An experienced Bakersfield dog bite lawyer at Bisnar Chase will work tirelessly to ensure you are fully compensated if a dog attacks you.
Our team deals with many dog bite injury claims every year. We have seen first-hand what an aggressive animal can do. The injuries inflicted can be severe, ranging from deep puncture wounds to deadly infections.
At Bisnar Chase, we have made it our mission to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable and help dog bite victims find justice. Fortunately, California’s strict liability laws allow us to take legal action, even if it is the animal’s first sign of aggression.
We have top-rated personal injury lawyers in Bakersfield and working all across California. Our team has an outstanding track record in dog bite cases, with a 99% success rate and over $800 Million for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
- How much can you sue for a dog bite in Bakersfield, California? California has no limit or cap on compensation for a dog bite. According to State Farm, the average dog attack claim payout is about $60,000.00, but we have recovered significantly more where serious injuries are involved.
- How much do dog-bite lawyers charge? In California, the fee structure is based on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t directly pay us; we take a percentage from the recovery to ensure you are financially protected while the case proceeds. We also work to get your medical providers on a lien so that you can pay them after the case settles.
Bakersfield Dog Bite Lawyer
Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bites happen every day in and around the Bakersfield area. Many victims are left wondering whether they need an attorney or if they can handle a claim on their own.
We have seen more than enough cases to know that working with a legal expert is always better. The following are just some of the key reasons why you need a dog bite law firm like Bisnar Chase by your side:
- Dog bite injuries can be severe. Putting your case in the hands of a trusted law firm allows you to focus on recovery.
- Legal cases are complex and time-consuming. An attorney will handle everything for you, from the paperwork, hearings, and depositions to any required investigation or evidence assembly.
- Building a winning case can be expensive, even if you know what you’re doing. But our firm will advance the costs required to win your case. You won’t have to pay anything; your recovery will cover our legally limited pre-agreed fees.
- Statistics show that settlements and verdicts are significantly higher when the plaintiff has hired an attorney. In any injury case, the facts must be completely investigated to uncover the cause of any additional damages you may be entitled to.
Experience and Skill to Win Tough Cases
Trust our team with your dog bite case to ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries. We will interview all parties involved to understand the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Through investigation and discovery, we can determine the defendant’s negligence, including prior incidents and complaints. This is very common in dog bite cases. Many times, the dog is a repeat biter. We will secure all your medical records and hospital bills related to the initial injury and follow-up treatment to build your case and consult with medical experts to assess your prognosis or any lingering injuries.
We will research the jurisdiction’s strict liability statutes and common law related to dog bites. Send spoliation letters to prevent the destruction of relevant evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, or prepare for litigation by filing complaints, discovery motions, etc.
We advocate heavily for our client’s right to fair financial compensation. Reach out to our Bakersfield dog bite lawyers for a free case review today.
Important Questions Before Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney
Hiring a lawyer after suffering a dog bite attack is essential. But it is not as important as hiring the right attorney for your case.
We advise every dog bite victim to ask the following questions before signing anything:
How much experience do you have with these specific cases? We have been operating since 1978, with more than 45 years of experience helping those who suffer dog bite injuries. We have won thousands of animal attack cases.
What is your dog bite claim success rate? At Bisnar Chase, we have a 99% success rate.
How responsive are you? We have a policy to keep in regular contact with our clients. Our team will keep you updated every step of the way and is always available to answer questions.
What is your strategy to win my canine attack case? We leave no stone unturned. We will interview witnesses, hire investigators, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies and defense teams on your behalf.
Do you have trial experience with dog bite lawsuits? If a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon, our firm has the resources to go to trial for you. Our team is filled with experienced trial attorneys who have enjoyed great success in the courtroom.
Our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys know these cases inside out and will do everything possible to ensure your personal injury claim is successful.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog attack can result in serious injuries. The injuries sustained will depend on various factors, including the breed and size of the dog involved, how they were raised and trained, and whether the victim can defend themselves.
The most common injuries associated with dog attacks include the following:
Puncture wounds.
Bone fractures.
Muscle and ligament damage.
Nerve damage.
Infections.
Torn flesh.
Blood loss.
Physical scarring.
Emotional distress, trauma, and PTSD.
Sometimes, a dog bite incident involves the animal clamping down with its teeth and shaking its victim. This can cause all kinds of damage, from broken bones to torn muscles.
But most incidents involve the dog biting and leaving puncture wounds in the victim’s flesh. We use different grades to assess the severity of dog bite wounds.
Scratching and bruises.
Bite marks but no broken skin.
Punctures that break the skin.
Deep wounds and the potential of torn flesh and damaged nerves.
Multiple deep and piercing bite wounds.
Fatal wounds resulting in death.
When you suffer any injury, it is important that you seek appropriate medical attention. Get the medical treatment you need, then get in touch with our dog bite attorneys at Bisnar Chase and tell us more about your injuries to find out if you could have a case.
Why Do Dogs Attack?
Dogs bite for all kinds of reasons. Even good-natured pets can sometimes be unpredictable or dangerous given the wrong circumstances.
Many dogs are naturally possessive. This can make them protective of their owners, home, toys, puppies, or food. The pet might become aggressive if someone approaches or threatens their territory or belongings.
Some dogs also lash out as a defense mechanism when they are scared or in pain. Bakersfield dog owners must be aware of any injuries or chronic conditions their pets may have while doing whatever is possible to keep their dog calm and comfortable.
In addition, the way a dog is raised or trained plays a massive part in their behavior. If a dog’s owner is irresponsible, their pet is more likely to show erratic or violent behavior.
Dog Bite Laws in Bakersfield, California
California’s dog bite statute covers any incidents in Bakersfield. These laws apply to any incidents state-wide.
California law involves strict liability, which provides outstanding legal protection for bite victims. It means dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, including any injuries caused, even if the dog has not previously bitten or shown signs of aggression.
Due to strict liability, the at-fault party will be held accountable, even if they have taken reasonable care and have no reason to expect aggressive behavior. Unlike many other types of personal injury cases, victims of dog bites do not have to show that a dog owner was negligent.
Under California’s strict liability law, the dog’s owner will be held accountable regardless of the dog’s history. There are some exceptions. For example, the incident must happen in a public place or on private property when the victim is there lawfully. If the bite occurred when the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property, they may not have the same protections.
Our experienced dog bite lawyers know the law inside out and will maximize the value of your personal injury case.
What To Do During and After a Dog Attack
Being attacked by a dog can be extremely traumatic, leaving victims with both physical injuries and lasting mental scars. Taking the following steps will improve your chances of avoiding a severe dog bite injury when you are attacked:
Try not to run. This will encourage the animal to chase you.
Stand as still as possible and face the attacking dog, but try to avoid eye contact as this may be seen as a challenge.
If the dog’s approach is not immediately aggressive, allow it to get close and sniff you. It may decide that you are not threatening.
When a dog growls and seems aggressive as it approaches, turn sideways to give it a smaller target, and use anything you have to hand as a shield.
If the dog lunges and knocks you off your feet, curl into a ball and try to protect your most vulnerable areas, like the neck and face.
After a Dog Attack
Even if you do everything right, you may still suffer a dog bite injury. The steps you take afterward are important, both in terms of protecting your own health and mounting a successful legal case.
Seek Medical Attention. Your first step should always be to seek appropriate medical treatment. If your dog bite injuries are serious, call an ambulance or get emergency room treatment. Even if your injuries don’t feel too bad, you should get checked out. Dog bites can easily lead to infections, and your medical records proving damage and treatment will provide substantial evidence.
Identify the Dog Owner. Ideally, we need to know where the dog came from to hold the appropriate parties accountable.
Report the Incident to Authorities. Contact the police to report the incident. In some cases, you may also wish to inform animal control.
Collect Evidence. In a dog bite case, you should collect contact details for anyone who witnessed the attack and document your injuries. Take regular pictures of your wounds.
Contact a Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorney at Bisnar Chase. Get in touch with us and let our team file a personal injury lawsuit for you. We will take care of everything at no expense to you.
Dangerous Dog Bite Statistics
Our Bakersfield dog bite attorneys have handled a huge number of cases over our decades in business. Canine attacks are much more common than many people realize.
- About 4.5 million people suffer dog bites in the U.S.
- Regarding the rate of dog bite injuries, children between 5 and 9 years old are at the highest risk.
- State Farm paid over $200M in dog bite claims in 2022 alone.
- Of those injured in a dog bite attack, upward of 800,000 require medical attention.
- According to the DCD, puncture wounds are the most common injuries caused, with over 45% of victims sustaining injuries to their arms or hands.
- More than 520 people were killed by dog attacks in America from 2005 to 2019.
- The average value of a dog bite claim in 2022 was nearly $60,000 (a year-to-year rise of over 30%).
- In 2022, more than 17,500 claims were made against the homeowner’s insurance policies of dog owners.
- Injuries caused by dog bites led to claims totaling over $1 billion in 2022, covering related medical bills and other losses.
- About 70% of all fatal attacks involve pit bull breeds, as shown in the graph below. Pit bull types also lead the way in total attacks, responsible for over 22% of bites. German Shepherds (17.8%) and mixed breeds (21%) are next to them.
Dog Bite Correlation to Breed
People assume that pit bulls are the most dangerous breed because of the number of attacks, but statistics show that they are the most abused, abandoned, and poorly trained, leading to bad behavior, not because of the breed itself.
While purchasing expensive large breeds like Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Akita, pit bulls are overbred and easily accessible, giving anyone access to them. Unfortunately, this includes people who train them to attack and are irresponsible dog owners.
If you are a dog bite victim, we are here to help. Contact us at Bisnar Chase for a free consultation and superior representation.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Bakersfield
We recover compensation for dog bite injury victims in and around the Bakersfield area. But how do you know how much your case could be worth and how much compensation you could end up with?
When it comes to dog bites, every case is different. But certain elements are factored into settlement demands and jury verdicts. Essentially, the greater the harm suffered, the more money you should receive.
Compensation can cover factors such as:
Medical expenses.
Lost wages.
Ongoing treatment costs.
Pain and suffering.
Emotional distress and trauma.
Our mission is to ensure Bakersfield dog bite victims are made whole for their suffering. That means we recover compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages if they are forced to miss work, cosmetic treatments for physical scarring and ongoing conditions, and much more. Contact our team of experts today for a free case review.
Bakersfield Dog Bites: FAQs
On this page, we aim to answer all of your most important questions. We want you to feel fully informed and comfortable before signing on with our firm. If you have questions about Bakersfield dog bites that are not answered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What if a dog has not bitten anyone before?
Even if a dog attack is that animal’s first sign of aggression, the dog’s owner is legally responsible according to California’s dog bite laws.
Does insurance cover dog bites?
In most cases, homeowners or renters’ insurance will cover a dog bite injury case. However, it will depend on the terms and limits of the policy.
What is the statute of limitations for dog bites?
In most cases, you will have two years from the date of the incident to take legal action. But there are exceptions, and we advise contacting a lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I sue if a dog bites my dog?
Unfortunately, California’s laws consider dogs to be property. That means that we cannot help with a dog-on-dog attack. However, if an owner suffers an injury during a dog-on-dog attack, perhaps while trying to free their pet from another aggressive dog, we can help.
What will happen to the dog if I file a lawsuit?
By filing a lawsuit, you are taking civil action against the dog’s owner for their negligence. The penalty is financial, and you will not cause a dog to be put down.
What if I was trespassing when I was bitten?
If a bite occurred on private property, the victim must have been there lawfully. If they were unlawfully on private property, the same laws may not apply. Contact a dog bite lawyer for more information.
Does the law apply to police and military dogs?
In most cases, a dog bite injury caused by a military or police dog cannot be subject to legal action when it occurs in the line of duty. However, there may be exceptions. For example, if the dog was not acting on orders or used unreasonable force. Contact a Bakersfield dog bite attorney for guidance.
How long will my dog bite case take?
Every case is different, but most range from a few months to two years. If a case is settled too quickly, your lawyer is not doing their job properly and may be leaving money on the table. Our team will always work with the dog bite victim to ensure they get the best possible result in a reasonable time span.
Dog Walking Apps: Who is Responsible?
Many dog owners now use apps and services to have people look in on their pets or take them for a walk while the dog owner is at work. But what happens when someone is bitten during this process? Is the dog owner still responsible?
In many cases, the companies running these services do not carry insurance or accept liability. It is often down to the dog walker or the dog owner, but it can vary by case. Contact a dog bite lawyer in Bakersfield to find out who is liable in your case.
The Legal Process for Dog Attacks in California
Under California law, the strict liability statute holds a dog owner responsible for dog bite injuries. But who pays, and how does the legal process work?
The initial claim will be filed against the at-fault party’s insurance company. In most cases, the dog’s owner will have insurance policies that can be claimed against. For example, homeowners and renters insurance policies often provide dog bite coverage.
Even if the dog bit someone in a public place and not on the dog owner’s property, insurance should provide some coverage up to policy limits.
In many cases, we will negotiate a fair pre-litigation settlement with the insurers based on the severity of your injuries. However, sometimes the insurance company will refuse, especially when they see an opportunity to lowball you.
When a case cannot be resolved through pre-litigation negotiations, we will file a dog bite lawsuit with the courts. At this point, each side will build a case, and it could progress to trial in front of a jury.
Settlement vs. Trial: Pros and Cons
About 90% of personal injury claims involving dog bite injuries are resolved with a settlement. That is because jury trials can be unpredictable, and it is safer to maintain control over the outcome. It is also more expensive to build a case and go to trial.
Some law firms will avoid going to trial at all costs. They don’t want the uncertainty and may not have the resources to see your case through.
At Bisnar Chase, we believe it is sometimes necessary to go to trial to recover the full amount that you deserve. It will always be a joint decision; we want you to feel comfortable with the direction of your case. But when a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon, our Bakersfield dog bite lawyers are ready to argue your case in court.
Some of Our Top Dog Results
When you suffer a dog bite, you need a law firm with experience handling cases like yours. We believe that Bisnar Chase is the right choice for you. But you don’t have to take our word for it. We have the results to back it up.
Our team has handled countless dog-bite incidents. Some of our top results include:
$3 Million: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
$2.1 Million: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
$1.4 Million: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
- $1 Million: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
$1 Million: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
$875,000: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
$500,000: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
$325,000: Dog Bite/Premises Liability
When it comes to dog bites, you can count on Bisnar Chase to maximize the value of your case, securing compensation for medical bills, any other losses and damages, and any injuries sustained.
Contact the Best Bakersfield Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Near Me
If you think you may have a dog bite claim, contact Bisnar Chase immediately. Our team of experts will review your case and fight to recover compensation for you.
Our numbers speak for themselves. We have a 99% success rate, with more than $800 million recovered for our clients. We take on many dog bite personal injury cases yearly with outstanding results.
Our mission is to hold dog owners accountable and do right by our clients, providing superior representation to ensure everyone gets the care and guidance they deserve.
Why Hire Bisnar Chase
Experience: Bisnar Chase has over 45 years of experience specializing in personal injury cases, including dog bites. We have handled over 16,000 cases.
Proven Track Record: Our law firm has secured over $800 million for victims and has a 99% success rate. This demonstrates our ability to handle complex cases successfully.
10/10 AVVO Rating: Bisnar Chase has received perfect 10/10 ratings on AVVO’s legal rating site. Founding partner John Bisnar has received the AVVO Client’s Choice Award every year since 2012.
Legal Associations: Bisnar Chase is a member of prestigious lawyer associations, including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Reputation: We are highly regarded among legal professionals and considered one of Southern California’s top personal injury law firms. Our reputation speaks to our successful legal advocacy for clients in California.
Contact a Bakersfield dog bite attorney at Bisnar Chase today. Call (800) 561-4887, send us an email, or contact us through our website for a free consultation with no obligations. We look forward to hearing from you.
