Dog bites can happen suddenly and cause significant physical and emotional harm. A seemingly friendly dog can become aggressive without warning, leaving victims with deep lacerations, infections, scarring, and psychological trauma. In San Bernardino County and the surrounding Inland Empire, dog bite incidents occur regularly, and victims deserve representation from an attorney who understands California’s animal liability laws.
California treats dog bite injuries differently than many states. Rather than requiring victims to prove the dog owner was negligent, California law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs.
How California Dog Bite Law Works
California Civil Code Section 3342 establishes strict liability for dog owners. The law states that if a dog injures someone and the injury occurs in a public place or the victim was lawfully in a private place, the owner is liable for damages.
The owner is liable for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, emergency room charges, surgical expenses, and physical therapy costs. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement.
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries range from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations requiring emergency surgery. Beyond visible injuries, dog bites frequently cause infections. Psychological trauma from dog attacks is equally serious as physical injury. Many victims experience anxiety around dogs and public spaces after an attack.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injury
Under California’s strict liability law, you can recover full compensation from the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. An experienced attorney helps ensure the insurance company recognizes your full damages. Related practice areas include car accident claims where similar compensation principles apply, as well as bus accident injury representation for transit-related incidents.
Why You Need an Attorney
An attorney brings legitimacy and professional credibility to your claim. Insurance companies know that a represented claimant is more likely to pursue litigation if the settlement offer is unreasonable. Your attorney will document all medical treatment, coordinate with healthcare providers, and present a comprehensive damages claim that accounts for both immediate and long-term injury impacts.
Dog bite cases often involve complex liability questions. Was the dog previously known to be dangerous? Did the owner fail to control or restrain the dog? Your attorney investigates these questions and builds a strong case. For serious injuries involving permanent scarring or disability, your attorney may also explore other personal injury avenues that offer comparable compensation frameworks.
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in San Bernardino County or the Inland Empire, contact Big Al California for a free consultation. Our experienced dog bite attorneys understand California’s strict liability laws and will fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.
