Our San Bernardino dog bite lawyers at Bisnar Chase have been winning dog bite cases for over 46 years in San Bernardino County. We can help you maximize your compensation after an accident.
Dog bite victims in San Bernardino suffer significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. A dog attack not only results in a trip to the emergency room or surgery, but it also leaves serious psychological and emotional scars that could remain with the victim for a very long time.
Judging specific stereotypes for dogs is not what we do. Any breed can be dangerous, and fault for an attack often lies with the animal’s owner. If you have been injured by an aggressive dog, you need an experienced legal team on your side.
The Best Dog Bite Attorneys Near You in San Bernardino
Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers win dog bite cases. We have handled countless cases involving all kinds of breeds and circumstances.
- We have a 99% success rate.
- Over $1 billion recovered for our clients.
- Award-winning trial lawyers with decades of experience.
- Offering a free consultation and advancing all costs – no win, no fee.
Although we have seen many recent dog attacks involving children in San Bernardino County, it is important to remember that adults are equally vulnerable.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog bite incident in San Bernardino, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. Seek medical attention immediately, then contact an experienced and successful San Bernardino dog bite attorney at Bisnar Chase. Call (909) 253-0750 or send us a message for a free case review.
Dog Bite Lawyer in San Bernardino
Dog Bite Laws in San Bernardino: Who is Liable?
Under California law, dog owners can be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused by their pets.
California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
While any dog can be dangerous, especially when scared or territorial, we have found that most dog bite incidents are the owner’s fault. Dogs without proper training can be more susceptible to aggression or loss of control. It is also the owner’s job to secure their pet, whether on their property or in public.
Whether or not a dog’s owner had reason to expect their pet to be aggressive, they can be held legally liable for any injuries.
Maximizing Your Compensation
At Bisnar Chase, we have a long track record of holding irresponsible dog owners accountable for their failure to control their dogs.
We fight for every dollar you deserve. Dog bite compensation typically includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Hospitalization
- Cosmetic and other surgeries
- Rehabilitation
- Permanent injuries
- Disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Psychological injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
Having the legal representation of an experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyer with skill and expertise specifically regarding dog bite attacks and injuries is essential to the positive outcome of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Exceptions:
- Minors: the clock is tolled until the victim turns 18 (they then have until age 20).
- Government entities (e.g., police K-9): shorter administrative claim deadlines (often 6 months).
- Delayed discovery of injury may apply in limited cases.
Please reach out to a lawyer promptly to ensure the evidence and the dog’s history are preserved.
Working with the best San Bernardino dog bite lawyers in your area will ensure you maximize your recovery. Contact Bisnar Chase as soon as you can after an incident and let us get the ball rolling.
How Much is a Dog Bite Injury Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury claim will depend on the extent of the injuries and damages you suffered. The claim may be a few thousand for minor dog bites, but you could see seven-figure settlements or verdicts in more severe cases.
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional trauma.
- Future treatment costs.
Our law firm has successfully litigated canine attacks for 46 years. Notable verdicts in some of our cases included $3M, $2.6M, and $1.6M awards for our clients.
It’s essential that you follow all of your doctor’s orders and attend all of your medical appointments. The value of the case will hinge on treatment.
Call our San Bernardino dog bite attorneys today for a free case review – (909) 253-0750.
California Dog Bite Compensation Calculator
Disclaimer: This is just an estimate of what you may be entitled to and not a guarantee of the outcome of your specific case. This is based on the level of injury and potential compensation.
This calculator includes the following factors:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering (rated 1-10)
- Scarring/Disfigurement (rated 1-10)
The calculation method used here is simplified and should not be considered legal advice. It calculates economic damages (medical expenses + lost wages) and then uses the pain/suffering and scarring ratings to create a multiplier for non-economic damages.
What To Do After a Dog Attack
- Seek immediate medical care. If you have been injured in a dog attack, please make sure you get prompt medical attention
- Report the incident to your local animal control agency.
- Identify the dog’s owner. If the dog has escaped, it is important that it be caught and quarantined immediately so it does not pose a threat to the community.
- Preserve all evidence from the scene, including torn or bloody clothing. If anyone saw the attack occur, get his or her name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be extremely valuable.
- File a police report so there is a record of the incident.
- Seek legal advice. If you decide to pursue your legal rights, the experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you better understand your options.
- Check to see if there is CCT footage from neighbors or businesses that might have recorded the attack.
We have successfully handled dog bite cases for young children and adults of all ages. We understand that this can be extremely traumatic and challenging for you. We always offer free consultations and case evaluations to injured victims and their families.
What To Ask a California Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve been the victim of a dog attack and are thinking about submitting a personal injury claim, the following are some important questions you should ask a dog bite lawyer:
1. Liability: Ask the attorney to assess who may be legally liable for the dog attack on you. This typically involves determining if the dog owner was negligent in controlling the animal.
2. Damages: Inquire about the types of damages you may be able to recover, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term or permanent injuries.
3. Time Limits: Find out about the statute of limitations—the time frame within which you must file a personal injury claim. This varies by state but is usually 1-3 years and is two years in California
4. Evidence: Ask what evidence will be important to build your case, such as medical records, witness statements, photos of injuries, documentation of expenses, and obtaining the dog’s behavior history.
5. Settlement vs. Lawsuit: Discuss whether it may be possible to negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company or if a lawsuit will likely be necessary.
6. Legal Fees: Inquire about the attorney’s fees and any upfront costs for pursuing the claim. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Bisnar Chase advances all costs and only charges a fee when we win the case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
7. Timeline: This will help you understand how long the claims process may take, from investigation to settlement or trial. An average dog bite claim can take a few months to a year to negotiate and settle.
The key is to have an open discussion with the attorney about the specifics of your case and what you can expect throughout the legal process. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to understand your rights and options thoroughly.
If you are ready to discuss your case, contact our San Bernardino dog bite lawyers for a free phone consultation to review the attack’s specifics. Call (909) 253-0750.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites often result in major and permanent injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries suffered in dog attacks:
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds and tears occur when the attacking dog clamps down its teeth on the victim’s flesh. Puncture wounds often result in tearing of the skin and permanent scars.
Victims suffer such wounds to their face, leg, torso, or arms. Scaring may require cosmetic surgery. In some cases, they may result in permanent disfigurement.
Psychological Trauma
Children and adults who have been injured in dog attacks can carry the emotional and psychological impact with them for the rest of their lives. These injuries could manifest in paranoia or other symptoms, such as difficulty working or sleeping at night.
Some victims even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suffer from flashbacks of the attack, nightmares, or emotional withdrawal. Such severe psychological injuries may require long-term counseling or treatment.
Serious Infections
A dog bite could also lead to lethal bacterial infections or diseases like rabies. These infections are typically transmitted through the saliva of animals infected with the rabies virus. Rabies is a fatal disease if not treated promptly.
Head Injuries
A dog attack can happen very quickly and is difficult to escape. Many dogs are large and powerful, and can knock victims off balance or force them to the ground.
We have handled cases involving dog bite victims who hit their heads in the course of the attack and suffered greater injuries as a result.
Broken Bones
Fractures and crush injuries could also occur if the victim falls or is knocked to the ground while running from a dangerous dog. An attack can put victims in dangerous situations even before a dog bites them.
Death
Unfortunately, many dog attacks result in death. We’ve covered such incidents for decades. Fatal dog attacks are severe and leave families’ lives turned upside down. If a dog attack is fatal, we can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s surviving loved ones.
San Bernardino County Ordinance Relating to Pit Bulls
In 2010, San Bernardino County Supervisors passed an ordinance requiring all pit bulls in the county to be spayed or neutered. San Bernardino city officials worked with San Bernardino County’s Animal Care and Control Division to create the ordinance, which authorities believe will reduce the overpopulation of pit bulls countrywide.
They also hoped it would encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of violent pit bull attacks. In the five years preceding the enactment of this ordinance, San Bernardino County saw seven pit bull attacks. No other breed was involved in a dog attack countrywide during that time frame.
This statistic is what led to this particular breed-specific action. The new rule means that all pit bulls and pit bull mixes older than 4 months should be spayed or neutered. Furthermore, all such dogs used for breeding must be licensed.
Even though California law prohibits breed bans, it allows local agencies to enact breed-specific spay-and-neuter programs to control the overpopulation of certain breeds.
You can review the study on injury severity and breeds from 2016 to 2023.
San Bernardino County Dog Bite Statistics & How to Report a Dog Bite
San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control records hundreds of dog bites every year. Recent data shows approximately 717 reported dog bites in 2022 and 883 in 2023. Pit bull-type dogs account for a disproportionate share of severe injuries (roughly 40–50% of severe cases in multi-year data).
- 70% of dog bites in the City of San Bernardino historically occur on the owner’s property.
- Local leash laws, quarantine rules, and rules for sterilizing pit bulls can serve as evidence of negligence in civil claims, even though California already has strict liability.
- Enforcement differs between the City of San Bernardino and unincorporated county areas (other cities within the county have their own animal control agencies).
How to report a dog bite in San Bernardino County
- Contact the San Bernardino County Department of Animal Care at (800) 472-5609 or submit the bite report form.
- All bites that break the skin require a mandatory 10-day quarantine of the dog for rabies observation.
- Healthcare providers are also required to report.
- File a police report and preserve photos, clothing, and witness information.
- Animal bites reporting and quarantine rules: https://animalcare.sbcounty.gov/animallaws/
- Main Animal Care site: https://animalcare.sbcounty.gov/
This official record strengthens liability and insurance claims.
San Bernardino County ordinances
These apply in unincorporated areas, and San Bernardino County Animal Care enforces them.
Key provisions (Title 3, Division 2 of the San Bernardino County Code):
- Leash / Control of Animals (§ 32.0108) Dogs must be restrained by a leash (or confined in a vehicle/cage) when off the owner’s property. Running at large is prohibited.
- Duty to Report Bites (§ 32.0201) Anyone with knowledge of a bite must report it immediately to the Health Officer, Animal Control, or Sheriff.
- Confinement of Biting Animals (§ 32.0202) Dogs that bite a person are quarantined for 10 days (can be at home if containment is approved, or at a shelter/veterinary clinic).
- Potentially Dangerous & Vicious Animals (Chapter 14, §§ 32.1401–32.1405) Defines and provides procedures for declaring dogs potentially dangerous or vicious based on behavior (e.g., unprovoked bites, severe injury, or repeated aggressive acts). Includes hearing processes, special housing requirements, and possible destruction in severe cases.
- Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Requirement (§ 32.1501) All pit bulls and pit bull mixes over 4 months of age must be spayed or neutered (exceptions exist for purebred registered dogs, law-enforcement dogs, service dogs, medical conditions, and certain licensed breeding kennels). This program is a breed-specific sterilization program allowed under state law (Health & Safety Code § 122331).
- Rabies vaccination is required for dogs over 4 months (§ 32.0207).
What Happens After You Hire a San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer?
- Free case evaluation and medical records review.
- Investigation: animal control report, owner identification, insurance coverage, prior bite history, and scene evidence.
- Demand package to the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance carrier.
- Negotiation. Most cases resolve without trial.
- If a fair offer is not made, a lawsuit and litigation may follow.
- Settlement or trial. Average dog bite insurance claims in California have recently ranged roughly $68,000–$82,000, but severe scarring, facial injuries, nerve damage, or child victims frequently settle in the six- and seven-figure ranges.
Bisnar Chase advances all costs and works on contingency (no fee unless we recover money for you).
Public Perception of Large Breed Dogs
The overall public opinion and consensus around large breed dogs in the United States is somewhat mixed:
1. Popularity and Ownership: Large-breed dogs, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls, remain very popular pets in the US. According to the American Kennel Club, Labradors have been the most popular dog breed in the US for the past 30 years.
2. Perceptions of Safety: There is an ongoing debate around the safety of certain large breed dogs, especially bully breeds like Pit Bulls. Some view these dogs as inherently dangerous, while others argue that the breed’s reputation is undeserved and more dependent on training and socialization.
3. Regulatory Efforts: A number of states and municipalities have enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL) that either restricts or bans the ownership of certain large breeds, especially Pit Bulls. However, there is growing opposition to BSL, with many arguing it is ineffective and discriminatory.
4. Media Influence: High-profile dog attack incidents involving large breeds, especially Pit Bulls, tend to receive significant media coverage and can shape public perceptions, though data shows that small dogs actually bite more often.
5. Educating the Public: Many animal welfare organizations and veterinary groups advocate for educating the public about responsible dog ownership, proper training, and socialization rather than focusing solely on breed type.
Overall, while large breed dogs remain popular, lingering concerns and stereotypes around their perceived aggression continue to influence public opinion and policy discussions. Experts on dogs frequently advocate for a more nuanced, evidence-based approach.
If you have questions about a recent dog attack call us for a free case review. Our San Bernardino dog bite lawyers have a 99% success rate winning animal attack cases.
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Frequently Asked Questions – San Bernardino Dog Bite Cases
Is California a strict liability state for dog bites?
Yes. Under Civil Code § 3342, the owner is liable for bites that occur in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of viciousness. There is no “one-bite rule” in California.
Do I need to prove the owner was negligent?
No for pure bite claims under § 3342. You must prove ownership, that a bite occurred, and that you were lawfully present. Negligence claims may still be useful for non-bite injuries (knock-downs, etc.) or additional defendants.
What compensation can I recover?
Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, scarring/disfigurement, pain and suffering, emotional distress/PTSD, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages.
How much is the average dog bite settlement in California?
Insurance industry data shows average claim payouts in the $68,000–$82,000 range recently. Individual cases vary widely; severe or pediatric cases with permanent scarring often recover substantially more.
Can I still recover if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
Yes. California’s strict liability statute does not require prior knowledge or a previous bite.
Are landlords or property owners ever liable in these situations?
Possibly, if they knew of a dangerous dog and failed to take reasonable steps or in certain premises liability situations.
How long does a dog bite case take?
Many settle in a few months to a year once medical treatment stabilizes. Complex or disputed cases take longer.
You Don't Pay If We Don't Win
Our skilled and experienced team of dedicated San Bernardino dog bite attorneys has established a 99% success rate with over $1 billion won for our clients. With over 46 years of experience, we are confident in our promise to our personal injury clients that they will not pay anything if we do not win their case.
If you are responsible for medical expenses or any other financial obligations, Bisnar Chase is privileged to cover any costs throughout your case with us. We advance any of the costs required to win your case, handling everything upfront.
If you have suffered from a dog bite in San Bernardino, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to ensure your recovery, like seeking medical care, reporting the attack to the police department, and documenting the severity of your injuries with photographs and video.
At the resolution of the case, our fees come from the final settlement or verdict, which means you never pay anything out of pocket. This is called working on contingency, and is important because it opens up our services to everyone.
With a 99% success rate, we rarely lose a case. But if for any reason we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Be aware that the dog owner’s insurance company will try to minimize the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Having the guidance of an experienced dog bite lawyer can significantly increase your chances of maximum financial recovery.
Award-Winning San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyers Near You
Please get in touch with our knowledgeable and experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyers for a free consultation and case evaluation if you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack.
You may be entitled to compensation, including your medical bills, pain and suffering, and any other damages and losses you have suffered. Bisnar Chase has handled countless dog bite cases just like yours. Our team is skilled and efficient, and will work tirelessly to resolve your case with the best possible results.
We have a 99% success rate with over $1 billion won for our clients. The numbers are important, but we also take pride in offering superior client representation. We care about our clients and ensure we are always accessible to them.
If you think you may have a case, get in touch with us today. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
Contact our San Bernardino dog bite lawyers for immediate assistance. You can call our local San Bernardino office at (909) 253-0750, send us an email, or message us through our 24/7 website live chat. We are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
Serving California Since 1978
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm with a national reputation. The firm has been in business since 1978 and has represented thousands of clients. Based in Newport Beach and with offices across California, Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, emphasizing superior client representation above all.
