San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney

Expert Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in San Bernardino 

Being attacked by a dog can be a very traumatic accident to experience. Dog attacks are life-altering events that can leave the victims with serious personal injuries. If you or a loved one have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you will need the legal help of a trusted dog bite lawyer.

It is important to hold the negligent dog owner responsible for your injuries, and our expert San Bernardino dog bite attorneys have over 20 years of experience doing so. With over $1.6 billion in financial damages won in dog bite litigation and other personal injury claims, you can trust that your case is in good hands.

Reach out to a dog bite attorney from West Coast Trial Lawyers today to set up a free consultation. Don’t procrastinate; call our toll-free number at (909) 787-2178 or fill out our quick contact form to learn more about your legal rights to compensation.

Dog Bite Laws in San Bernardino County

The state of California has strict liability when it comes to dog bites and other animal attacks. Dog owners are solely responsible for any harm their dogs may cause and may be held liable for any financial damages. 

San Bernardino County has an active leash law for all residents of the city. All animals are required and expected to always be on a leash. 

Injured victims may hold the dog owner liable under the law if;

• The dog bite caused the injury,
• The bite occurred in a public place,
• The bite happened in a private residence the victim was legally in.

As long as the dog grabs any part of the victim with its teeth, it is considered a bite regardless of whether it breaks the skin or not. 

K9 units are not responsible for police dog bites under California’s strict liability law. However, you may still file a civil lawsuit for your injuries. 

One-Bite Rule 

Under the ‘one-bite rule,’ a dog owner is only responsible for the dog bite if they have prior knowledge of their dog’s aggression. 

If the dog had never previously displayed any signs of dangerous or aggressive behavior, then the dog owner may not be held liable because they had no existing knowledge of the possible harm. 

San Bernardino does not practice the one-bite rule, and all dog owners are held liable regardless of whether they know their dog is dangerous. 

Putting Down Dangerous Dogs 

Not every dog is put down after a dog bite attack. However, if a dog is considered potentially dangerous and is likely to attack again, it may be euthanized. 

California law considers potentially dangerous dogs as dogs that exhibit these behaviors;

• Unprovoked biting 
• Biting on two separate occasions
• Acting in a manner that requires defensive action 

However, no breed-specific legislation bans owners from having specific dog breeds. 

Quarantine

San Bernardino requires all dogs to be quarantined if they have bitten and broken a victim’s skin, regardless of rabies vaccinations. 

The dog is to be quarantined for 10 days. This quarantine will take place in a Veterinarian hospital, animal shelter, or dog owner’s residence.  

Steps To Take After A Dog Bite in San Bernardino 

If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite or attack in San Bernardino, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your legal rights.

Dog bites are expected to be reported to the Animal Control Agency where the bite occurred to ensure public safety.

Regardless of whether or not the injury is severe, seeing a medical professional is advised. 

While filing your dog bite accident lawsuit against the dog owner, the medical records from your treatment will be used as important evidence. 

You should also gather other additional information for your case, which includes:

• Photos/Video Footage
• Dog owner’s information
• Witness information
• Your written account of the incident 

Reach out to a skilled dog bite attorney in San Bernardino to evaluate your case and provide you with important steps you must take to increase your chances of getting a good settlement. 

Filing a San Bernardino Dog Bite Claim 

A dog owner must ensure their dog is not exhibiting aggressive behavior, whether on their property or in public. 

Unfortunately, some owners do not train their dogs, and this negligent decision can lead to serious legal consequences if the dog harms another individual.

If you were in a San Bernardino dog attack or incident, you are entitled to file a claim against the owner for your injuries. The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is 2 years.

When filing a dog bite claim, you must prove that the owner was negligent and that the injuries resulted from this. You must also prove that the dog owner did not use reasonable care, such as using a leash or restraining the dog to prevent any unplanned/future attacks.

Filing a dog bite claim in San Bernardino can be complex and tedious if you handle it alone. You will require the help of an experienced dog bite lawyer to help you navigate the legal system efficiently.

Damages Available for San Bernardino Dog Bite Victims

Damages in a dog bite lawsuit are carefully calculated into settlements and decided based on the seriousness of the bite. 

Victims of dog bites in San Bernardino County may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses for past and future medical bills and rehabilitation therapy. 
• Lost wages for time missed at work and loss of earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering damages for physical and emotional distress caused by the attack.
• Property damage if personal property was damaged during the attack

In some extreme cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the dog owner if they were extremely negligent or intentionally allowed harm to be caused.   

West Coast Trial Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you are a dog bite victim and would like to file a lawsuit against the owner, West Coast Trial Lawyers has experienced San Bernardino dog bite attorneys who will help you recover economic and non-economic damages from your accident.

Seeking the guidance of an expert dog bite injury lawyer can make a significant difference in your recovery and compensation.

To schedule a free no-obligation consultation at our San Bernardino personal injury law firm, reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling (909) 787-2178 or filling out our contact form today. 

Frequently Asked Questions about San Bernardino Dog Attacks

What if My Child Was Bitten by a Dog?

Dog attacks on children can be extremely dangerous and cause psychological trauma. If your child has been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. When the child is safe and treated, report the attack to Animal Control. You should also retain the help of a dog bite attorney to ensure you receive compensation for the attack on your child. 

How Much Will I Get in a Dog Bite Settlement?

The financial settlement amount you will receive from your San Bernardino dog bite accident claim will depend on a factor of things. First, negligence must be proven to determine the dog owner’s liability. After liability has been determined, the bite’s severity and other damages will be examined. Once the damages have been accessed, an award settlement will be offered. A dog bite lawyer will make sure you receive a fair financial settlement for your case.

What If I Was Bitten by a Dog I Know?

There are instances when the dog bite victim is bitten by a dog they know, such as a friend or a neighbor’s dog. These situations do not differ from the standard process of filing a dog bite claim in San Bernardino. All dog owners are responsible for their dog’s behavior and can be held liable for any injuries their dogs cause to another individual.

More Dog Bite Resources From West Coast Trial Lawyers 

What if My Dog Bit a Trespasser? – Liability in California (2022) – West Coast Trial Lawyers

Guide to California Premises Liability and Dog Bite Laws (2022) (westcoasttriallawyers.com)

Sitemap – West Coast Trial Lawyers