Rancho Cucamonga Dog Bite Lawyer

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Top Rancho Cucamonga Dog Bite Attorney

At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga dog bite lawyer fights aggressively to protect the rights of injured victims. Our firm has a deep understanding of California’s dog bite law. We hold dog owners and negligent third parties accountable for attacks. If you or your loved one was attacked by a dangerous dog, we are here as a legal resource. Contact our dog bite attorney Rancho Cucamonga today to set up a free, fully confidential initial consultation.

Dogs Can Be Dangerous if the Proper Precautions are Not Taken

While dogs can certainly make for loving companions, they also have the potential to be extremely dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. A lack of training, neglect, or an unfamiliar environment can lead to aggressive behavior. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) reports that 800,000 people nationwide are required to seek professional medical care for dog bite injuries each year. Nearly 40 percent of those dog bite victims must be admitted to the hospitals because their injuries are so serious. Remember, even seemingly friendly dogs may bite if they feel threatened or are startled.

All Dog Bites Require Prompt Medical Attention

Dog bites can cause very serious injuries. Any person who was attacked by a dog should seek immediate medical attention from a licensed doctor. Of course, severe injuries require immediate emergency medical care. Though, seemingly more minor/moderate injuries should also be checked out by a qualified physician. It is a myth that a dog’s mouth is “clean.” The opposite is true. A dog bite carries the risk for a very serious infection if it is not treated properly.

An Overview of Dog Bite Liability in California

Were you or your child bit by a doctor in Rancho Cucamonga or elsewhere in San Bernardino County? It is imperative that you understand how dog bite liability operates under California state law. Our dog bite law firm Rancho Cucamonga handles the full range of cases. Here is an overview of dog bite liability in California:

Strict Liability (Dog Owners): California imposes strict liability on dog owners. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if the victim was lawfully on public or private property when the bite occurred. Unlike the “one-bite rule” used in some states, California does not require a victim to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent. The law applies even if the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. Notably, strict liability only applies to dog bites. Not to other injuries caused by a dog.
Common Law Negligence (Dog Owners): In some cases, a dog bite victim may pursue a claim based on negligence. To establish negligence, the victim must prove that the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling the animal, leading to the attack. The theory can apply in situations if the dog owner failed to properly leash or restrain the dog in a public place or if the dog was known to have aggressive tendencies and the owner did not take proper precautions. A common law negligence claim can be brought in a dog bite injury case as well as in any other case where a dog causes an injury (such as by jumping).
Premises Liability (Property Owner): In some cases, property owners or landlords, such as apartment complexes, may also be held liable for dog bite injuries, particularly if they knew that a tenant’s dog was dangerous but failed to take reasonable action to prevent attacks. However, landlords are generally only liable if they had actual knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior and had the ability to remove the animal or enforce safety measures. The dog bite victim must prove negligence by the property owner.

Know the Statute of Limitations: Dog Bite Injuries

As with other types of personal injury claims, dog bite claims are time-sensitive. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in California, it is crucial to understand the statute of limitations, which sets a legal deadline for filing a claim. Under California law, dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner or any responsible party. You do not want to fall behind on the claims process. A proactive approach is key: Consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer Rancho Cucamonga as soon as possible.

It is important to emphasize that there are a few limited exceptions to the statute of limitations in dog bite injury claims in California. Most notably, the law is different for dog bite cases with child victims. If the victim is a minor at the time of the attack, the two-year clock typically does not begin until they turn 18, meaning they may have until their 20th birthday to file a claim. There is another (more rare) exception for the discovery rule. Do not rely on an exception: Waiting too long to file a claim can make it more difficult to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and establish liability.

Be Prepared for these Dog Bite Defenses

Even though dog owners can be held strictly liable if their animal bites another person in Rancho Cucamonga, that does not mean that they are automatically responsible. Quite the contrary, dog owners have the right to raise a defense against liability. Here is an overview of some of the dog bite defenses that injured victims should be prepared for:

Trespassing: The strongest and clearest defense against strict liability for a dog bite is trespassing. Under California Civil Code § 3342, strict liability applies only when the victim was lawfully on public or private property at the time of the attack. If the person bitten was trespassing—meaning they were on private property without permission—the dog owner may argue that they are not liable. However, this defense may not apply in cases where the property had no warning signs or if the trespasser was a young child.
Provocation: Provocation is another defense against a dog bite injury. Indeed, in California, dog owners can defend against a claim by proving that the victim provoked the dog before the attack. Provocation generally cannot be done merely with words in California. Some examples include hitting, kicking, or intentionally teasing the dog. Pulling the dog’s ears, tail, or otherwise causing pain may be deemed provocation. Once again, the defense may not apply if the victim is a young child.

You Need Full and Fair Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury

A dog bite can cause devastating, even life-altering injuries. It is imperative that injured victims are able to secure the maximum financial compensation for their injuries. Our Rancho Cucamonga, CA dog bite lawyers fight aggressively to help victims get the maximum settlement or trial verdict. You cannot rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Along with other types of damages, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment;
Hospital bills;
Medication;
Medical equipment;
Other health costs;
Physical therapy;
Mental health counseling;
Loss of wages;
Loss of future earnings;
Pain and suffering;
Emotional anguish;
Physical disability;
Scarring/disfigurement; and
Wrongful death.

How Our Rancho Cucamonga Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help

Dog bite injury claims are complicated. If you or your loved one was injured by a dangerous dog, it is imperative that you have a top-tier advocate on your. Dealing with an attack is traumatic, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. At Saeedian Law Group, we provide hope to victims and families. With millions recovered for injured victims, our case results tell the story of what we can do for our clients. Among other things, our top-rated dog bite attorney Rancho Cucamonga is ready to:

Listen to what you have to say and answer questions about dog bite claims;
Investigate the dog bite attack in Rancho Cucamonga—gathering relevant evidence;
Represent you in settlement negotiations with the defendant or insurer; and
Develop a comprehensive plan to help you maximize your financial recovery.

Dog Bite Injury Claims in Rancho Cucamonga: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Do Dogs Attack People?

Dogs have the potential to be very dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken. may attack when they feel threatened, scared, or provoked, even if unintentional. Further, some dogs may bite due to territorial instincts, lack of proper training, or poor socialization. Dangerous dogs can attack an innocent person for seemingly no reason at all. You and your family should be careful around unfamiliar dogs.

Should I See a Doctor for a Dog Bite Injury?

Yes. You should always see a dog if a dog punctures your skin. Even minor dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or other complications if not treated properly. A licensed physician can assess the wound, clean it, and determine if you need stitches, antibiotics, or a rabies vaccine. Notably, there are also legal reasons to seek professional medical care. Without medical records, you will not be in a position to get compensation through a dog bite injury claim.

How Do I Find the Best Dog Bite Lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga?

You should look for a Rancho Cucamonga dog bite lawyer who is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. You need a legal advocate who has the tenacity to handle your case the right way and to fight for the maximum compensation. Do not hesitate to set up a free initial consultation with a Rancho Cucamonga dog bite lawyer to learn more about their background and their process.

Does Strict Liability Mean Automatic Liability?

No. While California imposes strict liability on dog owners, that term is not a synonym for automatic liability. Strict liability in California means that a dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog—regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before. Injured victims do not have to prove negligence by a dog owner. With that being said, liability may be contested if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. While strict liability simplifies claims, it is not automatic liability.

Should I Accept a Settlement in a Dog Bite Case?

It depends. Many dog bite injury claims are eventually resolved through a settlement agreement. Still, you should not accept a settlement until you are 100 percent certain that you are receiving the maximum available financial compensation. Insurance companies—which defend most dog bite claims—fight hard to pay out less. Your dog bite injury settlement should always be negotiated and reviewed by an experienced Rancho Cucamonga attorney.

How Common are Dog Bite Trials?

Not common. Most dog bite claims in California are settled out of court through negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance company. While settlement happens far more than litigation, a trial may be necessary if liability is disputed or a fair agreement on compensation cannot be reached. Our Rancho Cucamonga dog bite lawsuit attorney can help you fight for justice.

You Can Always Afford a Top Rancho Cucamonga Dog Bite Lawyer

How much does it cost to hire a top-tier dog bite injury lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga? With Saeedian Law Group, there are never any upfront costs, out-of-pocket fees, or other types of hourly bills. Instead, you only pay legal fees when you actually get paid for your damages through a settlement or a verdict. If you do not get compensation, you pay nothing. Our Rancho Cucamonga dog bite injury lawyer provides free consultations that carry absolutely no obligations.

Contact Our Rancho Cucamonga Dog Bite Attorney for Your Free Consultation

At Saeedian Law Group, our Rancho Cucamonga dog bite lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you or your loved one was hurt by a dangerous dog, we can help. Contact us right away for a free, no obligation case evaluation. We fight for the rights of dog bite victims in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, and throughout Southern California. Cucamonga and throughout all of San Bernardino County.ase review. With a law office in Rancho Cucamonga, we handle workplace accident claims throughout all of San Bernardino County.