Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorney

In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers found that approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the U.S. every year. Although most dogs are good friends who would never bite or kill a human, attacks by certain vicious animals can cause serious injuries or death.

If you or your loved one has suffered serious dog bite injuries, contact Faulkner Law Offices today. Our experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyers are dedicated advocates for people injured by vicious dogs.

Why Choose Us?

At Faulkner Law Offices in Bakersfield, we have dedicated our practice to personal injury matters. Our attorneys have been successfully representing injured people since 1974. We have the knowledge and skills to negotiate skillfully on your behalf, and we are not afraid to fight for your rights in court, if necessary. We take a personal approach to personal injury law, maintaining a direct line of communication with our clients. We have significant experience helping those who have been seriously injured, including dog bites and other animal attacks.

Dog Bite Facts and Statistics

The Canine Journal provides facts and information about dog bites based on the study conducted by CDC and other sources:

Of the 4.7 million dog bites occurring nationwide every year, 800,000 require medical care.
A dog bites one out of every 69 people in the U.S.
6,244 postal workers in the U.S. were attacked by dogs in 2017.

Researchers in the CDC study found that:

Of the 25 people killed by dog bites in a two-year period, 80% were children and 20% were adults.
Of the 25 dog-bite deaths, 36% involved one dog, 36% involved two dogs, 8% involved 3 dogs, and 20% involved six to 11 dogs.
Of the 23 deaths with sufficient information for classification: 30% involved an unrestrained dog off the owner’s property; 22% involved a restrained dog on the owner’s property; and 48% involved an unrestrained dog on the owner’s property.

Legal Liability for Dog Bites in California

California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. Under state dog bite laws, dog owners are strictly liable for the actions of their animals if the dog bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner.

This law applies without regard to any previous signs of viciousness in the dog or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s vicious tendencies. The only exceptions occur when the dog’s attack was provoked by cruelty toward the animal or when the dog bit someone who was committing a crime or trespassing on the property of the owner.

Recovering Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

We believe that dog owners should be held accountable for injuries suffered when their dogs attack. People injured by dog bites may seek compensation for damages that may include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites. If the dog owner is a renter with no insurance, it may be possible to hold the property owner responsible for allowing a dangerous dog to stay on the premises.

Contact Us after a Dog Bite Attack

Our Bakersfield injury lawyers at Faulkner Law Offices have extensive experience and a history of success handling a range of personal injury matters. If you or your loved one has been injured by dog bites, contact us today for the legal assistance you need.