Bitten by a dog in San Bernardino? The owner's insurance usually pays, not the owner.

A lot of people like dogs. Even the San Bernardino dog bite lawyers at TORKLAW love animals. But that doesn't mean we want them to bite us. If you've ever been bitten or attacked by a dog, then you know how scary it can be. Not only can the injuries be painful, but they can keep you out of work for quite some time. If you or your child are hurt by a dog bite, then you should call our office as soon as possible.

What is the Law in San Bernardino When it Comes to Dog Bites?

California is pretty clear when it comes to dog bite laws. All animals are required to be on a leash when they're out in public. And, even if a dog is in their own yard, they need to be leashed if there isn't a fence. When it comes to dog bites, pet owners have a very high standard of care. Essentially, if a dog bites someone, the dog owner is responsible for any injuries. This is because California is a strict liability state for dog bites.

If a dog bites you in a public place, their owner is liable. If they bite you in a private place where you have a legal right to be, the dog's owner is also liable. The only real exception is when a dog attacks you but doesn't bite you. There is no strict liability when it comes to injuries caused by something other than an actual bite. The best thing to do is call and talk to a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer at TORKLAW as soon as possible after your injuries.

Your San Bernardino Dog Big Lawyers at TORKLAW Will Fight to Get You Damages

The only reason you call a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer in the first place is to get damages. You want the defendant to be held responsible for what their dog did to you. If your attorney can prove your case, then you'll be entitled to some or all of the following types of damages:

• Medical bills – If you require medical treatment for your dog bite, which most of our clients do, you can demand compensation. You may be entitled to reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses you experienced. This will include all sorts of things, such as hospital bills, medical equipment, and prescription copays. You can also demand compensation for future medical care.
• Pain and Suffering – Some dog bites are very painful. Your San Bernardino dog bite lawyer at TORKLAW can ask for pain and suffering. These damages are supposed to compensate you for the mental and physical anguish caused by your dog bite.
• Lost wages or future income – If you miss a significant amount of time, you can ask for reimbursement for lost wages. Your San Bernardino dog bite lawyer will submit proof of any lost wages. They'll also look for proof that you're going to lose future income as well.

Since every case is unique, it wouldn't be fair for any attorney to tell you what your case is worth without meeting you. That's why you should talk to a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer at TORKLAW today.

There are Ways to Avoid a Dog Bite or Attack

The easiest way to handle a dog bite or attack is to prevent the attack in the first place. Of course, the San Bernardino dog bite lawyers at TORKLAW are here to help you if you've been bitten by a dog. However, we would rather our clients not be injured at all. Some of the things you should do to prevent this sort of injury include the following:

• Never antagonize or provoke a dog
• Do not approach a dog that you don't know
• If you've seen a dog act viciously, steer clear of the animal
• Never approach a dog that isn't on a leash
• Do not try to pet a dog that is sleeping or eating

If the defendant or their lawyer can show that you did any of these things, you may be found partially at fault. For example, if you pet a dog after their owner asked you not to, you may not be able to sue. It depends on the facts of your case. The good news is that California is a comparative negligence state. So, even if you're found to be partially at fault, you can still collect damages. The only thing is that your judgment will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you sue for $100,000 and are found to be 20% at fault, your case will be reduced by about 420,000

California is a Strict Liability State When It Comes to Dogs So Your San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer Doesn't Need to Prove Negligence

In most personal injury cases, your lawyer will need to prove negligence. In other words, they'll have to show that the defendant did something they shouldn't have. As a result, you were injured. When it comes to dog bites in San Bernardino, this isn't the case. Anyone who owns a dog will be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. Keep in mind – in California, this only applies to dog bites. It doesn't apply to other sorts of dog attacks. So, if a dog knocks you down and you break your wrist, you won't necessarily be entitled to damages. In a case where there is no actual bite involved, your San Bernardino dog bite lawyer at TORKLAW will have to prove negligence.

When it comes to a dog bite case in San Bernardino, the dog's owner is strictly liable. This means that if their dog bites you, the dog's owner will be responsible for your injuries. You don't have to show that the dog is dangerous. Nor do you have to show that the dog has bitten people before. It is enough to show that the dog bit you, and you were injured.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Sooner Rather Than Later

If you or your child have been bitten by a dog, you may have a potential legal claim. The only way to know for sure is to talk to a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer at TORKLAW. They can review your case and your medical records. They can also look to see what the defendant's lawyer has to say about the incident. If they admit that their client's dog bit you, all you'll have to do is show that you were injured.

What you should do is call a San Bernardino dog bite lawyer at TORKLAW sooner rather than later. This way, you can sit down and take advantage of your free initial consultation.