A dog bite is never just a minor incident—it can change someone’s life in a matter of seconds. From painful injuries to emotional trauma, these attacks often leave a lasting impact on victims and their families. Your trusted Dog Bite Attorney in San Bernardino, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the aftermath can be. Beyond the pain and medical bills, there’s the stress of not knowing your rights or how to navigate the legal system. That’s exactly why we’re here—to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino, it’s important to know that you may be legally entitled to recover damages. California law is designed to protect victims like you, and with the right legal guidance from an experienced Dog Bite Attorney in San Bernardino, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to stand by your side, every step of the way.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in San Bernardino
California takes dog bites seriously, and so do we. Under California Civil Code § 3342, the state follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bite injuries. This means that the dog’s owner is automatically liable for injuries caused by their dog—regardless of whether the dog has shown any prior signs of aggression or has bitten anyone before. Unlike some other states that require victims to prove the dog was known to be dangerous, California law is much more straightforward and protective of victims.
According to the law, “the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner.” So, if you were walking in a San Bernardino park or visiting a friend’s home and were bitten by their dog, the owner is typically responsible—plain and simple.
It’s also worth noting that San Bernardino County has its own local ordinances regarding dangerous animals and dog licensing, which can affect how cases are handled. For instance, San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control is responsible for investigating dog bite incidents and may classify a dog as “potentially dangerous” or “vicious” based on its behavior. This classification can influence how your claim is approached, especially if the dog had prior documented complaints.
That said, every case has unique factors. Where the incident happened, whether you were lawfully on the property, the dog’s behavioral history, and whether any negligence (like leaving a gate open or ignoring leash laws) occurred—all of these details matter. As experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in San Bernardino, we know how to investigate these layers thoroughly. We gather official reports, medical records, witness statements, and even municipal records if needed to build a strong, evidence-backed claim.
Our goal is simple: make sure you’re fully informed, well-represented, and in the best possible position to recover the compensation you’re legally entitled to.
Common Injuries and Consequences of Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious harm, both physically and emotionally. We’ve worked with clients who suffered everything from deep puncture wounds and broken bones to infections that required hospitalization. Some injuries lead to permanent scarring or even nerve damage. For children and older adults especially, the risks are even greater, and recovery can be long and difficult.
But the impact of a dog bite isn’t limited to physical pain. Many of our clients struggle with fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress after being attacked. Imagine going for a walk in your neighborhood and suddenly being afraid of every dog you pass. That’s the kind of invisible trauma we see often—and it’s just as real as any physical injury.
And of course, there are the financial burdens: ER visits, follow-up appointments, medications, physical therapy, and lost wages if you have to miss work. All of this adds up quickly. That’s why it’s so important to pursue compensation—it’s not about being litigious, it’s about making sure you’re not left to carry the financial and emotional weight of someone else’s negligence.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is get medical attention. Even if it doesn’t look serious, dog bites can lead to dangerous infections, and having documentation from a doctor will help support your legal case later. Once you’ve been treated, the next step is to report the incident to local authorities—animal control or the police. This creates an official record of what happened, which is something we’ll rely on when building your claim.
From there, gather as much evidence as you can. Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible. If anyone witnessed the incident, get their contact information. Keep copies of your medical records, bills, and any communication with the dog owner. And then, reach out to us. The sooner we get involved, the more effectively we can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. We’ll handle the paperwork, the insurance companies, and the negotiations—so you can focus on healing.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You?
We understand that after an injury, the idea of hiring an attorney might feel intimidating—but working with us isn’t about filing lawsuits for the sake of it. It’s about getting the help you need to recover and move forward. We start by listening. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your rights, and help you understand what kind of compensation you might be eligible for.
From there, we take on the heavy lifting. We deal directly with insurance companies, which often try to offer quick, lowball settlements that don’t even come close to covering your real expenses. We push back. We negotiate. And if necessary, we take your case to court and fight aggressively on your behalf. Our goal is always to secure full and fair compensation—for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Having the right attorney on your side can make a huge difference—not just in the outcome of your case, but in your overall peace of mind during a difficult time. We’re not just here to represent you. We’re here to support you.
Why Choose The Law Office of Pablo G Pinasco?
We know you have choices when it comes to hiring a personal injury attorney. So why work with us? Because at The Law Office of Pablo G Pinasco, we treat every client like family. We’re not a giant law firm where you’ll be passed around from one person to another. When you call us, you’ll talk directly to an attorney who knows your name, understands your case, and is personally invested in helping you get justice.
With years of experience handling dog bite and personal injury cases in San Bernardino, we’ve built a reputation for being tough negotiators and compassionate advocates. Our results speak for themselves, but what really matters to us is how we make our clients feel—heard, supported, and empowered. We also offer free consultations, so you can talk to us with no pressure and no upfront cost. And we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. It’s that simple.
Contact Us Today
Don’t wait to take action. In California, there are time limits for filing personal injury claims, and the sooner we start working on your case, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
If you or a loved one has been injured—whether in a dog bite incident, car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, or as a pedestrian—we’re ready to help.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to fight for you.