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.
5-Step Quick List When Bitten by a Dog
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If bitten by a dog, promptly visit a local healthcare provider, to treat your injuries and prevent infection. Ensure all treatments are well-documented for your records.
- Report the Incident: Contact animal services or the local police department to file a report on the dog bite. Obtaining a copy of this report is crucial for your legal case.
- Document Everything: Take photographs of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog involved if possible. Keep detailed records of your medical visits, expenses, and any interactions with witnesses or the dog owner.
- Avoid Direct Communication with the Dog Owner’s Insurance: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications to protect your interests.
- Consult a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer: Contact an experienced local lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases to explore your legal options and initiate the compensation process.
5 Key Takeaways on Dog Bite Cases
- Dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, California dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of its tendencies.
- Engaging an experienced attorney enhances your chances of receiving fair compensation. Legal representation will help you navigate the complex legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights.
- Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation. From medical expenses to lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs, an attorney can help you pursue all possible damages.
- In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is essential to act within this period to preserve your legal rights.
- A successful dog bite claim requires substantial evidence. That includes gathering medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. An attorney can assist you in collecting these documents and presenting this evidence effectively.
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 San Bernardino 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.
We’ve rounded up all the most important data in our Important Dog Bite Statistics & Bites by Breed for 2025 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 California 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.
Choosing the Right Law Firm for Your San Bernardino Dog Bite Injury
In San Bernardino, understanding your rights under California dog bite laws is crucial after suffering injuries from a dog attack. Under strict liability, the homeowner or owner of the dog can often be held accountable for damages if the bite occurred in a public place or you were lawfully on private property. An experienced law firm with a focus on personal injury claims is essential to navigating this process effectively.
California’s liability law ensures that victims do not need to prove negligence to pursue a claim. Whether your case involves extensive medical treatment, disputes over trespassing, or incidents related to dangerous dogs, seasoned personal injury attorneys and trial lawyers can provide the guidance you need. This includes seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
A strong attorney-client relationship is the cornerstone of effective representation. Our legal team at MKP Law Group prioritizes building strong client relationships and maintaining open communication through options like text messages or a readily available phone number. With years of experience handling dog bite and car accident cases in San Bernardino and Riverside, we are dedicated to securing the best outcomes for our clients.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation to explore your legal options. Our committed team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you achieve justice and peace of mind. Let us handle the complexities of your case while you focus on your recovery.
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.
FAQs
I’ve been attacked by a dog in San Bernardino, what should I do?
The immediate priority is your safety and well-being. This is not the time to wrap your arm in a shirt and walk home.
Here are some steps to follow:
- Call an ambulance to take you to the hospital. In the meantime, try to stop the bleeding as well as you can. At the hospital, the attending doctor will evaluate your injury and document it. This documentation will be crucial should you file a dog bite injury case and need to show evidence of the injury.
- While at the hospital, ask the staff to take pictures of the injuries. If you are able, you can do so yourself with a phone.
- Make sure to report the incident to Animal Services and file a police report as well. You may ask a friend to stop by the place where the attack happened and take some pictures. This can help your attorney build a case and spot any situations that may have led to the incident (such as a damaged fence allowing a dog to escape.)
- Talk to an attorney to better understand whether you have a case.
Throughout the process, keep track of your expenses. Similarly, determine how your recovery is going. Are you able to return to work? Can you still do the job that you have? The sorts of effects can determine the value of your case should you have one.
Before you give a statement to the insurance company or sign any paperwork, feel free to call us at MKP Law Group, LLP (323-524-9619) to discuss your legal options. We are experienced in getting dog bite victims the full compensation they deserve, and not only for their physical injuries but their psychological and emotional trauma as well.
Immediately after the attack, our dog bite attorneys know how to make the process as easy as possible for you. Our team also works with a network of medical providers, both doctors, and mental health professionals, that can start treating your injuries immediately after an attack.
Our select network of experts and medical providers often works on a no-out-of-pocket lien basis, so bills and medical expenses do not pile up and overwhelm you as you or a loved one recover.
If a dog bite injury has occurred, don’t hesitate to call the team at MKP Law Group, LLP for your 100% free initial consultation. We will connect you with the care you need and deserve and actively start working towards recovering your losses.
How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?
Quick answer: The cost will be a percentage of your final settlement or trial verdicts, but you and your family members do not spend any up-front money when working with our team.
If you are hesitating to hire an attorney because you worry about costs, don’t. Legal representation is your right. We realize that you are dealing with the aftermath of a scary situation. There are lacerations to heal, fears of disfigurement, and the angst and anguish that go with being the victim of an animal attack.
Our dog bite attorneys want to help you and will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we will not ask you for money up-front. And, if we fail to get you money to help make up for your losses, we will not even charge you after a verdict.
Of course, we intend to win and will work hard to pursue your claim. With this disclaimer in mind, we will agree to base our fees as a percentage of your settlement or trial verdicts. You and your family members do not spend any up-front money when working with our team.
It is difficult to estimate how much money you could walk away with. Fair compensation depends on documented losses and projected expenses you might incur in the future. Examples include the need for reconstructive surgery, treatment for emotional distress, lasting nerve damage, or lacerations requiring several treatments. Moreover, claims for disfigurement are treated differently when the dog attack victim is a minor. The goal of financial compensation is to help you pay for current and future medical bills. Besides that, there are punitive damages that may be more severe when the animal attack that occurred could have been prevented.
What kind of dog bites can earn compensation?
Dog bites can lead to lasting physical and psychological damage for victims of attacks and dog bites. Imagine going about your business, riding your bike, or walking down the street when a dog comes up and attacks you completely by surprise. It can be very traumatic.
MKP Law Group, LLP’s attorneys understand that surviving dog bites and recovering from dog bite attacks are very different things. Many victims of dog bites sustain the following injuries which can result in a pile-up of medical bills and numerous doctor visits:
- Scarring
- Bone Fractures
- Infections
- Puncture Wounds
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Rabies
- Psychological Trauma (PTSD)
- Death
The experienced dog bite attorneys at MKP Law Group, LLP can determine whether you have a legal claim and the amount of damages that you may be entitled to recover. While these damages vary based on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the team at MKP Law Group, LLP will work tirelessly to obtain maximum compensation for you or a loved one.
How do I know if I am eligible for compensation?
Victims of dog bites are entitled to recover damages for both their monetary and non-monetary losses after suffering a dog bite. The experienced dog bite attorneys at MKP Law Group, LLP will fight to get your full compensation for your losses including:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Earnings or Diminished Earning Capacity
- Pain & Suffering
- Scar Revision Treatment
- Mental Trauma (PTSD)
Each dog bite case is different due to several factors including the severity of the attack and the number of medical bills incurred as a result of the attack. The attorneys at MKP Law Group, LLP will build the best case possible to make sure you or a loved one gets the compensation they deserve.
The same goes for a family member who suffered the wrongful death of a loved one because a dog owner failed to protect the public from a dangerous dog, and the owners property caused injuries leading to death. The California Civil Code provides for such a loss. Therefore, our Southern California team can assist you with this type of claim.
How much money can you get for a dog bite?
It is difficult to estimate how much money you could walk away with. Fair compensation depends on documented losses and projected expenses you might incur in the future. Examples include the need for reconstructive surgery, treatment for emotional distress, lasting nerve damage, or lacerations requiring several treatments.
Moreover, claims for disfigurement are treated differently when the dog attack victim is a minor. The goal of financial compensation is to help you pay for current and future medical bills. Besides that, there are punitive damages that may be more severe when the animal attack that occurred could have been prevented.
Because there are so many considerations that go into the verdicts and discussions on dog bites, working with a legal representative makes the most sense.
The actual compensatory dollar amount depends on tangible documents such as medical bills and missed wages—also, factor in property damage that needs to be repaired. However, verdicts also consider the types of damages you cannot necessarily put a finger on. Examples here include suffering, pain, psychological anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Most importantly, punitive damages are likely, particularly in a situation where a third party knew, or should have known, that they have a dangerous dog.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?
In California, time is of the essence when pursuing a dog bite lawsuit. Our law offices at MKP Law Group, LLP understand that navigating the legal timeline can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with physical and emotional recovery from a dog attack.
The standard statute of limitations for dog bite cases in California is two years from the date of the incident. This means you have a critical two-year window to file a legal claim for your injuries, while for claims involving minors, the timeline is slightly different.
It’s important to remember that waiting until the last minute can significantly harm your case. Evidence can become harder to obtain, witnesses’ memories may fade, and medical documentation might become less clear over time.
Our experienced team at MKP Law Group, LLP recommends taking immediate action.
Discover more localized dog bite information in California:
