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Fresno County Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are one of the most common house pets since they are generally human-friendly and are easy to train. Despite this, even the most trained dog can still be aggressive due to several factors. In fact, dog bites are one of the most frequent reasons homeowners file insurance claims. In 2022 alone, 17,597 claims were filed for injuries caused by dog bites or other incidents involving dogs.

If a dog bites you or your child, we know that you are probably overwhelmed and stressed by painful injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens from it.  At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Fresno dog bite attorneys ensure every damage is compensated for to ensure justice is served. 

Why Fresno Dog Bite Victims Trust Us

  • We Assess and ACT – We know you’ve suffered from another individual’s negligence, which can be frustrating. We listen, we understand, and we seek justice for you.
  • We Handle Everything – From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of all legal matters so you can focus on recovery.
  • No Win, No Fee—Guaranteed – You pay nothing unless we win your case. No hidden fees, no financial risks.
  • A Proven Track Record: With nearly 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered, we have the skills and resources to win tough cases.

What Does a Lawyer for Dog Bites Do?

Most people think dog attacks are minor incidents, so they often overlook hiring a lawyer. Unfortunately, a serious dog bite can result in catastrophic injuries and even death. It will leave you with pain, medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost wages, which can be overwhelming to handle all at once. 

If you avoid hiring a lawyer, the at-fault party’s insurance company will likely strategize and try their best to refuse liability. Unfortunately, even if they are responsible for the damages, they can quickly turn the story around and dismiss your case if you don’t know how to counter it.

This is why hiring dog attack lawyers who know the legal process inside and out is crucial. This will ensure that the insurance company doesn’t lowball you.

Apart from this, they can do the following when fighting for your rights:

  • Uncover the Truth – Lawyers for dog attacks gather evidence to prove negligence and hold irresponsible dog owners accountable.
  • Maximize Your Compensation – Legal experts ensure you get what you’re owed for medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and other losses you suffered.
  • Handle Legal Deadlines – Your dog bite lawyer will file your claim on time so you don’t lose your right to compensation.
  • Take on Insurance Companies – A dog attack injury attorney back when they try to downplay your injuries or lowball your settlement.
  • Go to Court, If Necessary – Your legal team will be ready to fight for you in court if the insurance company refuses to pay what’s fair.

We know how traumatizing a dog bite can be. That’s why we’re here to protect your rights, stand up to those responsible, and help you rebuild your life. Call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 562-573-8875 for a free consultation. Let’s fight for your justice because you deserve it.

Bitten by a Dog in Fresno? Here’s What to Do Next

Step 1: Get to Safety

Move away from the dog as quickly as possible and find a safe place to avoid further interaction with the animal.

Step 2: Treat Your Wounds

To reduce the risk of infection, wash the bite with soap and warm water. Apply pressure to stop bleeding, then cover it with a clean bandage. 

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and even rabies. Unfortunately, all these can cause permanent disability or even death if left untreated. A doctor can properly clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and assess the need for additional treatment.

Step 4: Report the Attack

Contact Fresno Animal Services or local authorities. Reporting the bite helps track dangerous dogs and protects others from future attacks.

Step 5: Gather Evidence

  • Take photos of your injuries and the scene.
  • Write down the date, time, and location of the attack.
  • Get witness statements from anyone who saw what happened.
  • Identify the dog and its owner, if possible.

Step 6: Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer

The legal process can be complex, but you don’t have to manage it alone. A dog bite attorney in Fresno will fight to hold the dog owner accountable and get you the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. 

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Understanding why dogs bite can help strengthen your case:

  • Fear or Feeling Threatened – A startled or cornered dog may lash out.
  • Protecting Their Owner or Territory – Some dogs bite to defend their home, food, or family, even when there’s no real threat.
  • Pain or Illness – An injured or sick dog may react aggressively, even if they’ve never bitten before.
  • Lack of Training or Socialization – Dogs that aren’t adequately trained may not know how to behave around people.
  • High Prey Drive – Quick movements can trigger a dog’s instincts, leading to an unexpected attack.
  • Negligent Owners – Many bites happen because owners fail to leash, train, or control their dogs.

A dog’s actions are their owner’s responsibility. If you or a loved one were bitten in Fresno, You can file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for your losses.

How Serious Is a Dog Bite?

Dog attacks range from minor wounds to life-altering injuries. Here’s what victims may experience:

  • Level 1 – No bite is involved. Instead, aggressive behavior manifests as growling, lunging, and scratching. Even without physical injury, this can be traumatizing, especially for children.
  • Level 2 – The dog bites but doesn’t puncture the skin. Redness and bruising are common.
  • Level 3 – One to four punctures from a single bite. The risk of infection and nerve damage increases.
  • Level 4 – Deep wounds, torn flesh, and severe bruising. Stitches or surgery may be needed.
  • Level 5 – Multiple deep bites. Victims often suffer nerve and muscle damage, leading to permanent scarring or disability.
  • Level 6 – The worst-case scenario: fatal attacks. No family should ever have to endure such a loss.

If you or a loved one were attacked, we’ll fight to hold negligent owners accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.

Can I File a Claim for a Dog Bite in Fresno?

Under California Civil Code 3342, dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause, even if the dog has never been bitten. This contradicts the one-bite rule of other states that don’t allow victims to file a case if the dog was not aggressive before the incident.

To build a strong case, you need to prove:

  • The dog’s owner was responsible for controlling the dog.
  • They failed to prevent the attack.
  • The dog attacked you. 
  • The bite caused injuries and financial losses.

Sometimes, other parties can also be held liable, like landlords or property managers who knew a dog was dangerous but did nothing. An experienced dog bite lawyer can determine who’s responsible and fight for the maximum compensation.

Who’s Liable for a Dog Bite in a Property?

Sometimes, liability depends on where and how the attack happened:

  • Invitees (such as customers at a store) – Property owners must keep the area safe. If a dog bites you on their property, they’re likely liable.
  • Licensees (such as social guests) – Homeowners must warn guests about dangerous dogs. If they fail to do so, they could be responsible.
  • Trespassers – Generally, dog owners aren’t liable unless:
    • The victim is a child under 16.
    • The owner knew people regularly passed through their property but failed to warn them.

Dog bite cases can be complicated, especially if you must simultaneously take care of your health. Fortunately, a skilled Fresno dog bite attorney can help determine who is responsible and hold them accountable.

What If the Dog Has Attacked Before?

California takes repeat dog attacks very seriously. Under California Code § 31603, if a dog has a history of aggression, the owner faces severe consequences, including:

  • Fines up to $1,000
  • A ban on owning another dog for up to three years
  • Mandatory euthanasia in extreme cases

If the dog that bit you has attacked before, this strengthens your case. Let us investigate and ensure justice is served.

What Compensation Can I Receive from a Dog Attack?

The physical, emotional, and financial toll from a dog bite can be overwhelming. If you’ve been attacked, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses – ER visits, surgeries, medications, and future treatments.
  • Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working.
  • Pain and Suffering – Emotional trauma, PTSD, and lasting psychological effects.
  • Permanent Scarring & Disfigurement – If the bite leaves visible or lasting damage.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If the injury affects your ability to do things you once loved.
  • Wrongful Death Damages – If a loved one tragically passes due to a severe dog attack.

Insurance companies often try to downplay your injuries and pay you as little as possible. That’s where we come in. Our dog bite attorneys in Fresno fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

State of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Fresno

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, dog bite victims have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Even if you aren’t at fault, you’ll lose your right to compensation if you miss this deadline.

This is why working with dog bite law firms is crucial to avoid wasting time and ensure no deadlines or timeframes are overlooked. 

What If the Dog Owner Claims I Was Trespassing?

Dog owners aren’t automatically liable if someone illegally enters their property, but there are key exceptions that could make them responsible:

  • Children Under 16 – The law provides extra protection for minors. If a child is bitten, the owner may still be liable.
  • Frequent Shortcuts – If the homeowner knows that neighbors or delivery workers often cross their yard but fails to warn them about a dangerous dog, they could still be responsible.
  • Failure to Prevent Foreseeable Harm – If an attack was predictable and preventable, the owner may still be held accountable.

Every case is different, and dog owners often try to shift the blame. If you’ve been bitten, don’t let them deny you justice. Let’s talk about your case and explore your legal options today.

Can a Landlord be Responsible for their Tenant’s Dog Bite Incident?

A landlord can be held responsible for a dog bite incident involving a tenant’s dog in certain situations. While California’s strict liability dog bite law primarily holds dog owners accountable, landlords can also be liable under specific circumstances, such as:

  • They Knew the Dog Was Dangerous – If the landlord knew that the tenant’s dog had a history of aggression but still allowed it to remain on the property, they could be held accountable.
  • They Had Control Over the Property – If the landlord had the legal authority to remove the dog, such as through lease terms or eviction, but failed to do so, they might be responsible.
  • The Attack Happened in a Common Area – If the bite occurred in a shared space like a lobby, hallway, or parking lot, the landlord could be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.

Will a Dog Be Euthanized for Biting in California?

In California, dogs are not automatically euthanized for biting. However, in extreme cases, authorities may decide that a dog poses too significant a risk to public safety.

A dog may face euthanasia if:

  • It is confirmed to have rabies, an immediate public health risk.
  • It has bitten two or more people in separate incidents.
  • It inflicted severe injuries while showing aggression or being trained for fighting.

Remember that a dog cannot be euthanized without due process. A formal hearing is required to determine whether the dog is dangerous unless rabies is involved. The owner can present evidence, share the dog’s history, and fight for its future. Euthanasia will be ordered only if the court deems the dog an ongoing threat.

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker: Fighting for Dog Bite Victims in Fresno

A dog bite isn’t just a moment of pain but can be life-changing. The physical wounds may heal, but the emotional trauma and financial burden can last far longer. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Fresno, you deserve justice.

At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we fight for people. With nearly 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered, we know what it takes to challenge negligent dog owners and insurance companies. While you focus on healing, we’ll take care of everything else.

Call us at 562-573-8875 for a FREE consultation, or fill out our contact form today. You don’t pay unless we win. 

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