Rialto Dog Bite Lawyer

If you see a dog while out and about, say hello or pet the dog after getting permission from its owner. It can only take a moment, however, to receive a harmful bite and ruin a friendly encounter.

A Rialto dog bite lawyer from CD Law could help you determine whether you have a claim against the dog’s owner for your injuries. Our attorneys only get paid if you do and provide a one-on-one client experience focused on your needs.

How Does Liability Work in a Dog Bite Case?

You might wonder who should be held responsible for a dog bite, especially if a dog is supposed to be restrained or behind a fence rather than on a leash. Fortunately, state law provides a clear rule for owners whose dogs cause injuries to others, and a dog bite attorney in Rialto could help you understand the statute.

Under California Civil Code § 3342, an owner takes responsibility for all injuries caused by their dog to anyone in public or lawfully on private property. Importantly, this statute applies no matter the history of the dog, so a dog that has never bitten anyone and has not been known to be vicious can still make its owner liable for a bite.

Trespassers do not get the same benefit as a person allowed on private property, such as a postal worker or a person invited onto the property. This responsibility also does not apply to dogs working with law enforcement on the job.

Dog Bite Injuries and Damages for a Claim

Immediately after suffering a dog bite, you should seek medical attention. Consider going to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to receive an examination by a doctor.

You must see a doctor to document your injury and assess how much your injury may affect your future. The expenses from medical appointments and the disability that can result from a bad bite, such as one that crushes bone or ruptures tendons and ligaments, could be legal damages and compensated by bringing a claim against the dog’s owner.

The process could begin with a free initial consultation where our attorneys evaluate what happened and determine your possible damages. If you hire a lawyer, you formalize the relationship with a contract and begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Your attorney gathers more evidence and makes a demand on your behalf from the dog owner, followed by filing a lawsuit if the owner refuses to negotiate a reasonable settlement. If the case goes to court in Rialto, your lawyer could pursue your dog bite case from the initial complaint through the discovery process, in which the parties exchange documents and testimony, and through trial to a verdict.

Speak With a Rialto Attorney About a Dog Bite Claim

Getting started as soon as possible after a dog bite could ensure the prompt filing of your claim, as you only have two years to sue under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Working with a Rialto dog bite lawyer from CD Law could help you get compensation from the dog owner to pay for your medical bills and your pain and suffering. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your dog bite claim.