Madera Dog Injury Attorney

We Fight for the Compensation You Deserve After a Dog Attack

When dogs attack humans, it can be physically and emotionally devastating for victims. If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Madera, you have legal rights. Our firm is committed to holding dog owners accountable and helping victims pursue compensation for their injuries and trauma. Whether the attack occurred in a public park, a neighborhood, or on private property, we can guide you through the legal process and protect your interests at every step.

What Are California’s Laws on Dog Bites?

California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. Under Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their animals, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression or has bitten a person before. It is not necessary to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of viciousness. If the dog bite occurred under the following conditions, the owner is liable:

The dog bit you.
When the attack occurred, you were in a public place or lawfully on private property (including the dog owner’s property).
You sustained injuries as a result.

What If the Injury Caused by a Dog Was Not a Bite?

Although California’s strict liability statute applies specifically to dog bites, you may have a claim for another type of dog-related injury under the theory of negligence. For example, a dog may have caused injuries by knocking a child to the ground, chasing a cyclist into traffic, or lunging at a passerby while leashed. To recover compensation in these cases, you must prove the dog owner failed to act with reasonable care and that the dog owner’s failure led to your injuries. We can evaluate your case and determine the best legal strategy.

How Common Are Dog Bites in California?

Our state consistently leads the nation in the number of dog bite injury claims filed each year. As stated by the Insurance Information Institute (III), California ranked first among the top 10 states for dog bite claims in a recent year, with a total of 2,417 claims, valued at $208.4 million in damages. These incidents can occur anywhere: in the park, on the street, or in a neighbor’s yard. Children are particularly vulnerable because of their size and limited understanding of staying safe around dogs.

While some bites cause only minor injuries, others can cause severe wounds, infections, or permanent scarring, and in many cases, victims suffer significant psychological trauma. Due to the frequency and severity of these attacks, California holds dog owners strictly liable when their pets bite others, and victims have the right to pursue full compensation.

Who May Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in California?

The owner of a dog is the primary liable party in a California dog bite case. State law does not allow dog owners to avoid liability by putting up warning signs or claiming a dog was provoked. Although provocation may affect the outcome in some cases, strict liability laws put the burden on the dog owner, not the victim.

Depending on the circumstances, others may also share liability. For example, landlords who knowingly allow dangerous dogs on their property may be held responsible, particularly if an animal has a history of aggression. Property managers, dog sitters, or businesses that fail to implement safety protocols may also be named in dog bite claims. We can investigate and identify all potentially liable parties to strengthen your case and maximize your recovery.

What Defenses May Dog Owners Raise?

Although California has strict liability laws for dog bites, dog owners and their insurers may raise certain defenses against your claim. We know how to counter these arguments and present a clear case in your favor, based on the evidence. The following are potential defenses against dog-bite injury claims:

You were trespassing (unlawfully on the property) at the time of the attack.
The dog was acting in self-defense or protecting its owner.
You were provoking the dog before it attacked you.

What Types of Injuries Can Dogs Cause?

Dog attacks can cause a range of injuries, some of which may have long-term consequences. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to serious injury because of their size, in the case of children, and their inability to defend themselves. Facial injuries from dog bites are common among children and often require multiple surgeries or cosmetic procedures. Types of injuries frequently caused by dog attacks include the following:

Puncture wounds
Lacerations
Nerve damage
Broken bones
Infections
Scarring and disfigurement
Emotional trauma and PTSD

What Types of Compensation Is Available for Dog Bites?

Dog bite victims in California can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. In tragic cases when dog attacks lead to death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. The damages you can claim will reflect the nature and severity of your injuries and the circumstances of what occurred. The following are the types of damages that can be sought in dog bite claims:

Past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and follow-up treatment
Lost wages if you missed work because of the injury
Loss of future earning capacity, if the injury has affected your long-term ability to work
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life

What Should You Do After a Dog Attack?

The steps taken immediately after a dog bite incident can impact the outcome of your case. Do the following as soon as possible:

Get medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, dog bites can lead to serious infections.
Identify the dog and its owner. Get contact information and verify vaccination records.
Report the incident to the Madera County Animal Services Department or the local police.
Take photographs of the scene. Get pictures of your injuries and, if possible, the dog that bit you.
Talk to any witnesses to the attack. Get their statements and contact information.
Avoid speaking with insurance companies on your own. Their goal is to minimize their payouts.
Speak with an experienced Madera injury lawyer. The sooner you get legal representation, the better your attorney can preserve evidence to support your claim and protect your rights.

Why Do You Need an Experienced Dog Injury Attorney?

Dog bite cases can be more complex than many people realize. Victims may be unsure of who is responsible or what steps to take next. Insurance companies may try to downplay the injuries or blame the victim. This is where our experienced Madera injury lawyers come in. We understand the nuances of California’s dog bite laws and know how to navigate the legal system on your behalf. We handle every aspect of your case, from collecting evidence to negotiating with insurers or litigating in court, so that you can focus on healing.

If you have been attacked by a dog, you may be contacted by the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance company. While their representatives may seem helpful, their true goal is to limit the amount the company has to pay out to a victim. They may offer a lowball settlement that falls far short of covering your full damages, or even try to shift the blame to you. We have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. We are very familiar with their tactics and know what it takes to get them to pay out fairly. Our seasoned dog bite attorneys can negotiate firmly on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary.

Why Choose Our Firm?

At Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, we have more than 85 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of injury victims. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are dedicated to maximizing your compensation. We do not accept insufficient settlement offers, and we have recovered millions for our personal injury clients. Our record speaks for itself. If you or your child suffered injuries from a vicious biting dog in Madera, contact us at (559)-545-0383.