San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer
Our attorneys exclusively represent injury victims.
For years we have fought on behalf of clients who were hurt in accidents due to the negligence of another party.
San Bernardino dog bites happen more frequently than you think. Far too often, these incidents go unreported. As a result, there are dogs that have attacked or attempted to attack, people — even repeatedly.
Sadly, many dog attack victims do not receive the legal help they need from California dog bite lawyers. Often victims do not know what their rights and responsibilities are. In other cases, the dog’s owners might intimidate them.
When I was put in the middle of an unforeseen dog bite incident, I asked Jordan for his help and he delivered. I was completely blown away by his professionalism, knowledge, and success.
Why Hire a San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney?
Dog bites are incredibly frequent occurrences. Though there are several breeds in particular that are linked to attacks, such as Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and German Shepherds, the truth though, is that any dog can bite. The owner can also be responsible if they mistreat or abuse the dog.
Dog bite incidents can be terrifying and often lead to lasting mental trauma and anguish in addition to physical injuries. This is especially true in cases involving infants and minors.
If you've been injured by a dog you need to:
- Seek medical attention (Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room)
- Take photographs of the injuries
- Contact witnesses and obtain statements
- Report the animal attack to animal control services
- Investigate the dog’s owner
- Contact insurance companies and establish claims
Because dog bite cases can be complex, it is imperative that you are represented by an experienced and knowledgeable dog bite attorney right from the beginning.
At MKP Law Group, LLP, we are experienced in dog bite injury cases. Our skilled and knowledgeable team of renowned injury attorneys represent injury victims in San Bernardino County and throughout the State of California. We strive to make the process as easy and quick as possible for you. Our team is experienced, attentive, dependable, and tenacious and ready to help you win the maximum compensation you deserve. Call us today at 323-522-2606 to schedule your 100% free consultation.
We use skilled investigators to determine the dog’s owner, the dog’s history, and the facts of the attack. We will deal with the insurance company's claims and review your medical records and bills so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts
Settlement amounts for dog bite cases can vary widely. Factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, make each case unique and will determine how much a Los Angeles dog bite injury victim may receive as compenation.
Location/Measure | Settlement Amount |
United States | $58,545 |
California | $68,125 |
Average range | $10,000 - $100,000 |
Median range | $75,000 - $80,000 |
Working with a local dog bite attorney ensures you're equipped to navigate the complexities of your claim, maximizing your settlement by countering low-ball offers and advocating for the compensation you deserve.
Stats on Dog Bites in the United States, California, and San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County dog bite stats:
- 149 dogs were confiscated in 2023 across San Bernardino County. Rcdas.corg.
- 5 dog bite fatalities occurred in San Bernardino from 2010 to 2019, of a total 369 nationwide. Three of the five were victims younger than three years old. SBCounty.gov.
- 238 dog bites in San Bernardino from December 2021 to December 2022. SBCounty.gov.
Despite our love for dogs, the number of attacks by these beloved animals continues to increase both in San Bernardino County, California, and nationwide.
- 4.7 million dog bite incidents were reported in the United States in 1994. Cdc.gov.
- 885,000 dog bite victims annually need medical attention for related injuries. PubMed.
- 70% increase in California dog bite injuries from 2005 to 2022, 125 visits per 100,000 residents. Data.chhs.ca.gov
- California was the top state for dog-related injury claims in 2017. The insurance company paid out $18.7 million for 468 dog-related injury claims for incidents that occurred in California. Overall, including all dog-related injury claims across the country, State Farm paid a total of $132 million for the 3,600 cases. Statefarm.com.
- 66% of reported canine deaths were from pit bulls (311 of 471). Pit bulls and rottweilers together account for 76% of the total recorded deaths reported. DogsBite.org.
We've rounded up all the most important data in our Important Dog Bite Statistics & Bites by Breed for 2024 page.
Do I Need a San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer to File a Lawsuit?
California’s Civil Code holds the owner of a dog liable for the damages that victims sustain following a dog bite. Statements such as, “He’s never bitten anyone before” do not absolve the dog’s owner of their responsibility.
Therefore, you do not have to prove that the owner was negligent.
Although the City of San Bernardino enacts leash laws, it is clear that the bites still happen. If you are an invited guest at someone’s residence, the animal will most likely not be on a leash in the first place. Even so, the dog’s owner has the duty to keep you safe. Officials from the City of San Bernardino explain that 70% of dog bites happen on the property of the animal’s owner.
This means that you may be at a friend or family member's home when you are attacked. Regardless, you are still required to report the incident. That way an Animal Control Officer can impose a quarantine on the dog. If the dog's owner refuses, the individual may be arrested.
San Bernardino County outlines some of the local laws on their Animal Laws page which states,
"animal bites are required to be reported and should be reported to the Animal Control Agency where the bite occurred."
Here's a link to the San Bernardino Bite Report form for your convenience.
Following a dog bite, you may benefit from consulting with a San Bernardino dog bite attorney if:
- The attack was serious. For example, you might not just have puncture wounds but also have lacerations and open wounds. If the dog is bigger, it may cause organ damage, bone fractures, and even nerve damage.
- An open wound is present that may lead to an infection, which causes a build-up of scar tissue; these types of injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement.
- Extreme cases when the injury can be so severe that you lose the full use of a hand or arm.
As you might imagine, the increasing seriousness of the potential injuries leads to the need for extensive medical care. You may undergo surgery to repair torn muscles. After you heal, you might require plastic surgery to repair areas with extreme scarring.
A San Bernardino dog bite lawyer can file a lawsuit that helps you get fair reimbursement for the financial losses you suffer. Working with a lawyer can ensure that proper steps are taken in order to prove your case. Lawyers often collect surveillance footage that a neighbor’s camera might have recorded. Since motion-activated cameras are now very popular in the area, there is a chance that the attack was caught on video. Lastly, because of San Bernardino's rules about vicious dogs, it is critical to also research the animal’s history and see if the owner has added liability for negligence.
Inside Tips on Local San Bernardino Entities to Consult After a Dog Bite
- Local Medical Facilities:
- Animal Control Services:
- San Bernardino County Animal Control is a critical resource for reporting dog bites and obtaining incident reports.
- Local Legal Resources:
- Consulting with local bar associations like the San Bernardino County Bar Association can help you find specialized legal assistance.
- Community Resources:
- Leverage community support groups or local forums to share your experience and gather additional advice.
The caring staff at MKP Law serves dog bite victims in and around San Bernardino. Whether you live in quiet Glen Helen, beautiful Verdemont, active Kendall, or busy Valley View, our compassionate attorneys can help you navigate the legal process after a dog bite incident. We understand the local laws and can assist you in securing compensation for your injuries while you focus on your recovery.
FAQ's
Free Consultation
We Make the Process Easy to Get the Results You Deserve
323-524-9619
info@mkplawgroup.com
3701 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 870
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Free Consultation
We Make the Process Easy to Get the Results You Deserve
323-524-9619
info@mkplawgroup.com
3701 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 870
Los Angeles, CA 90010