Did someone else’s dog bite you? At The Ryan Law Group, our attorneys have what it takes to serve as your dog bite lawyers in Fresno. Established in 2011, our law firm has recovered over $100 million for our clients.
As lawyers with more than 30 years of combined experience, we can advocate for your rights, determine who’s responsible for the incident, and pursue a fair outcome in your case. The sooner you call, the sooner a Fresno personal injury lawyer can review your situation.
California Law Holds Dog Owners Accountable for Bite Injuries
California has a specific law that protects people who suffer from dog bite injuries. Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are generally strictly liable when their dogs bite someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property.
This rule usually applies even when the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe the animal was dangerous. Strict liability is important because it removes an obstacle that injured people face in other personal injury cases.
In California dog bite cases, you generally don’t need to prove either of these details:
- That the owner acted carelessly
- That the owner knew their dog had a history of aggression
Instead, your claim will focus on these details:
- Whether the dog belonged to the defendant
- Whether the bite occurred under circumstances covered by the statute
- Whether the bite caused your injuries
However, the law has requirements and exceptions that can affect a claim. Your Fresno dog bite lawyer can review the circumstances, identify the applicable legal rules, and determine which evidence supports your case.
For a Free Legal Consultation With a Dog Bite Lawyer Serving Fresno, Call (310) 299-9550
Insurance Companies Might Dispute the Value of Your Injuries
Many dog bite claims involve a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. An insurer might provide compensation for covered losses caused by a dog, though it depends on these details:
- The policy language
- Applicable coverage
- Any related exclusions
- The circumstances of the incident
However, the existence of an insurance policy does not guarantee that an insurer will accept responsibility or offer an amount that reflects the full impact of an injury. It’s also worth noting that adjusters commonly:
- Question medical expenses
- Dispute whether particular treatment was necessary
- Argue that some symptoms resulted from another cause
The effects of a dog bite can extend beyond the initial wound. Some people require surgery, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, or scar management. Others experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, or a lasting fear of dogs after an attack.
A settlement should account for the losses supported by the evidence, rather than focusing only on the emergency medical bill. Our Fresno dog bite attorneys can review the insurance coverage, talk to insurers, organize supporting records, and challenge any arguments that may undervalue your claim.
Legal representation also helps protect you from feeling pressured to accept an early offer before the extent of your injuries becomes clear. Once a settlement and release are finalized, obtaining additional compensation for the same incident may be impossible.
Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (310) 299-9550
Compensation Can Address Physical, Financial, and Emotional Harm
Let’s take a closer look at potential categories of compensation in your case:
- Medical expenses: These refer to emergency treatment, hospital care, medication, follow-up appointments, surgery, and other injury-related medical costs.
- Future medical care: This includes reasonably supported expenses for continued treatment, scar care, rehabilitation, or other ongoing needs.
- Lost income: This involves wages that you missed out on because your injury prevented you from working, along with qualifying future wage losses.
- Pain and suffering: This category includes physical pain, discomfort, and the effect of the injury on daily activities.
- Emotional distress: This refers to psychological harm associated with the incident and its consequences, when supported under the applicable legal standards.
- Permanent scarring or impairment: This includes compensation for lasting changes to appearance, physical function, or quality of life when supported by the evidence.
Not every claim includes every category. The amount of compensation you can receive depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the course of treatment, the lasting effects, and the evidence connecting the losses to the incident.
Our dog bite lawyers in Fresno can help organize medical records, employment information, treatment expenses, and other documentation to present a clear account of your damages. This is particularly important when the full effect of an injury is not immediately apparent.
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For Legal Advice From Our Dog Bite Attorneys in Fresno, Contact The Ryan Law Group
At The Ryan Law Group, our Fresno dog bite injury attorneys approach personal injury cases with thorough preparation, direct communication, and personalized attention. We believe all of our clients deserve to know what is happening with their claims.
With our case management approach in mind, you’ll have a dedicated case manager as a consistent point of contact, in addition to an app that offers updates on the progress of your case. That way, you will have an understanding of important updates as they develop.
As your dog bite law firm in Fresno, we will take your legal case seriously while keeping the process approachable. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t have to worry about paying any money upfront. Call us today for help with your case.
Call or Text (310) 299-9550, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
