The Fresno dog bite lawyers at The Wagner Law Group represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks throughout Fresno and the Central Valley. If you or a family member was bitten, call us at 833.200.7111 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Dog bites cause serious injuries — deep lacerations, nerve damage, broken bones, scarring, and lasting emotional trauma. Children are especially vulnerable, and attacks can happen without warning even from dogs with no prior history of aggression. If you were bitten in Fresno, California law is on your side.
California Dog Bite Law — Strict Liability
California Civil Code Section 3342 holds dog owners strictly liable for bites that occur in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property. This means:
- The owner is responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before
- You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous
- The owner cannot escape liability by claiming they didn’t know their dog would bite
This is one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. You do not need to prove negligence — just that the bite happened and you were where you had a right to be.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites range in severity, but even “minor” bites can become serious. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations — deep tissue damage that may require surgery
- Nerve damage — permanent loss of sensation or function in the affected area
- Scarring and disfigurement — particularly severe when the face, hands, or neck are involved
- Broken bones — common when a large dog knocks a victim down during an attack
- Infections — dog bites carry bacteria that can cause serious infections including cellulitis and sepsis
- Emotional trauma and PTSD — especially in children, who may develop lasting fear and anxiety following an attack
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Fresno?
In most cases the dog’s owner is liable. However, depending on the circumstances, other parties may also share responsibility:
- Property owners — if they knew a dangerous dog was on their premises and failed to warn or protect visitors
- Dog handlers or caretakers — if someone other than the owner was responsible for controlling the dog at the time of the attack
- Landlords — in some cases, if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to act
Compensation Available in a Fresno Dog Bite Case
A successful dog bite claim can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses — emergency treatment, wound care, surgery, and follow-up care
- Future medical costs — reconstructive surgery, scar revision, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages — income lost while recovering from your injuries
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack
- Scarring and disfigurement — separate damages for permanent changes to your appearance
- Psychological treatment — therapy for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma, especially for child victims
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for dog bite claims is generally two years from the date of the attack. However, acting quickly matters — evidence can disappear, witnesses move on, and medical documentation is stronger when obtained close to the time of injury. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Why Choose The Wagner Law Group
We are a Fresno-based personal injury firm representing seriously injured clients across the Central Valley. When you work with us:
- You pay nothing upfront — we work on contingency, meaning no fees unless we win
- You get direct access to your attorney, not just a case manager
- We handle all communication with the dog owner’s insurance company on your behalf
- We are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not offered
Call 833.200.7111 today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Does the dog need to have bitten someone before for me to have a claim?
No. California’s strict liability law means the owner is responsible even if the dog has never shown aggression before. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
What if the bite happened on the owner's private property?
You can still file a claim if you were lawfully on the property — as a guest, delivery person, or anyone else with permission to be there. Trespassers generally cannot bring a strict liability claim, but other legal theories may apply.
What if a dog knocked me down but didn't bite me?
California’s strict liability law specifically covers bites. However, if a dog knocks you down and you’re injured, you may still have a negligence claim against the owner. Contact us and we’ll evaluate your situation.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of the attack. If a government employee’s dog was involved, the deadline may be shorter. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault — for example, I approached the dog?
California’s comparative negligence rules may reduce your compensation if you provoked the dog or assumed an obvious risk. However, simply approaching a dog does not automatically bar your claim. We’ll evaluate the full circumstances of your case.
My child was bitten — can we file a claim on their behalf?
Yes. Parents can file a claim on behalf of a minor child. The statute of limitations is also paused until the child turns 18, meaning they can file independently when they become an adult if no claim was filed earlier.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free.
We win cases throughout all of California, including: Fresno, Visalia, Clovis, and Lake Tahoe
