic pain or loss of function in the affected area. Victims may also suffer from serious infections caused by pathogens like rabies and MRSA, which can lead to severe health complications if not treated promptly. In some cases dog bites can result in more severe conditions, such as serious injuries, fractures, amputations or even long term disabilities. 

The legal implications of a dog bite attack are significant, as victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and related losses. Knowing the severity of these injuries emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention and legal advice in the following situations to get proper care and a dog bite injury claim for fair compensation.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident

If you are bitten by a dog, immediate medical attention is crucial especially if the bite breaks the skin. Here are the steps to take:

1. Wash the bite area with soap and water for several minutes to prevent infection.
2. If the bleeding is severe, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop it.
3. After cleaning the wound, apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage. Basic first aid is key in these situations.

Seeking medical attention within 24 hours is important especially if the bite is on the head, face, neck, hands or feet or shows signs of infection. Emergency care may be needed in these cases to prevent complications and proper treatment. Also contact local animal control if the dog is stray or acting unusual.

Legal steps are also important after a dog bite incident. Be sure to retain legal representation as soon as possible to ensure we at West Coast Trial Lawyers can investigate the attack, gather critical evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve under California’s dog bite laws.

Also, remember, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim in California is two years from the date of the incident.

Defenses Used by Dog Owners in Bite Cases

Dog owners often use several defenses in bite cases, mostly focused on the victim’s behavior. One common defense is that the victim provoked the dog, either intentionally or unintentionally. This defense can impact the outcome of the case and reduce the dog owner’s liability in animal attacks.

Trespassing is another defense used by dog owners. If the victim was on the owner’s property without permission at the time of the bite, they may not be able to sue for damages. Also the assumption of risk defense can be used if the victim voluntarily engaged in activities that posed a known danger from the dog.

Knowing these defenses emphasizes the importance of having a lawyer who knows how to counter these arguments.

Free Consultations for Dog Bite Victims in Fresno

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our experienced Fresno dog bite lawyers are here to hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. We’ll handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Call (213) 927-3700 for a free case evaluation or fill out our online contact form to speak with our personal injury lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident?

Immediately after a dog bite incident, seek medical attention and clean the wound thoroughly. It is also advisable to contact local animal control and consult a lawyer for legal guidance.

Can I Still Claim Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault for the Dog Bite?

Yes, you can still claim compensation for a dog bite even if you were partly at fault; however, your damages may be reduced according to the percentage of your responsibility in the incident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in California?

You typically have two years from the date of the dog bite incident to file a claim in California, making it essential to act within this timeframe.