Knowledgeable Dog Bite Attorneys Serving San Bernardino, CA
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dog causes — regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. If you or your child was bitten or attacked by a dog in San Bernardino, you can sue the owner for medical bills, scarring, emotional distress, and lost income. Contact our dog bite attorneys for a free consultation.
If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the owner. Dog bites can cause devastating injuries to children and adults alike. If you or your child has suffered disfiguring injuries from an uncontrolled and dangerous animal, the owner should be held liable. For more information, contact our San Bernardino dog bite attorney at the law firm of Aitken * Aitken * Cohn. Our attorneys have extensive experience with serious personal injury cases and can help you seek compensation for your injury, pain, and suffering.
Dog Bite Information
California law states that the owner of a dog is liable for any injuries caused by the dog, whether while in a public place, or lawfully in a private place, including on the dog owner’s property. The owner is liable for injuries even if the animal was temporarily or permanently in the care of someone else and even if the dog never attacked anyone before.
Dog bites are more common than most people realize. The CDC estimates approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical attention. California consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite insurance claims — State Farm alone paid out over $1.1 billion in dog bite claims nationally in 2023 (Insurance Information Institute). In San Bernardino County, animal control responds to hundreds of bite incidents annually.
Some cases involve owner negligence such as:
Failing to control a dog
Mishandling of a dog
Violating an animal control law or local leash laws
Putting a dog in a situation that could cause injury
A dog bite lawyer will explain that if an animal is provoked, or if the person injured is trespassing or committing another criminal act in the owner’s home, the rules of liability can change. However, the law provides special protections for children who are bitten or attacked by dogs and other animals.
Liability laws also state that anyone who owns a dog or animal in the state of California is liable for property damage as well as injuries.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe and may encompass a variety of physical and psychological effects. These injuries can occur when a dog bites, scratches, or injures a person in any way. Common dog bite injuries include:
Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often result in puncture wounds, as a dog’s teeth can penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. Puncture wounds can be deep and may require medical attention to prevent infection.
Lacerations: Some dog bites can cause deep, jagged, or extensive cuts, which may damage muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Lacerations may require sutures or surgical repair.
Tissue and Muscle Damage: Dog bites can cause damage to soft tissues and muscles, leading to bruising, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
Infections: Dog saliva contains bacteria, and infections are a common concern in dog bite injuries. Infections can lead to cellulitis, abscesses, and, in severe cases, sepsis.
Scarring: Depending on the location and severity of the bite, dog bites can result in permanent scarring, which may necessitate plastic or reconstructive surgery.
Nerve Damage: In severe cases, dog bites can damage nerves, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness in the affected area. Nerve injuries may require specialized medical treatment or surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions — Dog Bites in San Bernardino
Yes. California Civil Code § 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners — no ‘one free bite’ rule applies in California. You do not need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous.
You can still sue if you were lawfully on the property — as a guest, mail carrier, or delivery driver. Trespassers generally cannot bring a § 3342 claim.
California’s comparative fault rules apply. If you were 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%. Children are held to a lower standard and receive greater legal protection.
Medical expenses (ER, surgery, reconstructive procedures), lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress and PTSD, and future medical care.
Animal control records, neighbor witnesses, and neighborhood surveillance footage can help identify the owner. An attorney can investigate. If the dog was a stray, other legal theories may apply.
San Bernardino County is one of California's highest-volume counties for dog bite incidents, with San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control responding to hundreds of reported bites annually. California consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite insurance claims nationally — State Farm alone paid over $1.1 billion in dog bite claims across the U.S. in 2023 (Insurance Information Institute). The warm climate and outdoor lifestyle in the Inland Empire mean residents encounter dogs frequently in parks, trails, and neighborhoods.
Seek medical attention immediately — dog bites carry infection risk from bacteria, including Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga. 2. Report the bite to San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control (1-800-472-5609) — this creates an official record and initiates a quarantine check on the dog. 3. Photograph your injuries before treatment. 4. Get the owner's name, address, and proof of rabies vaccination. 5. Gather witness contact information. 6. Contact a dog bite attorney — California's strict liability law means you likely have a strong claim.
Yes, under certain circumstances. A landlord can be held liable if they knew a dangerous dog was on the property and had the ability to remove it, but failed to act. California courts have found landlord liability in cases where the owner repeatedly complained about a tenant's aggressive dog and the landlord took no action. If the attack occurred in a common area of an apartment complex — the parking lot, stairwell, or courtyard — the landlord's premises liability is even stronger.
Yes, in important ways. California law gives children special protections in dog bite cases — courts apply a lower standard of fault when evaluating a child's actions. A child reaching toward or playing with a dog is generally not considered provocation. Additionally, the statute of limitations for a minor's dog bite claim does not begin to run until they turn 18, giving families more time to file. Injuries to children often include more severe facial and neck wounds due to their height relative to most dogs, which typically increases the damages available.
Contact a San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney
A dog bite lawyer can help you receive the maximum compensation you deserve following a vicious animal attack. Dog bites can seriously affect your quality of life, and often leave devastating emotional and physical scars. When children are attacked, the injuries can be even more devastating or fatal. A dog bite lawsuit can help you recover compensatory damages from the owner, including:
Lost income
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Contact our expert San Bernardino dog bite attorneys at the law firm of Aitken * Aitken * Cohn. We have been representing injury victims for over 30 years, and have the experience and litigation skills you need.
