Bit by a dog in Fresno? After medical treatment, you need to report the incident to animal control authorities immediately.
This straightforward guide will cover everything you need to know to document the bite accurately—from gathering key details and filling out forms to potential legal action.
Follow our advice to guarantee your dog bite claim gets filed completely and correctly on the very first attempt.
If a dog or a loved one has bitten you in Fresno County, the first call you’ll want to make is to 911 and, after, the Fresno County Animal Control Program. This agency oversees animal-related bite incidents in your area.
Their number is 559-600-3357, or you may file an online animal bite report. We highly recommend contacting the animal control agency as soon as possible. Agents will document the details of the incident, including where it occurred, the severity of injuries, and information on the owner and dog, if available.
Quickly reporting dog bites can aid the investigation and also help track a dangerous dog in Fresno or verify current rabies vaccinations. Animal control may also quarantine the dog periodically to check for signs of rabies, which is mandatory in many severe bite cases.
If you or someone you know is bitten by a dog in Fresno County, there are important steps you should take, including:
It may seem tedious, but these steps ensure you protect your health, establish official documentation early on, and preserve your ability to recover damages if warranted.
Residents of Fresno out in the community should be aware that dog bites and attacks can happen unexpectedly in many public locations. Unfortunately, irresponsible Fresno dog owners often have aggressive dogs unleashed or loosely restrained, even in areas like Fresno dog parks, trails, sidewalks, and recreational facilities where families and individuals congregate.
The following public spaces managed by Fresno County are especially groomed for domestic animals and present an elevated risk of dog bite incidents.
A popular off-leash dog park in central Fresno features separate areas for large and small dogs with agility equipment, shade, benches, and water stations.
Roeding Park Dog Park
890 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
An off-leash dog park with open green space, trails, picnic tables, and interactive water features for dogs, located in downtown Fresno near Chukchansi Park baseball stadium.
Basin AH1 Dog Park
4257 W Alamos Ave, Fresno, CA 93722
Spacious off-leash park in neighboring Clovis offering large and small dog zones, dog wash stations, shade, hiking trails, and parking.
Woodward Dog Park in Clovis
Woodward Park, Fresno, CA 93720
Largest fenced-in off-leash dog park in Fresno metro area at over 8 acres with walking trails, doggy splash zone, benches, trees, and mountain views.
Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park
3934 N Hayston Ave, Fresno, CA 93726
Being alert and understanding the legal recourse possible when you or a child suffers an unprovoked bite in any Fresno public space is fundamental. Our experienced Fresno personal injury attorneys can advise victims on California’s strict liability laws and fight for maximum compensation if injured around Fresno County.
The most frequent injuries suffered by victims of Fresno dog attacks often involve multiple torn muscles, soft tissue damage like skin lacerations, broken bones or fractures, head and neck trauma, organ damage, nerve damage, and permanent scarring – emotionally and physically.
Children frequently suffer bites on their heads, faces, or necks as they are often closer to a dog’s mouth level, increasing injury severity. Given the force of some dog bites, many victims require immediate operations to avoid loss of limb or life in extreme cases.
The owner of a dog is legally responsible if that dog bites someone in a public place or on private property where the person has a lawful right to be. This applies even if the owner was not aware the dog might bite.
There are exceptions for dogs working in military or police operations. These dogs can bite without owner liability if:
Additionally, police dog handlers cannot use biting force on innocent bystanders or people not suspected of any crimes. The exceptions only apply when apprehending suspects or dealing with provocation during official operations.
In short – dog owners are liable for bites in public or lawful private areas, unless it’s a properly-trained police dog biting someone reasonably suspected of being involved in a crime or provoking the dog.
If bitten by a dog in California, you have a limited window under the statute of limitations to take legal action and recover damages against the animal’s owner.
Per California CCP §335.1, dog bite victims have two (2) years from injury to file their case in court.
You should note the following two critical points regarding California’s statute of limitations:
Due to the strict deadline and intricacies of animal attack cases, partnering with an experienced Fresno dog bite attorney is highly recommended. Don’t risk losing compensation rights and navigating the legal process as a layperson.
As discussed earlier, California dog bite statutes entitle qualifying victims to varied damages covering general and special harm from the trauma sustained.
Our clients regularly pursue the following common compensation categories:
While there is no true average settlement for a dog bite injury in California, knowing what you’re entitled to goes a long way. A seasoned personal injury litigator makes all the difference here.
At LA Dog Bite Law, we assist dog bite victims across Fresno using our many years of experience handling animal attack cases specifically.
Benefits of our no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation include:
If attacked by a dog in the San Jose region, please contact us for a free consultation with our dog bite attorneys. We guide clients through the confusion – you focus on healing while we handle negotiations firmly.
Our reach extends throughout California, from the sunny streets of San Diego to the bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, and beyond. We’re here to help victims across the state report dog bites, find the legal support they need, and ensure that justice is served. By reporting dog bites and seeking assistance, we’re all doing our part in making our communities safer while helping victims get back on their feet.
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