Dog bites can cause serious injuries that lead to high medical bills, emotional trauma, and even lost wages. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping dog bite victims in Fresno pursue injury claims to recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Why File a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Filing a dog bite injury claim ensures that you can prioritize your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. Here’s why filing a claim is essential:
- Medical Costs Recovery: Dog bites can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe infections, nerve damage, and disfigurement. We help you recover the full cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages Compensation: If your injuries have kept you from working, you can recover lost wages. Our team will calculate your lost income and any potential future earning capacity if your ability to work is impacted long-term.
- Pain and Suffering Damages: Dog bites often cause emotional trauma in addition to physical injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for emotional suffering, including anxiety, fear, and other psychological effects of the attack.
- Long-Term Care: Severe injuries may require ongoing medical care, including physical therapy or reconstructive surgery. We will seek compensation to cover the costs of your long-term recovery needs.
Fresno Dog Bite Laws Overview
California does not follow the “one-bite” rule. Instead, California Civil Code Section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dog’s bites, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. This means the owner is responsible for damages caused by the bite, even if it’s the dog’s first attack. Strict liability applies when the bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, such as a guest or service worker.
This strict liability applies when the bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property. California law does not impose double damages for repeat dog bite incidents, but if the dog has a history of aggression, this may influence the outcome of negligence claims or lead to additional penalties under local dangerous dog ordinances.
Fresno enforces specific regulations for dogs classified as dangerous, requiring owners to comply with measures such as muzzling the dog in public, keeping it in secure enclosures, and obtaining liability insurance.
While these local laws don’t directly increase compensation, they can play a role in establishing negligence or violations of the owner’s legal duties, which may strengthen your claim.
How We Can Help
The aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the legal system. We’re here to relieve that burden. We’ll manage every step of your case, from gathering the necessary evidence, filing your claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
Our goal is to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, or lost income, we have the expertise to guide you through the legal process efficiently and effectively.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Follow These Key Steps After a Dog Bite Incident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Dog bites can lead to serious infections, such as tetanus or bacterial infections. In rare cases, if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or the dog is unvaccinated, there may be a risk of rabies.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and, if possible, the dog involved. Collect contact information for any witnesses.
- Report the Bite: File a report with local animal control or the police to create an official record of the attack.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer: The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better. Early legal intervention can strengthen your case and increase your chances of recovering compensation.
By taking these steps, you protect your rights and improve your chances of successfully pursuing compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in Fresno?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bites, is generally two years from the date of the incident. If the claim involves a government entity, such as an attack by a dog owned by a government agency, you must file a notice of claim within six months (180 days) of the incident under California’s Tort Claims Act. Failure to file within this time frame can prevent you from pursuing compensation.
What compensation can I receive from a dog bite injury claim?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term medical needs that arise from the bite.
Do I need to pay upfront legal fees?
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact Us
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to get the help you need. We’re here to provide expert legal guidance and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – there’s no risk and no obligation.