Were you or a loved one injured from a dog bite in Fresno, CA? If so, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. The team at Carter Law Group can help you get the compensation you deserve.
For many years, our firm has fought hard for accident victims in California. We know how to get results and have recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. With 25 years of combined experience, we can handle even the most challenging personal injury cases.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno dog bite lawyer at (559) 485-1212.
How the Carter Law Group Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Fresno, CA
Dog bites can be life-changing for victims. They can lead to significant medical bills, lost income, and a difficult recovery. In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. However, it can be difficult to get the compensation you deserve.
The experienced team at Carter Law Group can help ensure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Martindale-Hubbell, and other respectable legal organizations.
We are committed to fighting hard for every client and ensuring all of our clients get the most compensation possible. When you hire our Fresno dog bite attorneys, we’ll:
- Investigate your case and identify all parties liable
- Gather evidence to strengthen your claim
- Calculate the fair value of your claim
- Work with expert witnesses as necessary to strengthen your case
- File a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company
- Negotiate to ensure a fair settlement
- When needed, file a lawsuit and represent you in court
- Keep you updated on the status of your case
- Provide you with ongoing legal guidance and support
Our team works on a contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if you get paid through a settlement or verdict. It also means you won’t pay any attorney fees upfront or out-of-pocket and that our team is personally invested in every case.
Call our law office in Fresno, California today to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer.
How Common Are Dog Bites in California?
Unfortunately, dog bites are more common than most people realize. In 2023, there were 19,062 dog bite claims in the United States, with $1.1 billion in damages. California had the most dog bites in 2023, with 2,104 claims. Around 40% of California homes have at least one dog.
If you are one of the thousands of California families impacted by dog bites each year, our team can help.
How Much Is My Fresno Dog Bite Case Worth?
Dog bite cases are a type of personal injury case. Every personal injury claim is unique, and the value of claims varies significantly based on the facts of each case. To estimate how much your case is worth, our team will analyze several factors that have the biggest impact on case values.
Some of the most relevant factors are:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The amount of your medical expenses
- Whether you sustained a permanent disability
- Whether or not you’ll need ongoing medical treatment
- The impact your injuries have on your ability to work
- The impact your injuries have on your personal life
- The amount of your pain and suffering
Our team will analyze these factors, work with industry experts, and evaluate documents to calculate the fair value of your claim. After a dog bite, you only have one opportunity to get compensation for all of your current and future losses. Because of this, it’s important to accurately value your claim.
Our team of personal injury experts knows how to calculate the fair value of dog bite cases. Contact a Fresno personal injury lawyer today to learn more about how much your case is worth.
Do I Have to Prove Negligence to Recover Damages After a Dog Bite?
California applies strict liability to most dog bite cases. This means that victims don’t have to show that a dog owner was negligent to successfully bring a claim. Instead, under California’s dog bite laws, an injured party simply must prove:
- The victim was lawfully on private property or in a public place
- The dog bit the victim
Strict liability applies regardless of whether the dog has bitten in the past or shown aggressive behavior in the past.
What Damages Are Available to California Dog Bite Victims?
In dog bite cases, victims can demand compensatory damages from the responsible party. The purpose of compensatory damages is to make victims whole after an accident. There are two types of compensatory damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages reimburse injured parties for expenses incurred because of a dog bite. Some common types of economic damages awarded in dog bite cases are:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Decreased earning capacity
- Physical therapy expenses
- Occupational therapy expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-economic damages compensate victims for personal losses after an accident. These are intangible losses a victim incurs because of a dog bite. Non-economic damages frequently awarded in California dog bite cases are:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
In some cases, punitive damages are also available. While compensatory damages are awarded any time you successfully bring a personal injury claim, punitive damages are only awarded in rare cases.
To recover punitive damages in California, you must show clear and convincing evidence that the responsible party acted intentionally, maliciously, or with a conscious disregard for the safety of others. Unlike compensatory damages, which are used to reimburse victims for losses, punitive damages are awarded to punish the responsible party and deter bad behavior.
Our team will evaluate your case and discuss all types of damages you’re entitled to. Then, we’ll gather evidence and build a strong case to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Can I Recover Damages if I’m Being Blamed for Being Bitten by a Dog in California?
It is common for dog owners or their insurance companies to blame victims after a dog bite. This strategy avoids liability and minimizes the value of claims. Because of this, one of the first questions we get from new clients is, “Can I recover damages if I’m partly at fault?”
The short answer is yes. California follows a legal approach of pure comparative negligence. Under this framework, victims can recover damages from other responsible parties; however, their damages are reduced by the percentage of their fault.
For example, if you’re found to be 50% at fault for a dog bite, you can recover 50% of your damages.
Our team is familiar with the strategy of blaming the injured party, and we’ll defend you against these claims. If you’re being blamed for your California dog bite, contact a Fresno dog bite attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Carter Law Group Will Fight to Get Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor to catastrophic. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize the injuries of victims. Our personal injury law firm will fight hard to ensure you get compensation for all of your injuries after a dog bite.
Some of the most common types of injuries after California dog bites are:
- Puncture wounds
- Infections
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Back injuries
- Nerve damage injuries
- Dental injuries
Tragically, some dog bites are fatal. If you have lost a loved one, our team can bring a wrongful death claim on their behalf. These cases are difficult but are a way to hold the responsible party accountable and help your family get the compensation they deserve after an unimaginable loss.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years. This means victims have two years from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. After this period, victims have no right to recover from the at-fault party.
While there are some exceptions to this limitation period, most dog bite lawsuits must be brought within two years. To ensure your rights are protected, reach out to a lawyer.
Contact a Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in Fresno, Carter Law Group can help. Our team knows how to get results and is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us, contact us online, or visit our Fresno personal injury office to schedule a free consultation with a Fresno dog bite lawyer.