Helping Clients Recover Damages and Get Their Lives Back

Experiencing a dog bite can be terrifying and painful. Victims may suffer from lacerations, bruising, disfiguration, emotional distress, or even death. Dog bite victims should not have to suffer even more by losing time at work or paying for medical expenses they never should have had. The California dog bite law permits victims of a dog bite attack to hold dog owners accountable for the damages caused by their dangerous animals.

While victims are protected by the law, it is crucial to speak with a Fresno dog bite attorney to get adequate legal counsel to navigate this complex legal process. Dog bite cases can be complicated, with challenges in proving liability. A Fresno dog bite lawyer can help you determine whether bringing a claim against the dog owner is appropriate and will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries.

If a dangerous dog has injured you, please seek medical attention immediately. Once you are safe and recovering, you should consider speaking with the dog bite attorneys at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian. We have over 75 years of experience handling personal injury claims, making us excellent allies as you fight for your rights following a dog attack. We will fight for fair compensation by investigating the details of the incident and proving that the owner failed to restrain their dangerous animal. Call 559-545-0383 to schedule a free consultation with our caring, capable legal team.

How Do Dog Bite Laws Work in California?

California law holds dog owners responsible for damages in a dog attack, except in some rare cases. This means the owner must provide financial compensation to the victim, even if the dog showed no prior aggressive behavior. The California dog bite law differs from states with a one-bite rule, which allows a dog to bite once before the owner is held liable. If someone is bitten while lawfully on another person’s property or in public, the victim can take legal action against the dog owner.

Some exceptions exist when dog bite victims would not be able to recover compensation, including:

• The victim was trespassing or was not legally permitted to enter the property – While a dog owner may not be held strictly liable, they can still be at fault if the victim was trespassing if they were negligent in restraining an animal they knew was dangerous.
• The victim provoked the attack and was thus partially at fault – Under California law, if the victim provokes the attack by harassing, striking, or annoying the animal, they may not recover full compensation for damages.
• The victim had assumed the risk of being bitten – Certain professionals, including veterinarians and kennel workers, cannot recover compensation because they willingly engage in practices that they know could lead to a bite.
• The dog was a law enforcement dog – A law enforcement animal operating at a crime scene or defending itself or a police officer may not fall under the protection of personal injury laws unless the victim was an innocent bystander who did not provoke the attack.

How Can I Prove Liability in My Dog Bite Injury Case?

California dog bite laws operate under the strict liability rule. This means an owner can be held liable for injuries even if they were not negligent. The mere fact that the accident occurred is enough to potentially merit a dog bite lawsuit. Unlike one-bite laws in other states, the owner doesn’t need to be aware of the dog’s behavior to be held responsible for an attack.

In some cases, strict liability does not apply. For example, a victim trespassing on private property may be unable to pursue damages from a dog owner. However, if the owner was negligent in restraining a dog they knew was dangerous, the victim could partly recover damages in a dog bite claim.

One of the best ways to recover financially from a Fresno dog bite injury is to speak with a dog bite lawyer like those at our law firm. A Fresno dog bite attorney can help you understand what your rights are following the injury. They can also uncover evidence to prove negligence or hold dog owners accountable even if they were not legally negligent. Contact our dog bite injury team today for help recovering damages following your dog bite injuries.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to for My Dog Bite?

Many victims think they can count on their insurance company to cover the costs of dog bite injuries. Sadly, most insurers do not compensate victims fairly or consider the wide range of damages dog bites cause. When you hire a Fresno dog bite lawyer like those at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, you will have an experienced professional on your side who understands California law and will fight diligently to get you the maximum compensation possible.

Because dog bites vary in severity and damage, we can give you the best estimate of your case’s value after meeting with you in person. A dog bite injury claim generally results in economic and non-economic damages. In some cases, victims are eligible for punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include easily calculable items. Most accident victims consider economic damages when they pursue compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.

Some examples of economic damages that may be recovered in dog bite cases include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Hospital expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Emergency room charges
• Emergency transportation
• Lost income, including wages, salaries, vacations, and bonuses
• Decreased income-earning ability
• Funeral and burial expenses, within reason

Non-Economic Damages

The insurance carrier often overlooks non-economic damages. However, these damages are critical when pursuing a fair settlement. Although non-economic items are more difficult to quantify, they are still important because they greatly impact the victim’s quality of life.

Some non-economic damages that our dog bite attorneys pursue include:

• Mental and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Catastrophic injury
• Loss of companionship
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

Finally, some victims are eligible for punitive damage if the dog owner exhibited criminal negligence or intentionally encouraged the attack. If you need help filing a negligence claim to receive fair compensation, please reach out to our law firm immediately for excellent legal advice and skillful representation.

What Injuries Are Typically Associated with Dog Bites?

If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack, you should take quick action to prevent infection and stop blood loss. Severe injuries should receive urgent medical treatment to result in complete recovery. Depending on the nature of the attack, treatment may include stitches, plastic surgery, and other urgent care.

Some common dog bite injuries that occur when dangerous dogs attack humans include:

• Lacerations – cuts or deep tears
• Abrasions – scrapes
• Puncture wounds – wounds that occur because the dog’s teeth pierce the skin
• Crushing injuries – bones and joints that are broken by the dog’s powerful jaws
• Damage to organs – internal organ injuries or damage to eyes, ears, neck, and other areas of the body
• Nerve damage – numbness or pain due to nerve damage from the bite injury
• Death – when victims, especially small children, succumb to their injuries and die because of a dog attack

If a dangerous dog injures you or a loved one, please get immediate medical attention and call animal control to restrain the animal. Then, consider protecting yourself legally and financially by speaking to a Fresno dog bite attorney at our law firm.

What Other Accidents Does Your Legal Team Handle?

Dog bites are just one practice area handled by our experienced legal team. We help victims of car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, and more. Our lawyers have over 75 years of experience, which has given us unique insights and talent to overcome any obstacles that may arise in a personal injury lawsuit.

Our legal team goes into action quickly by investigating the incident to determine what really happened. We leave no stone unturned as we uncover evidence to prove that you were not at fault for your injuries. We also work tirelessly to demonstrate that the other person owed you a duty of care, whether that be a dog owner, another driver, a negligent doctor, or a property owner who caused an injury through negligence.

Our dog bite lawyers are prepared to handle your case, no matter how complex. We understand California laws and will fight aggressively for your best interests in and out of court. We apply our honed negotiating skills to pursue a fair settlement from the insurance company. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case?

Many people don’t think they’re the “type” of person to bring a lawsuit following an injury. However, taking legal action can protect you financially and may prevent further victims from being harmed by a dangerous animal. Filing a dog bite claim is not about taking revenge but about getting the help you deserve for injuries that never should have happened.

When you are ready to hold the dog’s owner accountable and seek the compensation you deserve, you should not go about this process alone. You can speak with our dog bite lawyers in a free initial consultation to learn more about your rights and decide whether it is worth it to take legal action in your case. A dog bite lawyer can help you negotiate a better settlement with the insurance company rather than taking the lowball offer they have probably presented.

With an attorney on your side, you have much better chances of getting compensated in full so you can return to your normal life. Call our legal team right away to learn more in a free initial consultation.

Should You Hire Our Fresno Dog Bite Lawyers?

When dogs bite humans, dog owners should be held accountable for the damage caused. Our team of attorneys believes that every victim deserves the chance to make a full financial recovery, and we will stand by your side as you seek justice for your dog attack.

We promise to apply our knowledge, skills, and talent acquired over 75 years of legal practice. We will answer your questions and get you results based on your unique case. You can rely on our knowledge of California dog bite laws, leash laws, and the other legal aspects of your dog bite case.

Call today to let us carry the burden of protecting you legally so you can focus on resting and recovering. Call 559-545-0383 to schedule your free consultation with our compassionate, skilled legal team.