Common Causes of Dog Bites in Fresno

While many people love their dogs and treat them like valued and beloved members of their families, dogs can occasionally bite people. If you or a family member was harmed in this way, it is important to understand the common causes of dog bites in Fresno.

After being injured in a dog attack, you should speak with a knowledgeable local dog bite attorney to learn what legal options are available to you. Our Heavy Hitters™ at Curtis Legal Group could meet with you to review the details of your dog attack and let you know if you have potentially viable grounds for bringing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner.

Reasons Why Dogs Bite

Dogs can bite or attack people for many different reasons. The most common dog bite causes in Fresno include the following:

Predatory Instinct

Dogs are not rational beings like humans. Any dog can bite, but some breeds, such as Rottweilers, pit bulls, and German Shepherds, are particularly prone to attack. Because of their large size and powerful jaws, those attacks can result in life-altering injuries and even fatalities. Unfortunately, even the calmest, most docile of family dogs can suddenly lash out. Although a small dog’s bite is usually less severe, it can still result in scarring and put you at risk of developing an infection.

Fear

Dogs that are afraid are more likely to lash out. If a dog sees a person as a threat, it might bite them. Similarly, if a person approaches a dog from behind and startles them, the dog could lash out.

Pain

If a dog is in pain, it could bite what it perceives to be the source of the pain. For example, if someone accidentally steps on a dog’s tail, the dog could turn around and bite that person.

Protective Instinct

Dogs can be very protective and territorial when it comes to their toys, food, and even their people. If someone gets too close to a dog’s things or its owners, the animal might attack as a way to try to protect its territory.

Roughhousing

Dogs like to play with their mouths and can occasionally bite when playing too roughly. Owners should train their dogs not to nip when they are puppies because that could lead to dangerous instances of grown dogs biting when playing.

Boredom

Dogs can even bite when bored. If a dog is confined to a crate and not stimulated at all, it might have too much energy and be frustrated, which could cause it to bite.

Our attorneys have successfully handled cases where dogs have bitten people for various reasons. We know how to investigate to build robust claims for compensation.

What if the Owner Claims That You Caused the Dog To Bite You?

Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog’s owner is generally strictly liable when their dog bites someone who is lawfully on private land or in a public place. However, if someone provokes the dog into biting them, strict liability would not apply. For example, if you intentionally pulled the dog’s tail or hit it, that could be provocation.

A Fresno attorney experienced with common dog bite causes could speak with neighbors familiar with the dog and witnesses to the attack to help you prove that you did not provoke the dog to bite you. Even if a court concludes that you were partly responsible, under California’s comparative negligence statute (California Civil Code § 1714), you could still pursue recovery of damages, but those damages would be reduced by your percentage of blame for the dog attack.

Consult a Fresno Lawyer About Common Reasons for Dog Bites

After suffering injuries in a dog attack, you should consult with a skilled local attorney who has successfully handled lawsuits involving the common causes of dog bites in Fresno. Schedule an initial consultation with our attorneys today to discuss your case.