Compensation for Medical Expenses After a Dog Bite in Fresno

Medical bills from a dog bite injury can quickly become overwhelming. From emergency room visits to surgeries, treatments, and follow-up care, the financial burden can be significant. We specialize in helping dog bite victims recover the full cost of their medical expenses. Our experienced legal team will ensure that you don’t have to bear these costs alone, and we will work to hold the responsible party accountable.

What Medical Expenses Can Be Covered?

When you file a dog bite injury claim in California, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of medical expenses, including:

• Emergency Room Visits: Immediate care following the bite, including treatment for wounds, infections, and necessary medical tests.
• Surgical Procedures: For severe injuries, such as deep lacerations or fractures, surgery may be necessary, and these costs can be included in your claim.
• Hospital Stays: If hospitalization is required due to complications or serious injuries, you can seek compensation for your stay.
• Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: After initial treatment, physical therapy may be needed to help restore mobility, strength, or function.
• Follow-Up Visits and Specialist Care: Ongoing care from specialists, including dermatologists or plastic surgeons for scarring or disfigurement, is often part of the recovery process after a dog bite.
• Prescription Medications: Medications for pain management, infection prevention, and any ongoing treatment related to the injury.
• Psychological Counseling: Therapy costs to help cope with emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD resulting from the attack can also be covered.

By working with our team, we’ll ensure that every aspect of your medical treatment, including future care, is fully compensated.

Fresno Dog Bite Laws and Medical Expenses

Understanding How Fresno’s Dog Bite Laws Affect Medical Compensation

California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or history of aggression. Strict liability applies in all public places and when the victim was lawfully on private property. However, if the dog owner can prove that the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog, they may reduce or eliminate liability. Double damages are not typically applicable in California for dog bite cases, even in cases of prior aggression, but owners may face additional penalties under local laws or civil suits. Non-bite injuries may still be addressed through negligence claims, which require proof of the owner’s failure to take reasonable precautions.

• Strict Liability: California law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by dog bites under Civil Code Section 3342. This strict liability applies regardless of the dog’s prior behavior, meaning the owner is responsible even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before. However, unlike some states, California does not generally award double damages in cases where the dog has previously bitten someone. Non-bite injuries, such as those caused by a dog knocking someone down, would typically require a negligence-based claim, where the victim must prove the dog owner failed to take reasonable precautions.
• Exceptions: Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are generally liable for bites, even if the dog was on the owner’s property or confined. However, the owner’s liability may be reduced if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.
• Provocation and Trespassing: While California applies strict liability to dog bite cases, the dog owner may have a defense if they can prove that the victim provoked the dog or was unlawfully trespassing at the time of the attack. These defenses are recognized under strict liability, and it is the dog owner’s responsibility to provide proof. For example, if a child unknowingly provoked a dog, this defense may not apply as strictly, especially for very young children. Trespassing is a valid defense, but exceptions exist for cases involving minors or when the property was not properly marked as private.

Our legal team understands the complexities of California’s dog bite laws and will work to determine the best approach for securing compensation in your case.

How We Can Help You Recover Medical Costs

Our Legal Experts Will Handle Your Case from Start to Finish

We understand how stressful it can be to face mounting medical bills after a dog bite. Our team will take care of every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how we help:

• Evaluate Your Medical Needs: We will thoroughly assess your current and future medical needs to ensure all costs are covered in your claim.
• Gather Medical Records: We’ll collect all relevant medical records, including hospital bills, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans, to strengthen your case.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Our team will handle negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company, ensuring they offer a fair settlement that covers all your medical expenses.
• Fight for Your Rights in Court (if necessary): If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial in a California court. Our experienced trial attorneys will fight for your rights and ensure you receive full compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Protect Your Right to Compensation by Taking These Steps

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Always get treatment right away, even if the injury seems minor. Infections from dog bites can escalate quickly, and prompt treatment is crucial.
2. Keep All Medical Records: Document every visit, prescription, and procedure related to your injury. These records will be crucial in securing compensation.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan: Following your doctor’s treatment plan not only aids in your recovery but also strengthens your legal claim by showing that you are taking appropriate steps to mitigate your damages. This is crucial for maximizing the compensation you receive.
4. Contact a Lawyer: As soon as possible, consult with a dog bite lawyer who can help you file your claim and recover compensation for your medical expenses.

Following these steps will help protect your health and your legal rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Medical Expense Claims After a Dog Bite

Can I recover compensation for future medical expenses?
Yes, California law allows victims to recover compensation for both current and future medical expenses, including surgeries, therapy, or any ongoing treatments required as a result of the dog bite injury. Our team will ensure that all future medical needs are factored into your compensation claim.

Will insurance cover my medical expenses?
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy may cover medical expenses and other damages related to a dog bite. However, insurance policies can have exclusions, especially for certain breeds considered high-risk. We will help you navigate these challenges and ensure the insurance company covers your medical costs.

What if I don’t have health insurance?
Even if you don’t have health insurance, California law allows you to pursue compensation for medical expenses directly from the dog owner or their insurance. We will work to ensure that all your medical costs are covered through a legal claim, even if you don’t have personal health insurance.