A San Bernardino dog bite lawyer like those at Bisnar Chase has been winning dog bite cases for over 46 years in San Bernardino County, and we want to help you. Our dog bite attorneys have won over $900 million for our clients and have established a 99% success rate.
Dog bite victims in San Bernardino suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. A dog attack not only results in a trip to the emergency room or surgery, but it also leaves serious psychological and emotional scars that could remain with the victim for a very long time.
Judging specific stereotypes for dogs is not what we do; what our San Bernardino Personal Injury Lawyers do is win dog bite cases no matter what kind of dog breed it is that has attacked you, injured you, and has left a physical, mental, and psychological trauma within your life.
Although we have seen many recent dog attacks involving children in San Bernardino County, it is important to remember that adults are equally vulnerable.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog bite incident in San Bernardino, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. Seek medical attention immediately, then contact an experienced and successful San Bernardino dog bite attorney.
For immediate assistance, call 909-253-0750 for a free consultation and free case evaluation.
San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyers
How Much is a Dog Bite Injury Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury claim will depend on the extent of the injuries and damages you suffered. The claim may be a few thousand for minor dog bites, but you could see seven-figure settlements or verdicts in more severe cases.
Our law firm has successfully litigated canine attacks for 46 years. Notable verdicts in some of our cases were $3M, $2.6M, and $1.6M for our clients.
It’s essential that you follow all of your doctor’s orders and attend all of your medical appointments. The value of the case will hinge on treatment.
Call our San Bernadino dog bite attorneys today for a free case review. 909-253-0750
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.
What To Do After a Dog Attack
- Seek immediate medical care. If you have been injured in a dog attack, please make sure you get prompt medical attention
- Report the incident to your local animal control agency.
- Identify the dog’s owner. If the dog has escaped, it is important that it be caught and quarantined immediately so it does not pose a threat to the community.
- Preserve all evidence from the scene, including torn or bloody clothing. If anyone saw the attack occur, get his or her name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be extremely valuable.
- File a police report so there is a record of the incident.
- Seek legal advice. If you decide to pursue your legal rights, the experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you better understand your options.
- Check to see if there is CCT footage from neighbors or businesses that might have recorded the attack.
We have successfully handled dog bite cases for young children and adults of all ages. We understand that this can be extremely traumatic and challenging for you. We always offer free consultations and case evaluations to injured victims and their families.
What To Ask a California Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve been the victim of a dog attack and are thinking about submitting a personal injury claim, the following are some important questions you should ask a dog bite lawyer:
1. Liability: Ask the attorney to assess who may be legally liable for the dog attack on you. This typically involves determining if the dog owner was negligent in controlling the animal.
2. Damages: Inquire about the types of damages you may be able to recover, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term or permanent injuries.
3. Time Limits: Find out about the statute of limitations—the time frame within which you must file a personal injury claim. This varies by state but is usually 1-3 years and is two years in California
4. Evidence: Ask what evidence will be important to build your case, such as medical records, witness statements, photos of injuries, documentation of expenses, and obtaining the dog’s behavior history.
5. Settlement vs. Lawsuit: Discuss whether it may be possible to negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company or if a lawsuit will likely be necessary.
6. Legal Fees: Inquire about the attorney’s fees and any upfront costs for pursuing the claim. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Bisnar Chase advances all costs and only charges a fee when we win the case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
7. Timeline: This will help you understand how long the claims process may take, from investigation to settlement or trial. An average dog bite claim can take a few months to a year to negotiate and settle.
The key is to have an open discussion with the attorney about the specifics of your case and what you can expect throughout the legal process. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to understand your rights and options thoroughly.
If you are ready to discuss your case, contact our San Bernadino dog bite lawyers for a free phone consultation to review the attack’s specifics. Call 909-253-0750
San Bernardino County Ordinance Relating to Pit Bulls
In 2010, San Bernardino County Supervisors passed an ordinance requiring all pit bulls in the county to be spayed or neutered. San Bernardino city officials worked with San Bernardino County’s Animal Care and Control Division to create the ordinance, which authorities believe will reduce the overpopulation of pit bulls countrywide.
They also hoped it would encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of violent pit bull attacks. In the five years preceding the enactment of this ordinance, San Bernardino County saw seven pit bull attacks. No other breed was involved in a dog attack countrywide during that time frame.
This statistic is what led to this particular breed-specific action. The new rule basically means that all pit bulls and pit bull mixes older than four months should be spayed and neutered. Also, all such dogs used for breeding must be licensed.
Even though California law prohibits breed bans, it allows local agencies to enact breed-specific programs for spaying and neutering to control over-population of a certain breed.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites often result in major and permanent injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries suffered in dog attacks:
Puncture wounds
Puncture wounds and tears occur when the attacking dog clamps down its teeth on the victim’s flesh. Puncture wounds often result in tearing of the skin and permanent scars.
A number of victims suffer such wounds to their face, leg, torso or arms. Scars and disfigurements may require plastic surgery. In some cases, they may result in permanent disfigurement.
Emotional injuries
Children and adults who have been injured in dog attacks can carry the emotional and psychological impact with them for the rest of their lives. These injuries could manifest in paranoia or other symptoms, such as being able to work or being able to sleep at night.
Some victims even develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD and suffer from flashbacks of the attack, nightmares or emotional withdrawal. Such severe psychological injuries may require long-term counseling or treatment.
Serious infections
A dog bite could also lead to lethal bacterial infections or diseases such as rabies. These infections are typically transmitted through the saliva of animals infected with the rabies virus. Rabies is a fatal disease if not treated promptly.
Head injuries
A dog bite victim could suffer severe head or brain injuries if he or she hits his or her head on the ground while being pushed to the ground.
Such injuries could cause permanent injuries, disabilities or if the injury was catastrophic, a wrongful death.
Broken bones
Fractures and crush injuries could also occur if the victim is knocked to the ground or falls while running from the dog attack.
Death
Unfortunately, many dog attacks result in death. We’ve covered these stories for decades, and the attacks are severe and leave families’ lives turned upside down.
Damages in Dog Attack Claims
Under California law, dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused by their pets.
California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
Having the legal representation of an experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyer who has studied, practiced, and knows the ins and outs of the law, specifically regarding dog bite injuries and attacks, is crucial to the positive and successful outcome of your settlement, verdict, and amount of compensation you receive.
Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Hospitalization
- Cosmetic and other surgeries
- Rehabilitation
- Permanent injuries
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Psychological injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
Public Perception of Large Breed Dogs
The overall public opinion and consensus around large breed dogs in the United States is somewhat mixed:
1. Popularity and Ownership: Large-breed dogs, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls, remain very popular pets in the US. According to the American Kennel Club, Labradors have been the most popular dog breed in the US for the past 30 years.
2. Perceptions of Safety: There is an ongoing debate around the safety of certain large breed dogs, especially bully breeds like Pit Bulls. Some view these dogs as inherently dangerous, while others argue that the breed’s reputation is undeserved and more dependent on training and socialization.
3. Regulatory Efforts: A number of states and municipalities have enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL) that either restricts or bans the ownership of certain large breeds, especially Pit Bulls. However, there is growing opposition to BSL, with many arguing it is ineffective and discriminatory.
4. Media Influence: High-profile dog attack incidents involving large breeds, especially Pit Bulls, tend to receive significant media coverage and can shape public perceptions, though data shows that small dogs actually bite more often.
5. Educating the Public: Many animal welfare organizations and veterinary groups advocate for educating the public about responsible dog ownership, proper training, and socialization rather than focusing solely on breed type.
Overall, while large breed dogs remain popular, lingering concerns and stereotypes around their perceived aggression continue to influence public opinion and policy discussions. Experts on dogs frequently advocate for a more nuanced, evidence-based approach.
If you have questions about a recent dog attack call us for a free case review. Our San Bernardino dog bite lawyers have a 99% success rate winning animal attack cases.
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You Don't Pay If We Don't Win
Our skilled and experienced team of dedicated San Bernardino dog bite attorneys has established a 99% success rate and has won over $900 million for our clients. With over 46 years of experience, we are confident in promising our personal injury clients that they will not pay anything if we do not win their case.
If you are responsible for medical expenses or any other financial obligations, Bisnar Chase is privileged to cover any costs throughout your case with us.
If you have suffered from a dog bite in San Bernardino, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to ensure your recovery, like seeking medical care, reporting the attack to the police department, and documenting the severity of your injuries with photographs and video.
Begin exploring your legal options to hold the negligent dog owner responsible for any harm caused, including scarring, tissue damage, and other long-lasting effects that linger after a traumatic attack.
Be aware that the dog owner’s insurance company will try to minimize the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Having the guidance of an experienced dog bite lawyer can significantly increase your chances of maximum financial recovery.
2024 Top-Rated Dog Bite Lawyers
Please get in touch with our knowledgeable and experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyers for a free case evaluation and consultation if you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog attack.
You may be entitled to compensation and depending on the extent of your injuries, pain and suffering plus the cost of your medical bills.
For immediate assistance call 909-253-0750.
