Rialto Dog Bite Lawyer

Dedicated Dog Bite Attorney in Rialto, CA

Many people in the Rialto area enjoy spending time with dogs and have positive interactions with them, but whether you visit the Rialto Dog Park, Andreson Park, or a friend’s home, it is vital to understand your legal options if someone else’s dog attacks and injures you. Dog attacks can cause devastating injuries, and an experienced Rialto dog bite lawyer is a crucial resource for helping you recover from such an incident.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Dog Bite Claims in Rialto, CA

The attorneys at Duque & Price have more than 45 years of experience representing injured clients in Rialto and throughout San Bernardino County. Dog attacks can be traumatic and result in severe injuries, and in California, there is a strict liability law for dog owners, meaning a dog owner is fully responsible for any injuries their pet causes to others. There are some caveats to this law, so it’s vital to consult legal counsel you can trust to help you build your case.

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are about 90 million dogs in the US, and every year, an average of 4.5 million people suffer dog bites. In 2023, California was one of the top ten states with the highest reported numbers of dog attacks. If you or a family member is attacked by a dog, it’s vital to understand California’s strict liability law and the value of having legal counsel you can trust handling your case.

Building a Personal Injury Case for a Dog Bite in Rialto

California’s strict liability law states that a dog owner is fully responsible for any injuries their pet causes, regardless of whether the dog has any known history of attacking people in the past. However, for strict liability to apply to a dog bite case, the victim must have been legally present at the location where the attack occurred, and they must not have done anything to provoke the dog to attack them, such as abusing the animal or aggressing its owner.

Your Rialto dog bite lawyer can help you assert strict liability for the dog attack you experienced, and they can also help you resolve any liability disputes with the dog owner. If they accuse you of provoking the attack in any way, your attorney may be able to secure evidence you need to disprove their allegations.

A dog attack may not only result in injuries from the dog’s teeth and claws, but also from hitting the ground. A large dog can easily knock a person to the ground if they pounce or jump on them, and this could potentially result in broken bones or even traumatic brain injuries. Your Rialto dog bite attorney can help you assess the full scope of the damages you suffered in the incident and then calculate the damages you are eligible to claim.

Claiming Compensation for a Dog Attack

The plaintiff in a dog bite case will likely have grounds to claim substantial compensation for their medical expenses. Victims of dog attacks may suffer puncture wounds and lacerations from bites, and it is also possible for larger breeds to inflict crushing injuries, break bones, and cause substantial damage to nerves and soft tissues. If the victim hits the ground, they may have suffered a traumatic brain injury or damage to internal organs.

The victim may not be able to work for an extended period. If so, they have the right to claim compensation for the income they have been unable to earn during their recovery. Additionally, if the accident caused a permanent disability, they may be eligible to claim compensation for lost earning capacity.

In California, a personal injury plaintiff also has the right to claim compensation for the pain and suffering a defendant caused. Your Rialto dog bite lawyer can determine a suitable amount to claim from the dog owner that reflects the physical pain and psychological trauma you experienced from the attack.

The team at Duque & Price is ready to help you build your personal injury case for the dog attack you experienced. Reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn how a Rialto dog bite attorney can help with your recovery.

FAQs

What Happens to the Dog After it Bites Someone in California?

After a dog bites someone in California, the owner typically must surrender the animal for a medical quarantine. Veterinary professionals will examine the dog to assess its demeanor and to determine whether it carries any infectious diseases. After the quarantine, the dog is returned to its owner, but the court may order the dog to be euthanized if there is evidence that the dog is a threat to public health and safety.

How Much Is a Dog Bite Claim Worth in Rialto?

The value of a dog bite claim in Rialto largely depends on the severity of the injuries the victim suffered. Your Rialto dog bite lawyer may help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and the pain and suffering you experienced. You have a better chance of securing appropriate compensation for your damages with an attorney representing you.

Why Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

You should hire a dog bite lawyer because your case could be more difficult to resolve than you initially expect. California’s strict liability rule for dog attacks may appear to be on your side, but the dog owner could dispute liability or argue against the amount of compensation you are claiming. When you hire an attorney to handle your case, they can help you reach optimal results and resolve your case efficiently.

What Does it Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Rialto?

The cost to hire a dog bite lawyer in Rialto depends on the lawyer you choose to represent you. At Duque & Price, we take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not charge upfront fees; we only charge our client a percentage of the compensation we secure for them if we are successful with their case. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.

Contact Our Attorney Today

The team at Duque & Price has decades of proven experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases for clients in Rialto and throughout San Bernardino County, including dog bite claims. If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of a recent dog attack, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Rialto dog bite lawyer.

About Rialto, CA

Rialto offers great outdoor recreational spaces like Frisbie Park, which features dedicated areas for local pets to run and socialize safely. However, serious risks remain across the state, with California recording 673 postal worker dog bites to lead the nation according to official U.S. Postal Service data. In response, municipal authorities enforce leash regulations and mandatory animal quarantine protocols to maintain public safety. These active measures reflect Rialto’s commitment to protecting residents and keeping local neighborhoods secure.