San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer
Dedicated Dog Bites Attorney in San Bernardino, CA
Many people have enjoyable interactions with dogs on a regular basis in San Bernardino, whether this is at Wildwood Dog Park, other public parks throughout the area, or while visiting friends and family. However, dogs can bite unexpectedly and sometimes cause severe injuries. If you or a family member were recently injured by someone else’s dog, it’s vital to speak with a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Representing Dog Bite Victims in San Bernardino, CA
The attorneys at Duque & Price have more than 45 years of experience representing injured clients in San Bernardino and surrounding areas of California. If you or a loved one recently sustained injuries in a dog attack, it’s crucial to understand the state’s strict liability law for dog owners and how this applies to your case. Our personal injury lawyers can help you hold the dog owner accountable and recover compensation for your damages.
Dog attacks are more common than many people realize, and they can sometimes result in life-changing injuries. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, California was among the top ten states with the most dog attacks in 2023, and every year about 4.5 million people nationwide are injured by dogs. A dog attack may result in injuries from biting as well as other injuries, especially if the victim is thrown to the ground.
Our firm will review the details of your recent experience, help you determine whether strict liability applies, and identify any potential complications you could face as your case unfolds. You have a short time in which to file a personal injury claim in California, so it’s crucial to find legal counsel you can trust as soon as possible after the incident.
Building a Dog Bite Claim in San Bernardino
Under California’s strict liability rule for dog owners, a dog owner is fully responsible for any damages their pet causes to someone else, regardless of whether the dog has a history of attacking in the past. Some other states enforce “one bite” rules that essentially allow a dog owner to avoid liability the first time their pet bites someone, but there is no such provision in California.
The only requirements for strict liability to apply are that the victim must not have provoked the dog, and the victim must have been legally present at the location where the attack occurred. Your San Bernardino dog bite attorney can secure any evidence you may need to prove that you did not provoke the dog and were legally present wherever the attack occurred. After establishing strict liability, your attorney can help you calculate your total claimable damages.
When strict liability applies to your case, you may be able to recover compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you suffered in the incident. A plaintiff could have grounds to claim compensation for medical expenses, future medical treatment costs for serious injuries, lost wages, and their pain and suffering. You should hire a dog bite lawyer with proven experience so they can accurately calculate all of the damages you are eligible to claim.
Some personal injury claims in San Bernardino are resolved outside of court through settlement negotiations, but litigation is sometimes unavoidable. When you hire a dog bite lawyer at Duque & Price to represent you, we will do everything we can to help you resolve your case as efficiently as possible and will pursue as much compensation as state law allows for your damages. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can assist with your case.
FAQs
What Are Defenses Against Strict Liability for a Dog Bite in California?
The only valid defenses against strict liability for a dog bite in California are trespassing and provocation. If a property owner’s dog bites or otherwise injures a trespasser or intruder, strict liability would not apply. Similarly, strict liability would not apply if the victim of the dog attack provoked the dog in some way, such as by abusing it or aggressing its owner.
What Happens to the Dog After it Bites Someone in San Bernardino?
After a dog bites someone in San Bernardino, it must be surrendered for a medical quarantine so medical professionals can determine whether it is carrying any infectious diseases and/or poses a threat to public health and safety. Usually, the dog is returned to its owner after this quarantine, but the court could order a particularly dangerous dog to be euthanized.
What Is a Dog Bite Claim Worth in San Bernardino?
The value of a dog bite claim in San Bernardino largely depends on the severity of the harm the dog has caused. If you can establish strict liability for the dog attack you experienced, your San Bernardino dog bite lawyer can calculate all of the economic damages you are eligible to claim and help you secure appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Dog Bite Claim in California?
The time it takes to settle a dog bite claim in California largely depends on whether strict liability is contested and whether the defendant is willing to negotiate a settlement. Most of the personal injury cases filed in California each year are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, litigation could be unavoidable in some cases, and this generally takes much longer.
Why Should I Hire a San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer?
You should hire a dog bite lawyer in San Bernardino to have a better chance of success with your case. Even if strict liability clearly applies in your case, holding the defendant accountable for the full scope of the damages you suffered is likely to be more difficult than you expect. You have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your case with a San Bernardino dog bite attorney representing you.
Contact Our Attorney Today
The attorneys at Duque & Price have decades of experience helping clients pursue accountability and compensation for their damages in a wide range of cases, including dog bite claims. We know that you are likely to have many legal questions after the incident you experienced, and we’re ready to provide the answers you need. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyer.
About San Bernardino, California
Wildwood Dog Park offers local families and pets a welcoming environment to enjoy outdoor recreation in the San Bernardino foothills. However, animal incidents remain a safety concern, with roughly 4.7 million people bitten by dogs nationwide every year. To address animal welfare and bite prevention, the San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control Program strictly enforces a mandatory 10-day rabies quarantine for biting animals and provides community outreach. Through public awareness and enforcement, San Bernardino continues working toward safer, resilient neighborhoods for everyone.
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