Fontana Dog Bite Lawyer

Injured by a Dog Bite in Fontana? Banner Attorneys will Fight for You

Dog bites can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Whether you were bitten while walking in your neighborhood or attacked at someone’s home, the injuries may leave lasting consequences—nerve damage, infection, disfigurement, or psychological trauma. At Banner Attorneys, our Fontana dog bite lawyer understands what victims go through and has the experience, resources, and determination to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

We’ve represented dog bite victims across Fontana and the greater Inland Empire, and we fight aggressively to hold negligent dog owners accountable under California’s strict liability laws. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Fontana

Dog bite incidents are more common than many realize. In Fontana and nearby areas like Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, and Ontario, dogs are a part of everyday life—but not every owner takes responsibility for controlling their animals. If you’re attacked, you may be dealing with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and an uncooperative insurance company.

Here’s why it’s critical to have an experienced local attorney on your side:

• Legal Complexity: California’s dog bite laws can be misunderstood. While strict liability exists, proving your right to compensation still takes legal skill.
• Local Experience: At Banner Attorneys, we know the local courts and city procedures. We also understand how regional insurance adjusters handle claims.
• Focused Representation: You deserve a lawyer who focuses on personal injury—not someone who dabbles in several areas of law.

Don’t take on a dog bite case alone. Our dog bite attorneys will help you build a case that stands up to scrutiny and maximizes your compensation.

California Dog Bite Laws Explained

California’s dog bite law—Civil Code § 3342—is one of the strictest in the country. It holds dog owners liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. This means:

• You do not have to prove the dog was dangerous.
• You do not have to show the owner was negligent.
• If the bite occurred in a legally permitted location or premises, the owner is likely liable.

In essence, California recognizes that the burden of preventing dog bites should fall on the owner—not the victim. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, the law is already on your side.

Exceptions and Additional Duties Under the Law

Like any law, however, there are exceptions that include:

• You were illegally trespassing at the time of the bite.
• You provoked the dog.
• The dog was performing military or police duties under specific conditions.

California also has Civil Code § 3342.5, which strengthens responsibility for dogs with a history of biting. This law mandates that owners must take reasonable steps to prevent further attacks—such as proper fencing, muzzling, or behavioral training—once a dog has bitten someone before.

Dog owners who ignore these duties may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability. Regardless of your situation, our Fontana dog bite lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to ensure your rights are protected.

What the Courts Have Said: Case Law Matters

Court decisions provide valuable context on how the dog bite laws are interpreted in California. For example:

• Priebe v. Nelson (2006) – The California Supreme Court held that an individual hired to care for a dog was not covered under § 3342 because they were not in a “public place” or “lawfully on the property” as a member of the general public. This clarified that contractual relationships may affect strict liability.
• Fullerton v. Conan (1948) – The court held that someone trespassing on private property was not protected under the strict liability statute, reinforcing that lawful presence is a key requirement.

These cases show that while California law favors victims, having a legal professional who understands court precedent strengthens your claim significantly.

What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

The actions you take immediately after a dog bite can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:

• Get Medical Attention Immediately
  Even if the wound appears minor, bites can introduce dangerous bacteria like Capnocytophaga or Pasteurella, potentially leading to serious infections or rabies concerns.
• Report the Bite
  Contact Fontana Police Department Animal Services or your local animal control to file a report. This creates an official record that could support your claim.
• Document Everything
  Take photos of your injuries, the location of the attack, and any property damage. If possible, get contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses.
• Don’t Speak with the Insurance Company
  Insurance adjusters often call quickly—sometimes within hours. Politely refer them to your attorney and don’t provide a recorded statement without legal advice.
• Call Banner Attorneys
  We’ll get to work investigating liability, securing records, and protecting your right to full compensation from the start.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Dog bites don’t just cause cuts or bruises—they can lead to long-term consequences. Compensation is meant to help you recover and rebuild. Our firm will pursue:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, follow-ups, physical therapy
• Lost Wages: Time missed from work or inability to return to your previous job
• Pain and Suffering: Ongoing physical pain or chronic issues
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, PTSD, nightmares, or fear of dogs
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Particularly for bites to the face, arms, or legs
• Permanent Disability or Nerve Damage: Severe bites may cause long-term pain or loss of function

Each case is unique, and we tailor our legal strategy to fit the full scope of your losses.

Why Choose Banner Attorneys for a Fontana Dog Bite Case?

Here’s what makes us different:

• Deep Roots in the Inland Empire – We’re not a generic injury firm. We know Fontana’s courts, judges, and city-specific ordinances.
• Aggressive but Compassionate – We fight hard in the courtroom but treat you with care and respect.
• Proven Results – Our personal injury team has recovered millions for injury victims across Southern California.
• You Don’t Pay Unless We Win – We work on a contingency basis. No legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

We’re proud to represent Fontana residents and are committed to helping you move forward after a traumatic dog bite injury.

Real Stories: Dog Bite Case Success

Don’t just take our word for it—hear from victims we’ve helped in Fontana:

“I cannot say enough about Brian Banner and his law firm! He took such great care of us. He helped us find the doctors that we needed and also fought against our insurance company. I would highly recommend Brian and his law firm for anyone that has been in an accident.” –Heather B., GOOGLE REVIEW

“Brian Banner and Derek Taylor did an incredible job battling the insurance company on my behalf. The financial settlement they were able to negotiate exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of representation.” –Rob M., YELP REVIEW

Recent Case Results

• $200,000 Settlement: For a Fontana client with severe scarring from a dog bite.
• $125,000 Recovery: For an Inland Empire victim with nerve damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?

You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, your case could be dismissed.

Does it matter if the dog never bit anyone before?

No. California’s strict liability law applies even if the bite was the dog’s first offense.

Can I sue someone I know, like a friend or neighbor?

Yes. Most dog bite claims are paid by homeowners insurance. You are not directly suing them—they’ve paid for this exact protection.

What if I was bitten at a park or on a walk?

You can still recover if the dog owner failed to leash their pet or allowed an aggressive dog in public spaces.

What about delivery drivers or postal workers?

Dog owners are still liable if a person is lawfully on their property—this includes delivery personnel and service workers.

Local Resources for Dog Bite Victims

• Fontana Animal Services
  17005 Upland Ave, Fontana, CA 92335
  (909) 350-7700
• Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center
  9961 Sierra Ave, Fontana, CA 92335
• San Bernardino County Superior Court
  17780 Arrow Blvd, Fontana, CA 92335

Contact Banner Attorneys Today and Get the Justice You Deserve

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Fontana or anywhere in the Inland Empire, don’t wait. Get legal support that makes a difference. Our compassionate and experienced Fontana dog bite lawyer at Banner Attorneys are here to help. Contact us today at (909) 681-1622 for a free, confidential consultation.