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 essential to ensure your rights are protected and to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our Fresno dog bite lawyers care about each subject we handle, and we want to seek justice for them here at SSD Law Firm PC – Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm.
In this blog, learn everything about dog bites, from your legal rights to how to get compensated! Whether you are facing medical costs, lost income, or emotional trauma, we can help you through the legal process so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
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Why Choose Us as Your Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer?
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, giving them the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives. Whether a minor injury or a life-altering event, we have the skills and expertise to navigate even the most complex cases.
- 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 an injury’s physical and emotional toll. 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.
Case Results
We secure the compensation you deserve. Our results speak for themselves, including a great number of six-figure recoveries.
READ MOREWhat 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. If the bite is serious, call emergency services or go to your nearest urgent care or hospital.
Report the Incident
After seeking medical attention, it’s important to 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 police and legal experts.
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.
Sarwinder Dhanjan
Sarwinder Dhanjan is our founding attorney who opened SSD Law Firm PC – Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm in 2016. After attending Fresno City College and then UC Santa Cruz for his Legal Studies and Psychology Degrees, Sarwinder joined San Joaquin College of Law. Once that was complete, he quickly passed the California State Bar and opened up his own law firm; he never looked back. Sarwinder continues to personally help his clients today.
Compensation Available to Animal Attack Victims in Fresno, CA
A dog bite victim can find themselves in significant emotional and financial distress as a result of their injuries. California law entitles victims of dog bites to recover damages, including:
Medical Expenses
After an incident, victims can also incur significant medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and continued physical therapy. These costs can get extremely high and may include the price of prescription drugs, visits with specialists, and even future medical treatment for injuries sustained.
Lost Wages
You may take time off work due to injuries or long-term limitations. Lost wages refer to compensation for wages you would have earned as well as future income you may have been able to earn if the injury prevents you from working for good.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to physical injuries, victims can suffer tremendous emotional and physical pain. Damages for pain and suffering compensate for the psychological and emotional burden resulting from the incident and loss of quality of life.
Property Damage
You may also be able to recover some costs associated with any personal property damaged in the attack, such as a phone, clothes, or other possessions.
Psychological Counseling
Trauma can oftentimes leave emotional scars that don’t heal. Coverage covers counseling and therapy costs to help victims recover psychologically and emotionally and rebuild their mental well-being.
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
Under strict liability laws, most dog owners are held responsible for any injuries caused by their dogs. This means a dog owner could be held liable if their dog bites or injures someone, even though the owner was previously unaware of the dangerous animal or never experienced a similar incident. 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.
This is where, through complete evidence collection and legal service, the guilty party can be held accountable.
Contact Fresno’s Trusted Dog Bite Lawyer Today
A dog bite can change your life forever. With the right legal advice, you can do something to be able to move forward with confidence. Our SSD Law Firm PC – Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm legal team is experienced and ready to fight for you.
Contact us today! Call (559) 342-2000 or Visit us in person at our Fresno headquarters: 2170 N Winery Ave, Fresno, CA 93703, United States We’ll stand up and fight for the compensation and closure you deserve.
Hire someone who has been trained to work on your legal case day in and day out. Working with the right attorney can make a huge difference. I’m here to help you navigate your case and bring you results.
Sarwinder Dhanjan
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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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