Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer

The victims of dog attacks often face much more than just physical injuries: emotional trauma, skyrocketing medical bills, and even long-term consequences. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Fresno, CA, seeking professional, experienced, and knowledgeable legal help is important to ensure your rights are protected and to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. A Fresno dog bite lawyer cares deeply about each client and is committed to seeking justice on their behalf here at Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno.

Whether you are facing medical costs, lost income, or emotional trauma, dog bite attorney Sarwinder Dhanjan will help you through the legal process so that you can concentrate on your recovery.

Why Choose To Represent Your Dog Bite Case in Fresno?

We’re committed to helping dog bite victims in Fresno achieve justice. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:

• Proven Track Record: With years of experience handling personal injury cases, we have built a reputation for delivering results. Our team has successfully helped countless clients recover the compensation they deserve after suffering injuries, including animal attack lawsuits in Fresno, California. 
• High-rated reviews. Founder attorney, Sarwinder Dhanjan, has earned stellar reviews on Yelp, Google and Justia. 
• Extensive Legal Knowledge: We are highly knowledgeable in California’s strict liability dog bite laws, which means we know how to build a strong case on your behalf. Dog bite laws can be complicated, but our thorough understanding of the legal framework ensures that your claim is built on a solid foundation. This allows us to anticipate and proactively address potential challenges, giving you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
• Client-Centered Approach: We understand how stressful and overwhelming the legal process can be, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an injury. That’s why we take a compassionate, client-centered approach in every case. From the moment you contact us until your case is resolved, we’ll guide you every step of the way. We prioritize clear communication, professionalism, and your overall well-being at every stage of the process.
• Maximized Compensation: Our ultimate goal is to secure the maximum compensation you’re owed. Whether your case involves medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or other damages, we will fight tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your claim is accounted for. We believe you shouldn’t have to settle for less than what you truly deserve, and we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
• 24/7 services. Available to discuss your case at any moment. You can schedule a free initial consultation here.

What Should You Do After a Dog Attack in Fresno?

Taking the proper steps after a dog attack can protect your health and your legal claim. According to AAOS, here’s what to do:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately. Even small dog bites can become serious infections or other complications if left untreated. It’s important to get your wound checked by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will clean the site, decide whether stitches are necessary, and evaluate whether you need further treatment, such as a tetanus shot or rabies vaccinations. Prompt medical attention can protect against infections and promote healing. Call emergency services or go to your nearest urgent care or hospital if the bite is serious.
• Report the Incident. Report the dog bite to your local animal control or law enforcement agency. This step helps ensure the incident is documented properly and can assist with tracking potentially dangerous animals in your community. Provide as many details as possible about the attack, including the dog’s description, location of the incident, and any known information about the dog’s owner. Request a copy of the report for your records, as it may be needed later for legal or insurance purposes.
• Document the Incident. After a dog bite, it is important to document what happened thoroughly. They should take clear photographs of your injuries, the dog, and the attack scene. If there were witnesses, request their contact information if their accounts are required to substantiate your claim. Also, obtain any information you can about the dog’s owner, including their name, address, and phone number; if you can, find out what the dog’s behavior has been like, including its vaccination history and if it has a history of aggression.
• Avoid Discussions with the Dog Owner. While you might be tempted to confront the dog owner, it’s best not to discuss fault or responsibility. Anything sensitive you say could be used against you in legal or insurance matters. Instead, leave the communication to the police and legal attorney.
• Contact a Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer. Contact an attorney to explore your legal options as soon as possible.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

The severity of dog bites can range from minor to very serious injuries. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists some common injuries as:

Puncture Wounds

X-ray and CT for perforating with deep bite, which breaks the skin, often also leads to pain and bleeding.

Nerve Damage

Severe bites may also damage nerves and cause loss of movement or sensation.

Tissue Trauma

Muscle, ligament, tendon, or bone-crushing or tearing injuries.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Permanent markings, especially in body areas such as the face or hands.

Psychological Impact

Victims may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a lasting fear of dogs. Immediate medical treatment is crucial to reduce complications and start treatment immediately.

Compensation Available for Dog Attack Victims in Fresno, California

Under California law, individuals harmed by a dog attack may be eligible for compensation covering financial losses, emotional harm, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Our Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer assesses each case for appropriate damages.

Economic Damages

These address the immediate and long-term financial impact of a dog bite. Recovery may include:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, and follow-up care.
• Costs are tied to long-term needs like therapy or reconstructive procedures.
• Lost income from missed work.
• Diminished earning potential in the event of lasting physical limitations.
• Out-of-pocket expenses such as medication, transportation, or home adjustments.

Non-Economic Damages 

California law also accounts for the deeply personal effects of a traumatic injury. According to California Civil Code §1431.2, non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and ongoing physical discomfort.
• Psychological distress, including anxiety, fear, or PTSD.
• Permanent disfigurement or visible scarring.
• Loss of enjoyment in daily life.
• Strain on relationships or loss of companionship.

These losses often shape a victim’s recovery just as much as medical bills do.

Punitive Damages

In limited cases, a dog owner’s reckless behavior may justify punitive damages to punish extreme negligence. Examples include allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely despite prior warnings or ignoring leash laws.

Courts generally reserve these damages for avoidable attacks involving serious misconduct, such as keeping a known aggressive dog in a residential area without safeguards. A Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer can help establish the owner’s prior knowledge, retrieve animal control records, and present the most substantial possible claim for punitive compensation.

At Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno, we review each case closely to determine if punitive damages are appropriate based on the facts and the owner’s prior history.

California Dog Bite and Animal Attack Laws

California follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. Under California Civil Code Section 3342:

• A dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior.
• This law applies even if the owner had no prior knowledge of their dog’s potential to bite.

However, some exceptions may apply, such as if the victim provoked the animal or was trespassing during the attack. Consulting with a knowledgeable Fresno dog bite attorney can clarify how the law applies to your case.

Liability for Dog Bite Injuries in Fresno

The next major step in filing a successful claim is determining liability for your dog bite injury. Potentially at fault parties include:

Dog Owners

California’s strict liability laws hold dog owners responsible for injuries their dogs cause—even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. The animal owners must keep their creatures out of harm’s way.

Landlords

Landlords might also share liability if they were aware that a tenant’s dog was aggressive or dangerous and didn’t take action. If harm does occur to others, a failure to address this risk could render you legally liable.

Third Parties

Third parties, such as dog sitters, trainers, or walkers who did not properly restrain or control the dog, may be responsible for your injury or loss. They must protect others from the dog if it is under their care.

In California, claims for dog attacks typically have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident. Dog attack victims may not be able to make a claim until they are 20. In order to protect your right to compensation, you must act swiftly. With thorough evidence collection and strong legal support, we can hold the responsible party accountable.

Contact Fresno’s Trusted Dog Bite Lawyer Today

A dog bite can change your life, but with the proper legal support, you can confidently move forward. At Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno, attorney Sarwinder Dhanjan is ready to assist you.

Other Areas We Serve:

• Personal injury lawyer in Fresno
• Car accident lawyer in Fresno
• Motorcycle accident lawyer in Fresno
• Truck accident lawyer in Fresno
• Wrongful accident lawyer in Fresno
• Bicycle accident lawyer in Fresno
• Brain injury lawyer in Fresno
• Spinal Cord Lawyer in Fresno
• Pedestrian lawyer in Fresno
• Slip and fall lawyer in Fresno

Visit our office in Fresno, California.

At Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno, we help victims of personal injuries all around the Fresno, California, area. We have an office at 2170 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703, United States, and we provide 24/7 service. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 36.769953447603704, -119.73066635783323

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Jamie N.

January 2025

In December 2023 a woman completely blew a stop sign and nailed me on my bicycle in Old Fig Garden (Fresno, Ca.). This was my first experience dealing with this type of incident, and due to my injuries it was advised I seek legal representation. Mr. Sarwinder Dhanjan agreed to take my case. He clearly explained my case in a way that easy to understand and assured me that he would fight for a fair conclusion. His team stayed in contact with me throughout the process until its conclusion in October 2024. I was very happy with how his team handled my case and would recommend his team to anyone who is going through a similar situation.

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