Dog Bite Lawyer In Inland Empire

Have you or someone you know been injured in an Inland Empire dog bite incident? Fiore Legal’s skilled attorneys are here to help you seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and suffering. Reach out today for your free, no-obligation consultation.

Fiore Legal: Dedicated to Justice for Dog Bite Injuries

With thousands of dog bites and animal attacks reported annually in California, injuries range from mild to life-altering. In severe cases, victims may suffer disfigurement or chronic pain. California's strict liability laws allow victims to seek compensation, though any shared fault may impact your award. Our experienced Inland Empire dog bite attorneys are here to guide you through this legal landscape and work to achieve the highest possible compensation for your injuries.

California Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know

Unlike many states where victims must show the dog owner’s knowledge of aggression, California’s strict liability law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation without proving the owner’s awareness of prior incidents. Some important exceptions to this rule include the following:

The victim must have been lawfully present (not trespassing) at the time of the attack
Liability extends beyond the owner to anyone responsible for controlling the dog
Professionals working with animals, such as kennel staff or veterinarians, assume some risk in their roles and aren’t covered by strict liability
If the dog was provoked, annoyed, or harassed, the strict liability rule may not apply

Damages Recoverable in Dog Bite Cases

Inland Empire dog bite victims may claim both economic and non-economic damages, covering:

Loss of income and reduced future earnings
Medical bills: doctor visits, hospital charges, and testing
Costs of rehabilitation centers, physical therapy, and assistive devices
Long-term or ongoing care
Pain, suffering, psychological trauma, and disfigurement impacts
Loss of life’s enjoyment and diminished daily functioning
Emotional anguish caused by the injury

a dog that is barking and snarling on a street

Understanding Dog Bite Liability in California

California places liability for dog bites on the dog’s owner, who can be defined as anyone keeping or controlling the dog at the time of the incident. This includes family members, dog walkers, and even parents of minor dog owners, who can be held liable for their child’s pet.

Landlords are also at risk if they know of a tenant’s dangerous dog and fail to take preventive action against foreseeable threats.

Who Pays for Damages in California Dog Bite Cases?

Victims of dog bites often avoid filing claims out of concern that it will create a financial strain for the pet owner, especially if they share a close relationship. However, the dog owner’s insurance covers most of these expenses.

Homeowners’ insurance typically covers bites that happen at home, while auto insurance may apply to incidents in a vehicle. Many insurance companies also offer policies that specifically cover dog attacks, providing an extra layer of coverage.

California’s Filing Deadline for Dog Attack Cases

In Inland Empire, victims generally have two years from the date of a dog attack to initiate legal action. If you were a minor when the incident occurred, you might be eligible to file until your 20th birthday. Taking action promptly is key, as missing the deadline may prevent you from seeking compensation.

Your Dedicated Advocates in Dog Bite Injury Cases

The knowledgeable team at Fiore Legal is ready to fight for your right to compensation, holding the dog owner or other liable party accountable for your injuries. Trust us to leverage our resources and expertise to support your case and help you during this time. For a free, confidential consultation, call us at 800-440-4157 or reach out online.

Mauro Fiore Jr. with Fiore Legal Injury Attorneys sitting with a client looking at a laptop together