Dog bite injuries can be physically painful, emotionally distressing, and financially burdensome. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino, California, understanding your legal rights and the steps you need to take is crucial. Fortunately, California law provides legal recourse for dog bite victims, and an experienced dog bite lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. From medical bills to pain and suffering, a skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight for a fair outcome.
California Dog Bite Laws: Strict Liability and Exceptions
California is one of the few states with strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. This means that the owner is responsible for the injury regardless of whether they were aware of the dog’s prior aggressive behavior or whether the dog has bitten anyone before.
Key Aspects of California’s Strict Liability Law
Strict Liability: The dog owner is liable for the victim’s injuries if the dog bites someone who is lawfully on public or private property, including people walking on sidewalks or visiting private homes. This law applies regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. Even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before, the owner is still responsible for the attack.
Exceptions to Liability: While strict liability covers most dog bite cases, there are some exceptions. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or was provoking the dog, the owner may not be liable. Additionally, if the dog was performing its duties as a service animal, police dog, or military dog, there may be limitations on the owner’s liability.
One-Bite Rule: In some cases, California courts may apply the “one-bite rule” where the victim needs to prove that the dog owner was negligent in controlling the dog. For example, if the dog had a history of aggression and the owner failed to act accordingly, they could be held liable for any resulting injuries. This is more common for cases that involve dogs with prior incidents of aggression or bites.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can lead to various injuries, some of which can be serious and even life-threatening. Common injuries include:
Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds from the dog’s teeth. These wounds can lead to infections and may require stitches to close properly.
Lacerations: These are tears in the skin caused by the dog’s teeth, often requiring surgical intervention or stitches to prevent complications.
Crushing Injuries: The impact of a dog bite can cause significant tissue damage, bruising, and muscle injuries. These injuries can impair mobility or cause permanent damage.
Infections: Due to bacteria in a dog’s mouth, bites can lead to serious infections such as tetanus, rabies, or MRSA. In some cases, these infections may require extensive medical treatment.
Nerve Damage: A severe dog bite can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the affected area.
Psychological Trauma: In addition to physical harm, dog bite victims often experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What to Do After a Dog Bite in San Bernardino
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino, it’s essential to act quickly and follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately. Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to serious infections. Medical professionals will assess the severity of the wound, clean it, and provide treatment to prevent infection.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner: If possible, obtain the dog’s breed, name, and vaccination history, as well as the contact information of the dog owner. If the dog is a stray, report the incident to animal control so the dog can be located and assessed for rabies or other diseases.
Document the Incident: Take photos of the injury, the location where the attack occurred, and any visible signs of the dog (such as fur or tracks). These photos can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
Report the Bite: Report the dog bite to local authorities, such as the San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control. Reporting the incident helps ensure the dog is properly assessed and prevents future attacks. You can also file a report with the police if necessary.
Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer: Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in San Bernardino to discuss your legal options. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, file a claim, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims in San Bernardino may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical treatment, including emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages: If you were unable to work due to the injuries sustained from the dog bite, you could recover compensation for lost wages and income.
Pain and Suffering: Victims can seek compensation for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of quality of life caused by the injury.
Scarring and Disfigurement: If the dog bite results in permanent scars or disfigurement, especially to visible areas like the face or hands, you may be entitled to compensation for the long-term impact of these changes.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the dog owner was grossly negligent or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the owner and deter future dangerous behavior.
Top Dog Bite Lawyers in San Bernardino
Here are some reputable dog bite lawyers in San Bernardino:
1. Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys
Overview: With over 46 years of experience, Bisnar Chase has a 99% success rate and has won millions in settlements for dog bite victims.
Contact: (909) 253-0750
Website: bestattorney.com
2. Montevideo Law, PC (Dog Bite Law Group)
Overview: Recognized for handling dog bite cases, Montevideo Law offers contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Contact: (949) 404-4455
Website: dogbitelawgroup.com
3. The Dominguez Firm
Overview: Known for securing over $1 billion in settlements, The Dominguez Firm handles dog bite cases in San Bernardino and across California.
Contact: (800) 818-1818
Website: dominguezfirm.com
Conclusion
Dog bites can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled dog bite lawyer who understands California’s strict liability laws and can fight for your rights. Whether through negotiations or litigation, an experienced attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate—contact a dog bite lawyer in San Bernardino today to begin your journey toward recovery.