An experienced Riverside dog bite lawyer at Bisnar Chase will fight for your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. We handle countless dog bite cases every year with an outstanding track record.
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but some dogs can also be dangerous because they are unpredictable, territorial, or not properly trained by irresponsible owners. Regardless of the breed, dog attacks can cause painful injuries, permanent scars, disfigurement, and a mental toll. These preventable attacks can cause both physical and emotional damage to victims.
It is important to note that we take action against negligent owners, not the dogs themselves. By taking legal action, you are not harming the animal, you are holding the owner accountable.
The Best Dog Bite Attorneys Near You in Riverside
Our law firm has five locations throughout California to make it convenient for you to work with our dog bite injury lawyers. Canine bite lawsuits can be very complicated and usually require an experienced legal team familiar with animal attack cases and liability.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- Over $900 million recovered for our clients.
- Serving Riverside County since 1978.
- Decades of experience with dog bite claims.
- Free consultation – no win, no fee.
If you’ve suffered from a dog bite injury, call our Riverside personal injury lawyers now at (951) 530-3711 to discuss your legal rights. When you contact our law offices, your consultation is always free.
Contact us today for help and guidance with your injuries and legal case, and let us get to work for you.
Legal Resources for Dog Bite Victims in Riverside
Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Some people try to handle injury insurance claims or lawsuits on their own. It can be done, but it is complex, and statistics show that you are likely to receive more when working with the right law firm, compared to going it alone.
Dog bites can be painful and traumatic, but we know how to handle these cases as efficiently as possible. We handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on recovery. That includes:
- Filing paperwork and tracking court dates and deadlines.
- Negotiating settlements.
- Taking your case through litigation and trial when necessary.
- Assembling evidence, conducting depositions, and working with expert witnesses.
- Guidance on medical assessment options.
- Securing your money after the case is resolved.
The legal process can be long and difficult, but we shoulder that burden and simplify everything for you. Our team will not rest until justice is done.
Maximize your compensation by working with the best dog bite attorneys in your area. Our team at Bisnar Chase has the experience and expertise to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us for a free case review today.
How Much Money is Your Dog Bite Case Worth?
California dog bite lawsuits can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the injury and attack. The factors that influence the value of a dog bite claim can include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Permanent Injuries
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress (PTSD, Anxiety)
Under California dog bite laws, compensation can come from a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through an insurance payout, your legal team may have to enter litigation. This is when a lawsuit is filed. From this point, a settlement can still be agreed upon, but both sides will also prepare to head to trial if it reaches that point.
A dog attack lawyer will typically reach a resolution out of court, and the time to settle the claim can take from six months to two years. If the dog attack happened in public or at a business, it may qualify as a premises liability case, depending on the circumstances.
Dog Bite Insurance Claims
You should proceed with caution when discussing a dog bite claim with insurance agents. Insurance companies like to lowball settlement offers involving dog attacks to keep profit margins high. If you take a lowball offer, you can no longer pursue additional compensation for your injuries.
Homeowners with insurance for their pets will have the claim paid out. People without insurance will likely be hit with a judgment against them for the desired compensation for the victim.
Be sure to consult with a Riverside dog bite injury lawyer as soon as you can. The statute of limitations for a dog bite case is typically two years. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, though there are some exceptions. It is always best to act sooner rather than later to ensure your rights are protected.
What is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in California?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite settlement in California is $45,543. This is significantly higher than the national average of $32,000. The amount of a settlement will vary depending on the severity of the injury, medical costs, and other factors.
California has a strict liability law for dog bites, meaning that the owner of the dog is liable for any damages that occur, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness.
California Dog Bite Compensation Calculator
Disclaimer: This is just an estimate of what you may be entitled to and not a guarantee of the outcome of your specific case. This is based on the level of injury and potential compensation.
This calculator includes the following factors:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering (rated 1-10)
- Scarring/Disfigurement (rated 1-10)
The calculation method used here is simplified and should not be considered legal advice. It calculates economic damages (medical expenses + lost wages) and then uses the pain/suffering and scarring ratings to create a multiplier for non-economic damages.
Injuries from Dog Bites in Riverside
We are aware that many dog attacks are not necessarily the fault of the animal. They may lash out because they feel threatened, or have simply not been trained. But regardless of the cause, a dog attack can do a lot of damage.
Larger dogs are quick, muscular, and powerful. When they bite a person, the damage can be significant.
Penetrative Wounds are the Most Common
A penetrating wound occurs when a dog bites and punctures the skin. Penetrative wounds are typically caused by large and strong dogs, such as Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German shepherds, and Mastiffs.
One of the most important things to look for when examining a dog bite wound is infection. If there is an infection present, it will usually be red or dark in color and painful to touch. This can be an early sign that you should seek medical attention immediately. Penetrative wounds are the most common and usually result in the most permanent scarring.
Other typical injuries from dog bite attacks;
- Broken bones with tearing
- Infections/rabies
- Deep wounds/lacerations
- Limb amputation in severe dog bite cases
- PTSD
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
What is Considered a Serious Dog Bite? (Dog Bite Levels)
Signs of serious dog bites can include heavy bleeding or developing serious infections. If you have swelling, redness, significant bleeding, and other symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Untreated dog bites can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis.
Dog behavior specialists and behaviorists use a scale when assessing dog bites, with level 5 and 6 bites being exceptionally dangerous. Level 4 (Very Serious) bites include single bites with punctures; level 3 bites include one to four tooth punctures from a single bite with no puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth; and level 1 and 2 bites are aggressive behaviors with no skin contact by teeth.
If you have suffered serious injuries from a dog attack, contact us for a free case evaluation. Our office is always available and here to help, and our dog bite lawyers are experienced in both trials and settlements.
In California, dog owners may be financially liable for injuries they cause. Recently, there have been severe dog attacks in Riverside County that have made the news. The number of dog attacks by homeless animals is on the rise.
In September of 2022, an 8-year-old boy was also attacked in Riverside County. In another case, a 3-year-old toddler was attacked in Hemet, resulting in serious injuries.
Riverside County Dog Bite Laws
Under California’s strict liability statute, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets regardless of whether the animal has attacked before or whether the dog’s owner knew of its prior viciousness.
Under most circumstances, injured dog attack victims can seek compensation for damages thanks to California’s strict liability statute concerning dog bite laws. When you hire a dog bite lawyer in Riverside under California’s statute, they will be able to determine how much compensation you will be awarded.
Will the Dog Be Put Down?
Since the dog’s owner is responsible for the attack, the animal is usually not put down unless deemed too dangerous. It will not be put down as a result of your lawsuit. The full ordinance for controlling dangerous animals for the County of Riverside is available. You can also report the dog attack to the Riverside Department of Animal Services.
Criminal Penalties for Dog Attacks
Approximately 40 states have dangerous dog laws. Some states have breed-specific dangerous dog laws, while others regulate all dogs. In addition, there are several penalties for violating dangerous dog laws. In some states, if your dog attacks someone, they can be charged with a felony (ex: Washington).
If the dog owner is proven to have antagonized the attack, there could be other charges against the owner for using the animal as a “weapon.”
Experienced dog bite lawyers in Riverside can help you obtain fair and total compensation for your losses. The California law offices of Bisnar Chase have even successfully handled many challenging dog bite cases where the dog owner has tried to blame the dog bite attack victims.
United States Dog Bite Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million people suffer dog bites in the United States each year. Of those, 1 in 5 require medical attention, with half of those requiring hospitalization.
Children are the most common victims of dog bites, with those aged 5 to 9 having the highest injury rate. The most common areas of the body bitten are the head, neck, and face.
In addition, over 27,000 people receive reconstructive surgery each year in the United States as a result of dog bites.
According to statistics gathered and reported on Dogsbite.org, an advocacy group for dog bite victims of attacks, there have been 1,000 dog bite injuries requiring treatment daily.
The average cost, according to the site, for dog bite-related injuries is over $18,000.00
Roughly a third of the dog bite victims were either visiting or living temporarily with the dog’s owner. California and North Carolina led fatalities in the past year. Between 2005 and now, California was second in the nation with 28 deaths, behind Texas, which had 32.
If you are unsure if you have a case, call us to go over the details. Our experienced dog bite attorneys will answer any questions you may have about the viability of your personal injury claim.
Dog Breeds Most Prone to Cause Bite Injuries
The way dogs are treated contributes to their behavior. There are many great dog owners out there who are capable of raising well-behaved canines. That does not change the fact that pit bulls and rottweilers are statistically the most dangerous breeds.
In the past year, pit bulls contributed to 68 percent of all fatal dog attacks, despite making up only 5 percent of the U.S. dog population. From 2005 to now, pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 73 percent of all recorded dog-related deaths.
Pit bulls are statistically responsible for the death of a person in the United States every 19 days, and a rottweiler kills someone every 91 days.
Please contact our Riverside dog bite lawyers if you have questions about your case and determine the best route forward. Most interactions can be done by phone to make your travel time limited.
Preventing Riverside Dog Bite Injuries
Riverside County requires that dogs are spayed or neutered. This is important because spayed or neutered dogs are less inclined to become aggressive. Owners can also prevent attacks by keeping their pets on a leash and by keeping them indoors.
Dog bite prevention is an important topic for pet owners and those who interact with dogs. To reduce the number of injuries from a dog bite, adults and children should be educated about bite prevention, and dog owners should practice responsible dog ownership.
Understanding dog body language is a key way to help avoid being bitten for people of all ages. Know the signs that dogs give to indicate that they’re feeling anxious, afraid, threatened, or aggressive, and be sure to respect the dog’s reactions to interacting with or being touched by strangers.
- Ask first before petting a dog
- When meeting an unfamiliar dog, don’t reach out to pet them. A strange hand in a dog’s face may scare them, leading to a bite. Let them sniff your closed hand if you receive permission to pet a dog
- Avoid petting the top of the dog’s head
- Resist moving abruptly or jerking
- Avoid dogs who are barking or growling
- It is best to steer clear of loose dogs
- If an unknown dog approaches you, stay quiet and still. Do not run or scream
Dog Bites on Kids
If you are an owner, never leave infants and young children alone with a dog, and do not allow aggressive activities such as wrestling. If your dog seems unfriendly or aggressive, seek advice from a trainer or specialist. Children and the elderly are most prone to serious dog bite injuries, including death.
Avoiding Injury
- You can reduce your chances of being bitten by avoiding dogs that are eating, sleeping, or nursing puppies.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog you do not know, and never approach an unfamiliar animal.
- It is not advisable to run or scream as that may cause the dog to give chase. Instead, remain motionless like a tree. If knocked over, you should roll into a ball and be still.
How You Can Prove You Were Bitten in a Dog Bite Case
Determine the severity of your premises liability injuries after the dog bite accident. Call the authorities and seek out immediate medical attention. Once you have taken care of your well-being, do the following:
- Determine who owns the dog that attacked you. If you cannot establish this on your own, ask the neighbors surrounding the location of the dog bite accident.
- Write down the owner’s information and the contact information of anyone who witnessed the attack.
- Take photos and video of the site of the accident and your dog bite injuries.
- Keep records of your medical expenses and lost wages.
- Report the incident to animal control and health services. This will establish a record of the dog’s dangerous behavior.
- Write a journal documenting your daily struggles since the accident.
You should also determine if the dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations & request the dog’s medical history.
These steps will help your dog bite attorney strengthen your personal injury claim.
Bisnar Chase is a proud member of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce. We have been serving injured plaintiffs in our community for over four decades and will fight for you.
With so little to lose and so much to gain, why wait any longer? Call us now at (951) 530-3711 for your free consultation. We are here to serve our community and ensure Riverside residents get the justice they deserve.
Experienced Riverside Dog Bite Attorneys in Your Area
Contact the experienced Riverside dog bite attorneys now at the law offices of Bisnar Chase at (951) 530-3711 for a free case review of your dog bite case. You will most likely be entitled to compensation that will cover the cost of your pain, suffering, and medical bills. In addition, our firm operates on a contingency basis. This means in the rare case that we can’t deliver you your compensation, you don’t have to pay us at all.
Brian Chase
Articles and blogs have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $900M for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered nearly $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
