San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer
| Feher Law
- Top Rated Trial Firm
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
FEATURED ON
Across the globe, domestic dogs are recognized as the vertebrate species most frequently involved in human bite incidents. In California alone, from 2006 to 2010, an overwhelming 77 percent of all reported animal bites were due to domestic dogs. This statistic underscores the prevalence of such incidents within our communities and highlights the necessity for knowledgeable legal representation.
Our dog bite law firm in CA helps advocate for those injured by dog bites, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Don’t let uncertainty about your rights or the next steps add to your stress, reach out to a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer for guidance through this challenging time.
Key Takeaways
- California Civil Code §3342 makes dog owners strictly liable for bites; you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. One bite is enough.
- Strict liability applies when the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the bite.
- You have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1.
- Compensation can cover medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, scarring, and emotional distress – including PTSD from the attack.
Feher Law has recovered over $100 million for injury victims across Southern California, including serious dog attack cases. We take all dog bite cases on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Choose Us
Choosing Feher Law for your dog bite case offers distinct benefits over other legal firms, specifically tailored to address the complexities of such incidents:
- No Upfront Costs: Our firm embraces a contingency fee arrangement. This means you won’t face any initial charges for our services. We earn our fees based on achieving a successful outcome in your case, ensuring our goals align with securing the best possible result for you without adding financial strain during an already difficult time.
- Compassionate Strategies: We understand that seeking legal assistance comes during times of distress and vulnerability, especially in cases like dog bites where physical pain is often accompanied by emotional trauma.
- Litigation and trial firm: Our proficiency starts with the initial claim filing and persisting through the intricacies of litigation and, if required, trial proceedings.
- Exceptional experience: Feher Law boasts a track record of securing settlements surpassing $100 million in diverse personal injury cases. Noteworthy cases have yielded results in the seven and eight-figure range, highlighting our commitment to substantial client recovery.
Recent Case Results
Meet Our Team
Thomas Feher, Esq.
Founding Attorney
Stephen Wiard, Esq.
Senior Trial Attorney
Sandy Luu, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Alex Ballard, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Karen Parra, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Chase Nielsen, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Betsy Gomez
Managing Paralegal
Erica Feher
Chief of Operations
How We Can Help Secure Compensation For Your Dog Bite Attack
Our San Bernardino animal attack lawyers are deeply committed to assisting victims of dog bite attacks in securing the compensation they deserve. Here are some damages we can help you injury claim if you were attacked by a dog or experienced a dog bite.
- Medical Bills and Rehabilitation: Dog bites can result in significant medical expenses, from emergency treatment immediately following the incident to ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation required for full recovery. Our team will work diligently to ensure that costs associated with healing are covered, relieving you of financial burdens so you can focus on getting better.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond physical injuries, we recognize the emotional toll a dog attack can take. We advocate for compensation that acknowledges not just immediate pain but also the long-term suffering you may experience due to your ordeal.
- Disfigurement and Disability: In cases where an attack leads to permanent disfigurement, disability, or even amputation, our firm pursues claims that reflect both current and future impacts on your quality of life. This includes considerations for any necessary adaptations in living arrangements or employment circumstances due to injury-related limitations.
- Emotional Recovery & PTSD: The psychological aftermath of a dog bite—such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety around animals, or other emotional distress—is taken seriously by our attorneys. Compensation sought will factor in needed mental health support services and general emotional recovery assistance.
- Bites From Strays: Bites from strays introduce complexities, mostly in pinpointing a liable party for the attack. Unlike incidents involving owned pets, where responsibility clearly lies with the owner, stray dog attacks lack this direct accountability. However, this doesn’t mean victims are without recourse. In certain situations, local animal control agencies or municipal bodies could be held accountable if their negligence contributed to the incident.
Let our skilled personal injury attorneys help you after a dog bit you. Our specialized pit bull lawyers in San Bernardino can fight for the compensation you deserve when you have experienced a dog bite.
Dog Bite Laws In California
While no breed is inherently dangerous, pit bulls have been subject to controversy due to a combination of factors, including media portrayal and statistical representation of dog bite incidents. This perception can influence public opinion and legal outcomes when determining liability in dog bite cases.
California law does not single out specific breeds; instead, it operates under a strict liability rule concerning dog bites. This means an owner cannot escape responsibility by claiming ignorance of their pet’s aggressiveness if it bites someone.
However, when dealing with potentially prejudiced views towards certain breeds like pit bulls during litigation or negotiations with insurance companies, our experienced team of San Bernardino pit bull lawyers’ strategies aim to focus on facts over fear.
Child Dog Bite Victims
In California, child dog bite cases are treated with particular sensitivity due to the vulnerable nature of young victims. The state’s strict liability laws apply regardless of the dog’s breed or previous behavior, meaning a dog owner is responsible if their pet bites a child, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
This legal stance aims to protect children, who may not recognize potential dangers and cannot always defend themselves against an animal attack.
Important First Steps After a Dog Bite or Attack
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, taking the right steps immediately afterward can significantly impact your ability to secure compensation and ensure safety. Here are crucial actions to consider:
- Identify the Dog’s Owner: Obtain the name and address of the dog’s owner as soon as possible. This information is vital for any legal action or insurance claim that may follow.
- Limit Interaction with the Dog’s Owner: Owners might seek ways to deter you from contacting authorities or admitting fault, which could complicate future claims.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Follow all treatment advice for your dog bite injuries; healthcare professionals meticulously document everything related to your injury and its treatment.
- Report The Incident To Authorities: Filing reports with both local police and animal control agencies promptly after an attack occurs ensures there is an official record detailing what happened.
- Be Cautious When Dealing With Insurance Companies: Their early offers often fall short of covering the full spectrum of damages you’ve suffered, as insurers aim to settle claims for as little as possible. Furthermore, be mindful in your communications with insurance representatives; they are skilled at framing questions and interpreting responses in ways that could limit their financial responsibility.
- Know Your Rights Concerning Service Dogs: If a service dog is involved in an attack, whether you’re its owner or not, different entitlements may apply—especially if the incident has compromised the animal’s ability to work. However, understanding these rights fully requires specific legal knowledge, making it essential to seek expert advice for clarification.
Consulting with attorneys who specialize in San Bernardino dog bite and animal attack cases is invaluable and can help you receive maximum compensation amounts. Specialized San Bernardino animal attack attorneys offer comprehensive guidance throughout the law process.
Deadlines To File A Claim When Bitten By A Dog
Individuals bitten by a dog have a specific timeframe within which they must file a claim to seek compensation for their injuries. This period is governed by the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which stands at two years from the date of the incident.
Failing to initiate legal action within this window can result in losing the right to pursue damages altogether, regardless of the severity of your injuries or circumstances surrounding the bite. For assistance with this, speak with animal attack lawyers in San Bernardino as soon as possible.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
At Feher Law, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of an accident or injury can be financially taxing. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you face no upfront costs for our legal services. Under this model, our fees are directly tied to the successful outcome of your case—meaning we only get paid if you receive compensation.
This approach allows us to provide top-notch legal representation without adding to your financial burdens during a challenging time. It aligns our interests with yours; we’re motivated to secure the best possible settlement or verdict on your behalf because our payment depends on it.
Gathering Evidence
Collecting comprehensive evidence is essential for building a strong case and securing rightful compensation. Here’s what you should focus on gathering as soon as possible:
- Police Documentation: Acquiring a copy of the police report filed at the scene provides an official account of the incident, which can be pivotal in establishing facts and liability.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Visual documentation like photographs or videos capturing injuries sustained, location specifics (including any “Beware of Dog” signs), environmental conditions contributing to the incident (like broken fences), and images showing ownership details where applicable are invaluable.
- Medical Records: From initial emergency care to follow-up visits, treatments received, and medications prescribed— keeping this documentation is key. These records not only demonstrate the extent of your injuries but also help quantify damages related to medical expenses.
- Eyewitness Statements: Witnesses can offer unbiased accounts that corroborate your version of events. Collect names, contact information, and, if possible, written statements from anyone who saw the attack occur.
We know that this is difficult to do after an incident, so let an experienced dog bite lawyer from our firm do all the hard work for you. Contact us today for more information.
What to Expect
- Free Case Evaluation: We review the bite circumstances, where it occurred, the owner’s identity, and your injuries at no cost to assess your claim.
- Owner and Insurance Investigation: We identify the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, which typically covers dog bite liability in California.
- Medical and Scar Documentation: We ensure all injuries – including lacerations, infections, nerve damage, and scarring – are fully documented with photos and medical records.
- Insurance Negotiation: We present a full demand including future reconstructive surgery costs and emotional distress, and push back on offers that undervalue permanent injuries.
- Trial Representation: If the insurer refuses a fair settlement, Feher Law is prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have tried 40+ jury cases.
Other Locations We Serve
As trusted San Bernardino County lawyers, our services extend to various cities across the region, included but not limited to:
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Speak to a Dog Bite Lawyer in San Bernardino, CA Today!
If you or a loved one has been affected by a dog bite in San Bernardino, CA, don’t hesitate to reach out for the compassionate and expert legal support you deserve. At Feher Law, our California dog bite attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your claim with empathy and expertise. Secure the compensation and peace of mind needed to move forward from this traumatic experience.
Contact us at (310) 340-1112 for immediate assistance to schedule your free consultation.
Last reviewed by Thomas Feher, Esq. – April 2026
Services We Offer
When it comes to your recovery and peace of mind, it’s vital to have an expert by your side that really understands the bigger picture of personal injury law. Explore the full range of services we offer below.
FAQs
Does California have a "one bite rule" for dog attacks?
No. California Civil Code §3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners - there is no "one bite" rule here. The owner is liable for your injuries even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to expect it would bite. This makes California one of the strongest states for dog bite victims.
What do I need to prove to win a dog bite case in California?
Under Civil Code §3342, you need to prove that the defendant owned the dog, that the dog bit you, and that you were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. Strict liability applies automatically once these facts are established.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?
California gives dog bite victims 2 years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Waiting too long can also mean losing key evidence - medical records, photos of injuries, and animal control records should be preserved as soon as possible.
What if the dog bite happened on the owner's private property?
California's strict liability law applies when you were lawfully on the property - as a guest, delivery driver, or invited visitor. If you were trespassing, strict liability does not apply, though a negligence claim may still be available depending on the circumstances. Being on your own property adjacent to the dog's yard when the bite occurred can also support a claim.
What compensation can I recover after a dog bite in San Bernardino?
Recoverable damages include emergency medical treatment, wound care, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, permanent scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress including PTSD. Dog bites to the face and hands often require multiple surgeries and result in significant long-term damages. Feher Law evaluates the full scope of your injuries before any settlement.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in San Bernardino?
Seek medical attention immediately - dog bites carry serious infection risk. Report the attack to San Bernardino County Animal Control and obtain the incident report number. Photograph the wounds before treatment and again during healing. Get the dog owner's name, address, and homeowner's insurance information. Contact a dog bite attorney before speaking with the owner's insurer.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
Our team is standing by and ready to assist you. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We will help you determine if you have a case.
- Over $100 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Get The Justice You Deserve
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