Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard for injuries their dogs inflict, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. If you have sustained a dog bite in Fresno, our legal team provides the professional advocacy needed to document the incident and address legal exceptions such as provocation or trespassing. We focus on seeking recovery permitted under California law for documented medical expenses, lost wages, and the long-term impact of physical or emotional scarring.
Why Choose Us?
- Our attorneys have been handling dog bite injury claims in Fresno since 1972.
- Jacoby & Meyers has a 50-year history of providing legal advocacy for personal injury clients throughout California. Our firm has secured more than $2 billion in total recoveries for our clients, a factually substantiated record reflecting our experience with the California court system and complex litigation.
- Our attorneys have collected over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- We take pride in handling every case with care, regardless of size.
- Cases may be handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees depend on a recovery. Clients may remain responsible for certain advanced case costs regardless of the outcome.
How Can a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Fresno Help With This Case?
Navigating California’s dog bite laws can be difficult, especially while you are also trying to recover from your injuries. Insurance companies evaluate claims according to their policies and procedures, which can make the process challenging when medical bills and other losses are involved.
Our legal team provides professional advocacy by managing the communication and evidentiary requirements of your insurance claim. A Fresno dog bite attorney can perform a comprehensive investigation to document the facts of the incident, identify potentially liable parties, and represent your interests throughout the negotiation or litigation process. Our role is to seek recovery permitted under California law for your documented medical expenses and other losses.
Holding Someone Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Fresno
California’s dog bite law (Civil Code § 3342) states: the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
California operates under a strict liability dog bite statute (Civil Code § 3342). Under this law, the owner of a dog is legally responsible for the damages sustained by an individual who is bitten while in a public place or lawfully on private property. This standard applies regardless of whether the owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before.
While negligence does not need to be proven under this statute, certain exceptions—such as provocation, trespassing, or the use of military or police dogs—may be raised as legal defenses.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Dog Attack in Fresno
If you are bitten by a dog, move to a safe place and seek professional medical treatment. Keep copies of your medical bills and records. Report the bite to Fresno County authorities. Obtain the pet owner’s contact information so you can file a claim with the appropriate property insurance company.
If the pet owner does not have insurance or disputes liability, you may wish to consult with an attorney for guidance regarding your claim.
Contact Our Fresno Dog Bite Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can occur quickly and may leave individuals dealing with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you experienced a dog bite injury in Fresno, the attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers can help explain the legal process and your available options.
Contact us for a free consultation to learn more. We will review your situation and answer any legal questions you may have. Call our Fresno law office at (559) 545-0730 today.
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Fresno
516 W Shaw Ave #200,
Fresno, CA 93704