Fresno Dog Bite Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Understand Your Legal Options With Our Fresno Dog Bite Lawyers
Our Fresno dog bite lawyers here at Arash Law understand that injuries from a bite go beyond physical pain. They can cause overwhelming stress, fear, and financial strain. Whether the incident happened near Woodward Park, while walking in the Tower District, or in your neighborhood, we are ready to help you explore your legal options.
Our dog bite attorneys in Fresno have helped families across the Central Valley obtain compensation for the injuries and losses resulting from dog bites. Schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation with one of our attorneys by calling (888) 488-1391.
Why Hire Fresno Dog Bite Lawyers Near Me
Taking legal action after suffering a dog bite may help address the financial impact of your injuries. Filing a claim is a way to seek accountability for the harm you experienced. If you’re thinking of pursuing a legal claim, consider hiring local Fresno dog bite lawyers.
Local attorneys have a good understanding of applicable laws in Fresno pertaining to dog bites. We understand how the legal process works and how local courts operate. We can handle the legal aspect of your case, including the following:
- Case Assessment — Our lawyers will evaluate your case, identify key legal issues, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
- Evidence Collection — We will gather evidence and analyze its relevance to your case to help establish negligence. Furthermore, we will interview witnesses, consult industry professionals, and assess your claim.
- Legal Correspondence — We can help file your claim on time, take over communication, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
An attack that took place when a homeless man used an unsecured baseball bat in the Walmart store to attack a husband and wife who were shopping nearby. The jury found that Walmart was 50 percent liable for the attack, and the amount of the judgment against the company exceeded $30,000,000.– BRIAN BEECHER
Benefits Of Hiring Our Attorneys For Your Dog Bite Claim
Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience. It often causes serious injuries, emotional distress, and costly medical bills. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, you may be able to seek compensation from the owner and, depending on the specifics of your case, other potentially liable parties.
Our attorneys provide clients with dedicated support every step of the way. Here are the benefits of working with our Fresno dog bite lawyers:
- Advocating for Your Legal Rights — Our attorneys treat each case with care. We can review offers on your behalf and handle the communications with insurance companies.
- Putting Your Interests First — We advocate for your needs and interests at every stage of the legal process, addressing issues related to seeking compensation for your medical bills, missed work, and other losses due to the bite.
- Full-Service Representation — Our legal team handles the legal aspect of your case, so you can focus on getting better.
- Accessible Legal Services — At Arash Law, we operate on a contingency basis. We don’t ask for lawyer fees up front. Instead, we only get paid if you receive compensation. If there’s no compensation, you won’t owe us for hiring our legal services. Note: Clients may still need to shoulder some costs regardless of the case’s outcome. Our attorneys will discuss these charges with you during your consultation and before you sign any agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injury Cases
If you or a family member suffered a dog bite, you may be wondering whether you have a valid claim, among other questions. To help provide clarity during this challenging time, we have compiled some answers to common questions about dog bite cases.
Do you have other concerns in mind? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (888) 488-1391 to answer any questions you may have regarding your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Fresno Dog Bite Lawyers?
Our dog bite attorneys in Fresno work on a contingency fee basis. Instead of charging clients up front, we only get paid for our legal services if you receive compensation. If there’s no compensation, you won’t owe us lawyers’ fees. This fee structure enables clients to proceed with their case without concerns about upfront attorney costs.
Lawyers usually deduct a percentage from the final settlement or verdict. The rate depends on several factors that our attorneys can discuss with you, as well as other case-related costs that will be charged separately, regardless of the outcome of your case, during your consultation. Set a schedule by filling out our contact form.
How Bad Does My Dog Bite Have To Be To Have A Case?
Dog bites can vary in severity, but even seemingly minor injuries can have serious legal and medical consequences. Veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar developed a scale to assess the level of harm. This six-level system classifies dog bites based on the damage inflicted:
- Level 1 — A dog behaves “obnoxiously or aggressively” toward another person or animal without actually making skin contact with its teeth.
- Level 2 — The dog’s teeth make skin contact but do not puncture it. It is possible, however, to still see nicks or slight bleeding.
- Level 3 — A single bite results in one to four punctures, with no puncture deeper than half of the dog’s canine teeth. In addition, lacerations may occur due to the movement of the dog or the owner.
- Level 4 — The bite results in one to four punctures, with at least one puncture deeper than half of the dog’s canine teeth. It is also common for level four bites to result in deep bruising.
- Level 5 — The dog bites the victim more than twice, resulting in at least two level 4 bites or multiple attacks involving at least one level 4 bite.
- Level 6 — The bite results in the death of the victim.
While this scale helps assess bite severity, California law doesn’t require a bite to be “severe” for you to have a case. Even a level 2 bite can cause infections, permanent scarring, or emotional trauma. Whether you have puncture wounds, bruises, or lasting trauma, you may have grounds to seek compensation. Reach out to our Fresno dog bite lawyers to understand your options and explore potential avenues for compensation.
Can My Dog Bite Lawyer Negotiate A Settlement Without Going To Court?
Generally, dog bite cases settle out of court. The process usually involves negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company. An experienced dog bite lawyer works to build a well-supported case, aiming for a fair resolution without the need for a trial. However, prior outcomes do not produce a similar result. Results may vary depending on the facts of each case.
If you’re thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer for my dog bite claim,” our team is ready to assist you. Allow our dog bite attorneys in Fresno to advocate for you while you focus on healing. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
How Long After A Dog Bite Can You Sue In Fresno?
If you intend to file a lawsuit, start gathering evidence promptly. In California, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the bite. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your ability to seek compensation altogether. This applies to Fresno dog bite cases.
Although most dog bite lawsuits in California must be filed within two years, exceptions to this rule exist. These may include cases involving minors, government defendants, or situations where the injury was not immediately apparent. An attorney can review your case and advise you on the correct deadline.
Additionally, under the law, all dog bites involving a person must be reported to the local animal control agency or health department, no matter how minor the injury or whether the dog has a previous history of aggression. This reporting requirement is crucial for safeguarding public health by enabling authorities to investigate potential rabies exposure, verify vaccination records, and verify if the dog is properly documented.
Filing a report not only protects others but also connects the incident to the injury. The report and ensuing investigation provide important evidence that can support your case. Failure to report the bite could weaken your claim, delay your medical treatment, or put the public at risk.
Dog Bite?
How Our Attorneys Establish Liability In Dog Bite Cases
Dog bites in California generally fall under strict liability laws. This means that the victim does not need to prove the owner’s negligence. So, in Fresno, owners are automatically liable for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
To hold a dog owner legally responsible for a bite, our Fresno personal injury attorneys must establish the following:
- The defendant owns or was in charge of the dog.
- It occurred in a public place or while the victim was legally on private property.
- The dog bite injured the victim.
- The incident was the substantial factor that contributed to the victim’s injuries.
While dog owners are typically held responsible for dog bites, there are exceptions. For example, an owner may not be found liable if the victim was trespassing or knowingly assumed the risk of being bitten, such as a veterinarian working with aggressive dogs. In some cases, if the dog was provoked to attack and bite or was protecting its owner, home, or young pups, liability may also be limited.
It is important to be aware that these exemptions may be cited in response to a claim. If you have questions about your situation, consider consulting with dog bite lawyers in Fresno for further guidance.
Other Potentially Liable Parties In Dog Bite Cases
Identifying all liable parties is a crucial step in mitigating the financial impact of a dog bite incident. Our Fresno dog bite lawyers can also explore potentially liable third parties for your claim. Depending on the circumstances, other individuals or entities may also share liability for your injuries. Here are some of them:
- Landlords or Property Owners — A landlord may be held liable if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps, like enforcing leash rules or repairing broken fences.
- Dog Keeper or Caretaker — Individuals temporarily responsible for the dog, such as pet sitters, dog walkers, or kennel staff, can be held liable if their negligence (e.g., failing to leash or control the dog) directly results in a bite.
- Animal Shelters or Adoption Agencies — These entities may share fault if they knowingly place a dangerous dog in a home without warning the adopters about past aggression or behavioral issues.
- Parents or Guardians of Underage Dog Owners — If a minor owns the dog, their parents or legal guardians may be held liable for damages, especially if they failed to supervise it or prevent unsafe behavior.
Compensation Available In Dog Bite Claims In Fresno
In the aftermath of a dog bite, victims often experience financial hardships due to expensive treatments and missed work opportunities. Our Fresno dog bite attorneys can assist you in pursuing compensation for both your immediate costs and the long-term impact on your life.
Our Fresno accident lawyers can help you build an evidence-backed claim that seeks compensation for these two primary types of damages:
Economic Damages — These damages are out-of-pocket expenses that dog bite victims suffer as a direct result of their injuries. They include emergency treatment and hospitalization, doctor visits and diagnostic tests, medications and wound care, reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, and future medical care for long-term injuries.
If your injuries require ongoing treatment, such as specialized therapy, mobility aids, or future medical procedures, we also take that into account. Furthermore, if your injuries keep you from working or limit your earning capacity, we work to help you pursue compensation for lost wages and income.
- Non-Economic Damages — These are intangible damages associated with dog bites, including emotional, psychological, and social effects that are often not covered by receipts. Pain & suffering include:
- Physical pain and discomfort.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Psychological trauma from the incident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations or disfigurement.
Common Types Of Dog Bite Injuries
The effects of dog bites go beyond pain. They can be physically damaging, emotionally traumatic, and impact your daily life. In spite of the absence of visible scars, the emotional and mental toll of the bite can last for years. The types of injuries dog bite victims suffer are among the factors considered when determining an owner’s potential liability. Here are some examples of common dog bite injuries:- Lacerations — Being bitten by a dog often results in lacerations. Deep, jagged, and painful tears in the skin need immediate medical attention.
- Puncture Wounds — A dog’s sharp teeth can cause deep wounds. Puncture wounds may appear minor on the surface, but they are prone to infection because they penetrate deep into the tissue. They may require ongoing wound care or surgery to treat delayed healing, abscesses, or hidden muscle damage.
- Infections — Failure to thoroughly clean a wound can lead to serious diseases caused by bacteria from the dog’s mouth. There is a possibility of victims contracting cellulitis, sepsis, tetanus, and, in rare cases, even rabies. Some infections can become life-threatening if not treated.
- Nerve Damage — A bite can damage the nerves, causing chronic pain, numbness, or even paralysis. Sometimes, nerve damage does not fully heal. It can affect your quality of life in the long run by limiting your ability to perform everyday tasks. It can also cause loss of sensation and reduce mobility.
- Scarring & Disfigurement — Scarring on the face, neck, or hands can significantly impact both your physical appearance and mental well-being. The long-term effects include anxiety, social withdrawal, and low self-esteem.
largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What To Do After A Dog Bite In Fresno
Taking certain steps after a dog bite can make an impact on the outcome of your situation and the options available to you, including:
- Obtain Medical Treatment Promptly — It’s crucial to follow up with a medical provider, even if emergency responders from 911 or the ER staff have already treated you. A dog bite can result in infections that develop quickly, and nerve damage or internal injuries may not be immediately evident. Doing so can help prevent complications. It can also provide evidence to support your injury claim by creating official medical records.
- Preserve Evidence — Collect and safely store anything related to the bite, such as photos of your injuries, the dog, the location where the accident occurred, medical bills, witness contact information, and damaged clothing. Clear documentation can help support your claim.
- Call a Dog Bite Lawyer — Our Fresno dog bite lawyers can investigate the incident. We work to identify all potentially responsible parties and assist you in seeking compensation in accordance with the law.
Dog Bite Statistics
In the United States, dog bites have become a serious and growing public safety concern. Every year, approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs in the U.S., according to the World Health Organization. Twenty percent of patients require medical attention for injuries or infections, with many of them being children.
An analysis of homeowners’ insurance claims data by the Insurance Information Institute found that the number of dog bite claims increased from 19,062 in 2023 to 22,658 in 2024. This figure represents an increase from 17,597, which reflects rising medical costs, as well as the emotional and psychological costs associated with dog bite injuries.
If a dog in Fresno bites you or your child, let our experienced dog bite attorneys in Fresno go over your legal options when you call (888) 488-1391. Our initial consultations are complimentary and do not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Consult With The Dog Bite Lawyers In Fresno
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a dog bite anywhere in Fresno, including Laton, Kerman, Fowler, Selma, Reedley, Edmiston, Sanger, or Raisin City, consider consulting an attorney. A dog bite can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm, and legal representation may be necessary to address issues that may arise in a personal injury claim.
Our attorneys will work to help you seek accountability for the resulting injuries and losses following a dog bite. Our experienced Fresno dog bite lawyers will guide you through every step of the legal process, offering necessary support and advocating for your rights.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation, or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form here. We also handle other types of personal injury claims, including premises liability cases, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle collisions, hit-and-run cases, DUI crashes, and accidents involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and big rigs.
