San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are considered man’s best friend. They provide companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. But what happens when things go wrong and you’re bitten by a dog? Most of the time, you can take legal action against the owner. A dog bite lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience and a 96%* success rate.

Why Hire a San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney?

There are many reasons to hire a powerhouse team of dog bite lawyers if you’ve been bitten by a dog, even if the bite seems minor. For one, California law is very strict when it comes to a dog bite attack. If you plan on filing a claim, you’ll need to prove that the dog’s owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. This can be difficult without the help of a law firm that knows the ins and outs of a dog bite case.

Additionally, insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with when it comes to dog bite injury claims. They may try to lowball you or deny your dog bite injury claim altogether. Having a dog attack lawyer on your side will give you the best chance of getting the full compensation you deserve.

What to Expect When Working with a San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer

When you hire a team of experienced dog bite lawyers from The Dominguez Firm, you can expect personalized service and attention. We’ll work closely with you to understand the details of your San Bernardino dog bite claim and build a strong case. We’ll also handle all the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on healing from your injuries.

Most importantly, we’ll fight for your rights every step of the way. We have a proven track record of success, with over $1 Billion* recovered for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818 to see how we can help you.

San Bernardino County Ordinance Relating to Pit Bulls

San Bernardino County has an ordinance that classifies pit bulls as “dangerous dogs.” Under the ordinance, a dangerous dog is defined as a dog that:

(1) Without provocation, on two or more separate occasions within the prior 36-month period, inflicted serious bodily injury on a human being;

(2) Without provocation, killed another domestic animal; or

(3) Has been trained for dog fighting.

Pit bulls are also required to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies. They must also be microchipped and registered with the county. The owner must also maintain liability insurance in the amount of $50,000 for any damages caused by the pit bull.

California is a “Strictly Liable” Dog Bite State

In California, dog owners are “strictly liable” for any injuries their dog causes. This means that the dog bite victim does not have to prove that the owner was negligent in order to recover compensation. The victim simply has to show that they were bitten by the dog and that they suffered injuries as a result.

No “One Free Bite” Rule in California  

Some states have a “one free bite” rule, which says that a dog owner isn’t automatically responsible the first time the dog bites someone. The victim has to prove that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. But in California, you don’t have to prove that the owner knew or should have known the dog might bite. The law says that if you are bitten, the owner is liable—period. 

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if you were trespassing on the owner’s property when you were bitten, or if you provoked the dog; for example, by hitting it, you may not be able to recover damages from the owner.

Exceptions to the Strict Liability Rule

Working Dogs 

One exception to the rule is if the dog was working at the time of the incident. This can include police dogs, service dogs, or any other type of dog that was performing a task on behalf of its owner. For example, if you were bitten by a police dog while it was apprehending a suspect, you would not be able to sue the police department because the dog was working at the time of the incident. 

Trespassing 

Another exception is if the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the incident. This exception is typically only applied in dog bite cases where the victim was bitten by a guard dog while they were unlawfully on someone’s property. For example, if you were bitten by a guard dog while trying to break into a home, you would not be able to sue the homeowner because you were trespassing at the time of the incident. 

Contact The Top San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorneys

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to contact our San Bernardino dog bite lawyers right away. There are specific laws in California that deal with dog bites, and as a victim, you have the right to file a claim against the owner of the dog. The Dominguez Firm has over 35 years of experience helping victims get the maximum compensation they deserve for their injuries. Don’t wait – contact us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818.