Kern County Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Kern County Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are beloved companions in many Kern County homes, but the consequences can be catastrophic when a dog attack happens. Apart from physical wounds, a single bite can result in overwhelming financial burdens that you shouldn’t have to bear and lasting emotional trauma, especially to children. In 2020, dog attacks ranked as the 7th most common reason children aged 5-9 were rushed to the emergency room.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Kern County and Bakersfield dog bite lawyers protect the rights of victims whose lives have been disrupted by a dog attack. We fight for your well-being, hold irresponsible dog owners accountable, and ensure you receive the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Why Kern County Trusts Our Dig Bite Attorneys After a Dog Bite

We Put You First – We know that you are a person who has suffered, and your story matters. We take the time to listen, understand your situation, and build a strong case that fights for the justice and compensation you deserve.

We Handle Everything So You Can Heal – The legal process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we take care of every legal aspect of your case while you focus on recovery.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. There are no hidden fees, no financial risk, just justice.

Proven Results, Real People Helped – With nearly 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered for injury victims, we have the track record, skills, and resources to take on even the most challenging dog bite cases and win.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite?

Many people hesitate to take legal action, fearing it will be too expensive or complicated for a minor dog bite. They think insurance companies can easily cover their damages, so why bother? But the reality is that the impact of a serious dog bite goes far beyond the initial injury, and insurance providers won’t pay for this without a fight:

Medical bills pile up fast – Deep wounds and infections often require extensive treatment, surgeries, or even long-term rehabilitation.
Lost wages create financial strain. The economic burden can be overwhelming if your injury prevents you from working, even temporarily.
Emotional trauma is real – Many victims, especially children, have PTSD, anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs that affect their daily lives.

You deserve compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries. With an experienced and trustworthy legal expert, the process doesn’t have to be challenging.

What Dog Bite Lawyers Do for You

Investigate Your Case Thoroughly – Dog bite injury lawyers gather medical reports, eyewitness statements, security footage, and other critical evidence to build the strongest case possible.
Prove the Dog Owner’s Negligence – California law holds dog owners liable for bites. Your legal team will ensure they are held accountable for their negligence.
Fight for Maximum Compensation – You deserve more than just reimbursement for medical expenses. Attorneys for dog bites fight to recover compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more.
Stand Up to Insurance Companies – Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim, but legal experts fight back to ensure you receive the full value of your settlement.
Take Your Case to Trial If Necessary – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, a competent lawyer for dog bites is fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the justice you deserve.

We understand this can be frustrating and overwhelming for you or your child. This is why we want to genuinely help you seek justice for the burdens you shouldn’t have to deal with in the first place.

Call us for a free consultation today, and let us fight for your rights.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Kern County

Step 1: Get to Safety. Move away from the dog to prevent further injury. If you can, identify the owner and ensure the dog is secured.

Step 2: Treat the Wound. Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and cover it with a clean bandage. Remember that even minor bites can lead to serious infections.

Step 3: Seek Medical Care. Dog bites can cause nerve damage, infections, and even rabies. A medical professional can assess the wound and provide necessary treatment.

Step 4: Report the Attack. Contact Kern County Animal Control or local law enforcement. Reporting the bite helps create an official record and can prevent future attacks.

Step 5: Collect Evidence. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location where the attack happened. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.

Step 6: Don’t Face Insurance Companies Alone. The dog owner’s insurance company may try to minimize your claim. Let a lawyer handle negotiations to ensure you receive full compensation.

Step 7: Contact a Kern County Dog Bite Attorney. An experienced dog bite attorney in Bakersfield and Kern County can help you seek justice and financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

Why Do Dogs Bite People?

Dog bites don’t just happen out of nowhere. Understanding why dogs attack can help prevent future incidents and strengthen your legal case.

Fear or Feeling Threatened: Even the most well-behaved dogs may bite when they feel scared, cornered, or startled. Unfortunately, children are often victims simply because they don’t recognize the warning signs.
Protecting Their Territory or Loved Ones: Dogs are naturally protective, but that instinct can turn dangerous. They may attack to defend their owner, home, or food if they perceive a threat, whether real or not.
Pain or Illness: A dog experiencing hidden pain from an injury or medical condition might lash out unexpectedly, even if they’ve never been aggressive before.
Lack of Training or Socialization: Dogs that aren’t adequately trained may not understand how to interact with people safely. This lack of exposure can lead to fear-based aggression.
Prey Drive and Instincts: Some dogs have a strong prey drive. Sudden movements, such as running or waving hands, can trigger an instinctive reaction, resulting in an attack.
Owner Negligence: In most cases, a dog bite isn’t just about the dog but the owner’s failure to act responsibly. When pet owners don’t leash, train, or supervise their dogs properly, innocent people end up suffering the consequences.

No one should suffer the consequences of a dog owner’s negligence. California law holds them accountable, and you have the right to seek compensation.

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in California?

Under California Civil Code 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for attacks, even if they have never bitten anyone in the past. However, other parties may also be held responsible, such as:

Landlords – If they allowed a known dangerous dog to remain on their property.
Dog Walkers or Sitters – If they failed to control the dog at the time of the attack.
Businesses or Event Organizers – If negligence led to an attack in a public setting.

Figuring out liability can be complicated, but a skilled dog attack lawyer can investigate the incident and hold the right parties accountable.

What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Dog Bite in Kern County, CA?

Dog bites can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims 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 and Disfigurement – If the bite leaves visible or lasting damage
Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If the injury affects your daily activities
Wrongful Death Damages – If a loved one tragically passed due to a severe dog attack

Insurance companies often try to downplay the impact of a dog bite. The good news is that our Kern County dog bite attorneys fight to ensure you receive fair compensation that reflects the full extent of your suffering.

When Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly and consult with a knowledgeable Kern County dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing the timeframe, wasting resources during the process, and losing your right to compensation.

What Happens If a Dog Bit My Child?

If a dog bites your child, you have the legal right and responsibility to file a claim on their behalf. Children often suffer more severe physical and emotional trauma from dog bites. Filing a claim can help cover their medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and emotional distress while holding the negligent dog owner accountable.

What If the Dog Owner is a Friend or Family Member?

Pursuing a claim against someone you know can be uncomfortable, but remember: you’re not suing them personally. Instead, you’re filing a claim against their insurance company. Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance often covers dog bite claims, meaning your compensation doesn’t have to come directly from your friend or relative’s pocket.

If you’re hesitant, let your attorney handle the conversations. They can explain that your goal is to secure the necessary funds for your recovery, not to create personal conflict.

What Happens if the Dog Owner Insists that I’m Trespassing, Resulting in the Dog Attack?

A dog owner isn’t responsible if their dog bites someone unlawfully entering their property. But there are important exceptions.

The law offers extra protection if the trespasser is a child under 16. Likewise, if the homeowner knows that people, like neighbors, frequently take a shortcut through their yard and does nothing to warn them about a dangerous dog, they could still be held liable. Failing to prevent foreseeable harm can significantly help determine responsibility in cases like these.

Let Our Kern County and Bakersfield Dog Bite Lawyers Help You Seek Justice

A dog bite can be a traumatic experience that can leave both physical, financial, and emotional scars. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we know how overwhelming this can be, and we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

We handle everything—From investigating your case to taking on the insurance companies, so you don’t have to.
No upfront costs, no risk—You don’t pay a dime unless we win.
Proven results—With over $2 billion recovered for 100,000+ clients since 1974, we know how to get results.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Kern County, don’t wait. Call us today at 562-573-6307 for a free consultation. Your recovery is our priority, and we won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.

Kern County Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker