Dog Bite Liability in Fresno

Nobody expects that a dog will suddenly bite them. Sadly, dog bites are alarmingly common and can result in life-altering harm. These incidents can involve dogs of strangers, neighbors, family members, or close friends.

If a dog recently bit you or your loved one, you might be wondering what to do. Trying to determine issues of dog bite liability in Fresno can be challenging, which is why consulting a knowledgeable dog bite attorney from Curtis Legal Group is critical. Our experienced attorneys are Heavy Hitters™ who are ready to defend your rights and help you receive compensation for your injuries and other losses.

What Is the Aftermath of a Dog Bite?

Receiving a dog bite can be a terrifying experience, and the aftermath could leave you with physical scars. You might need to undergo extensive medical procedures, such as skin grafts and other surgeries, to treat your physical injuries. A grueling period of rehabilitation may also be necessary.

Additionally, a dog bite can result in deep emotional trauma. It may become difficult for you to go out in public or to visit other people’s homes due to a debilitating fear of dogs. Therapy and other assistance may be necessary to help you overcome your post-traumatic stress and cope with your injuries.

As you work on getting better, you will probably need to take time away from work. This could result in costly bills with no means to pay them. Fortunately, you might be able to acquire monetary compensation from the dog’s owner. Our skilled Fresno lawyers could help you establish that the dog’s owners are liable for the injuries resulting from the bite.

Proving the Dog Owner’s Liability After a Bite

Fortunately, state law is particularly favorable to victims and survivors of dog bites. Unlike in many other states, dog bite victims in California do not need to prove that the dog has a prior history of biting or aggressive behavior. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner in Fresno is strictly liable for any injuries that someone suffers from a dog bite. However, there are some limitations on the dog owner’s responsibility.

Trespassing

Strict liability only applies if you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place when the bite occurred. If you were trespassing through someone’s private property when the dog bit you, the owner would not be strictly liable for the injuries. However, if you were trespassing when bitten, you may establish liability by proving that the owner was negligent in their handling of the dog. For example, the owner could be liable if they knew that their property was used as a regular shortcut and yet had their dog unfenced and unleashed, and verbally encouraged the dog to bite you.

Provocation

If you provoked the dog, the owner is not strictly liable. However, our dedicated attorneys could help you counter the argument that your actions triggered the bite.

Other Injuries

Strict liability under state law only applies to dog bites. If you suffered other kinds of injuries, such as scratches or broken bones in a fall, those injuries are not specifically covered under the strict liability statute. However, our attorneys could help you establish the dog owner’s liability by proving that they were negligent.

Call Us for Help Establishing Liability After a Dog Bite in Fresno

Trying to establish dog bite liability in Fresno can be confusing. You should not have to worry about how to get the compensation you need. Contact Curtis Legal Group today, and let our experienced attorneys handle your legal case so you can focus on your recovery.