Dog Bite Attorney
California's Strict Liability Law Works in Your Favor
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause severe physical injuries, lasting emotional trauma, and permanent scarring. California is one of the strongest states in the nation for dog bite victims, holding owners strictly liable for their animal's actions. If you or your child was bitten or attacked by a dog, the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen in Fresno, California, can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
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California Dog Bite Law: What Strict Liability Means for You
Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable for damages suffered by any person bitten by their dog in a public place or lawfully in a private place. Unlike other states that require proof the owner knew the dog was dangerous, California's strict liability law means:
You do not need to prove the dog had a history of biting
You do not need to prove the owner was negligent
The owner is liable for a first-time bite if you were lawfully present
This powerful law gives dog bite victims in Fresno a significant advantage in pursuing their claims. Our attorneys understand how to maximize recovery under California's strict liability framework.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite injuries range from superficial wounds to life-threatening trauma. Common injuries our clients have experienced include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage affecting mobility or sensation
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement — especially on the face, hands, and arms
- Infections including cellulitis and, in serious cases, sepsis
- Broken bones from the force of the attack or a fall
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, particularly in children
- Rabies exposure requiring preventive treatment
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Fresno?
In most dog bite cases, the dog's owner bears primary liability. However, depending on the circumstances, other parties may also be responsible, including:
Property owners or landlords who allowed a known dangerous dog on the premises
A person who was keeping or controlling the dog at the time of the attack
Businesses where an attack occurred on commercial property
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
- Medical bills — emergency care, surgeries, wound treatment, and follow-up care
- Reconstructive surgery and scar revision procedures
- Lost wages if injury prevented you from working
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological counseling costs
- Future medical care for permanent injuries
Acting Quickly After a Dog Bite Is Critical
California's statute of limitations for dog bite claims is two years from the date of the attack (CCP § 335.1). Evidence can disappear quickly — witness memories fade, surveillance footage is overwritten, and owners may move or transfer ownership of the animal. Contact our Fresno dog bite attorneys as soon as possible to preserve your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The dog that bit me has never bitten anyone before. Can I still recover compensation in California?
A: Yes. California's strict liability dog bite statute (Civil Code § 3342) does not require any prior history of aggression. There is no "one free bite" rule in California. As long as you were in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the attack, the dog's owner is liable for your injuries, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone previously. This is one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country, and it is firmly on your side.
Q: What if I were bitten by a dog on someone else's private property? Does that affect my claim?
A: Not necessarily. California Civil Code § 3342 covers bites that occur in a public place OR in a private place where the victim was lawfully present. If you were an invited guest, a delivery driver, a mail carrier, or a utility worker lawfully on the property, you have the same right to recover as you would from a public-place bite. The key question is whether you had the legal right to be where you were when the attack occurred, and in most cases, the answer is yes.
Q: My child was bitten by a neighbor's dog. How do we pursue a claim?
A: Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, and the injuries are often severe given their smaller size and the typical location of bites on a child's face and neck. A parent or legal guardian can bring a claim on behalf of a minor child. Additionally, the two-year statute of limitations for a minor's personal injury claim generally does not begin to run until the child turns 18, giving your family additional time to pursue the claim if needed. We handle dog bite cases involving children with particular care and sensitivity.
Q: The dog owner's homeowner's insurance company contacted me. Should I talk to them?
A: You should speak with an attorney before giving any statement to the dog owner's insurance company. Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability, and the insurer will assign an adjuster to manage your claim. That adjuster's job is to settle your claim for as little as possible. They may seem cooperative, but any statement you give can be used to reduce your recovery. Let the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Bitten by a Dog in Fresno? California Law Is on Your Side — and So Are We.
Dog bite injuries are painful, traumatic, and can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. You shouldn't have to bear those costs alone, especially when California's strict liability law holds dog owners directly responsible.
At the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen, we handle dog bite and animal attack cases throughout Fresno and the Central Valley. We deal with the insurance company, document your injuries, and fight for every dollar of compensation you are owed, including medical bills, scarring, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call
(559) 438-1030 today for your free consultation. No fees unless we win. Let us put 30 years of personal injury experience to work for you.