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A dog attack can leave more than just physical scars. It can lead to emotional trauma, permanent injuries, and financial stress. In San Bernardino, where dog ownership is common in neighborhoods such as Del Rosa, Muscoy, and Highland, residents frequently encounter dogs in public parks, apartment complexes, and residential streets. While many pets are well-behaved, some owners fail to control dangerous animals, putting others at risk.
California law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites, but pursuing a claim isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or deny coverage. Meanwhile, you may be facing surgeries, infections, lost income, or even long-term trauma.
That’s where Countrywide Trial Lawyers come in. Our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping dog bite victims get the compensation they deserve. We handle everything, from gathering evidence and medical documentation to negotiating with insurers and taking your case to trial if needed.
If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in San Bernardino, you don’t have to face it alone. Call us today for a free case evaluation. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for your recovery.
Dog bites are among the most traumatic and preventable personal injuries. In San Bernardino, where pet ownership is high and public interaction with dogs is common, certain conditions increase the likelihood of dog attacks. Whether walking through Del Rosa Park, delivering packages in Arrowhead Farms, or living in densely populated apartment complexes, residents face real risks when dog owners fail to act responsibly.
Although California law requires dogs to be leashed in public areas, many owners in San Bernardino often ignore this rule. Off-leash dogs at Seccombe Lake Park or around the Pacific Electric Trail often pose a danger to walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. An unleashed dog might run toward a child out of excitement or aggression, but even a “friendly” dog can cause serious injury if it jumps or knocks someone down.
In neighborhoods with older housing or high turnover rates, such as Muscoy or North San Bernardino, many homes lack adequate fencing. A gate left open or a damaged fence may allow dogs to escape and wander the streets. These unsupervised animals often feel territorial and may attack pedestrians, mail carriers, or playing children without warning.
Certain dog breeds are known for their strength and protective nature. While any dog can bite, untrained or improperly socialized dogs, especially breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, or German shepherds, can cause severe injuries when provoked or startled. Owners who fail to train or restrain these dogs create a public safety issue. San Bernardino neighborhoods with mixed-use zoning and higher crime rates often see a correlation between aggressive pets and a lack of control by their handlers.
Many dog attacks occur in apartment buildings or multi-unit housing complexes where dogs are confined to small spaces. In areas like Rancho West or Kendall Hills, shared staircases, entryways, and common areas increase the chances of a sudden bite. Children and elderly tenants may not be able to defend themselves or escape quickly in the event of an attack. When landlords fail to enforce pet rules or monitor tenant behavior, they may also be held partially responsible for any resulting issues.
Dog bites are a common occupational hazard for Amazon drivers, postal workers, utility personnel, and food delivery couriers. These workers often enter private property with the expectation that dogs will be restrained. When dogs charge out of garages, front doors, or open yards, the result can be traumatic and life-altering. Neighborhoods like Highland or Devore often see incidents involving dogs left unsupervised during daytime deliveries.
Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks, often suffering bites to the face, head, and neck. In many cases, kids don’t recognize the warning signs of dog aggression. A bite can occur in a neighbor’s yard, at a birthday party, or even at a local dog-friendly park. Areas near elementary schools or public playgrounds in San Bernardino, including those in the Valley College and Perris Hill neighborhoods, are hotspots for incidents due to the high number of unrestrained pets in the vicinity.
While most owners take good care of their pets, stray dogs are a real concern in parts of San Bernardino. Loose animals are often found in alleys, parking lots, and vacant lots. In lower-income areas with limited access to animal control resources, bites by unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs pose not just physical risks, but health risks as well, including rabies, tetanus, and serious infections.
With the rise of dog-friendly businesses and outdoor venues, such as local breweries, food truck events, and weekend markets, dog owners increasingly bring their pets into crowded public spaces. If a dog becomes startled or overwhelmed in a busy setting, it may lash out. San Bernardino’s dog parks, such as those near Wildwood Park or the Civic Plaza area, can also be sites of conflict when dogs are improperly introduced or poorly supervised.
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which are visible, while others are hidden beneath the surface. In many San Bernardino cases, victims require emergency treatment, surgery, and long-term care. Children, in particular, often suffer lasting emotional and physical trauma from a violent encounter with a dog.
Dog attacks often leave emotional wounds just as serious as the physical ones. Victims may experience:
Children are especially vulnerable to emotional trauma, and some may require counseling or therapy to regain a sense of safety.
If you’ve been injured by a dog in San Bernardino, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
Dog bite injuries involving children often carry more serious consequences. Their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to head, face, and neck injuries. Additionally, emotional recovery may take longer and require more comprehensive care. Courts often recognize these long-term impacts when calculating compensation in child dog bite cases.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in San Bernardino, navigating the legal system on your own can feel overwhelming. Countrywide Trial Lawyers provides focused legal representation designed to support your recovery and hold negligent parties accountable. Our team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take, especially when children or vulnerable adults are involved.
We treat every client like family. From the initial consultation to the final resolution of your case, we remain accessible, responsive, and committed to your outcome. We take the time to understand your story, gather evidence, and explain your legal rights in clear, straightforward language without pressure.
Our attorneys will collect medical records, witness statements, and photographs of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred. If the dog had a known history of aggression, we would uncover prior complaints or city records. We also review animal control reports and interview neighbors when necessary to build a strong liability case.
Dog bite claims often involve homeowners' insurance policies, which can be complex and challenging to navigate. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or shift the blame. We handle all communications with insurers and fight for the full amount you are owed, including compensation for future medical needs and emotional trauma.
While many dog bite cases settle outside of court, we prepare each case as if it will go to trial. This approach helps us negotiate from a position of strength. If the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to present your case in court and advocate for your best interests.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal work.
Our team is familiar with San Bernardino’s local ordinances, animal control regulations, and court procedures. Whether your case involves a known dangerous dog or a bite that occurred in a public park, we know how to navigate the system efficiently and effectively.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we’ve handled numerous dog bite cases across San Bernardino, and each one has its own set of challenges. When a real-life case is not publicly available, we draw on experience to show how a typical case might unfold. Here’s an example based on the types of incidents our firm regularly sees in the area.
A mother and her 8-year-old daughter were spending an afternoon at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino when a large, unleashed dog ran across the open grass and attacked the child. The dog’s owner, who lived nearby, was allowing the animal to roam freely, despite leash laws. The dog knocked the girl to the ground and bit her arm and leg before bystanders intervened.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported the girl to Loma Linda University Medical Center. She required surgery for deep lacerations, follow-up care for potential nerve damage, and psychological counseling due to intense fear and nightmares following the incident. The family faced more than $60,000 in medical bills and ongoing trauma.
Countrywide Trial Lawyers immediately launched an investigation. Our team collected eyewitness statements, secured security camera footage from nearby homes, and obtained veterinary and city records showing the dog had previously acted aggressively. We filed a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners' insurance and built a case highlighting the long-term emotional and physical impact on the child.
After strong negotiations, the insurer agreed to a substantial settlement that covered all past and future medical costs, therapy, and compensation for pain and suffering. The family also received funds to help the child attend additional counseling and to support educational services disrupted by the trauma.
This case highlights the crucial role that legal representation can play in assisting families in recovering from a serious dog bite. The outcome not only provided financial relief but also helped restore a sense of justice and closure.
Dog bites are often seen as isolated injuries that can be treated and forgotten, but for many victims, the consequences are long-lasting. Especially in severe or traumatic attacks, the impact can stretch far beyond the emergency room and into a person’s everyday life, family dynamics, career, and emotional well-being. This is why seeking full and fair compensation is so critical, not just to cover current expenses, but to secure your future stability and healing.
Many dog bites result in permanent physical damage. Deep puncture wounds, muscle and tendon injuries, and torn skin may require surgeries, skin grafts, or even reconstructive procedures. Some victims are left with lasting mobility issues, nerve damage, or disfigurement, particularly when attacks occur on the face, hands, or legs.
For instance, a postal worker bitten on the forearm may lose full range of motion, which can affect their ability to return to work. A child bitten on the face might require years of plastic surgery as they grow. These types of outcomes come with high medical costs and require long-term planning, something a strong legal claim can help support.
The emotional toll of a dog attack can be just as debilitating as the physical wounds. Victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of animals, depression, or social anxiety. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to lasting emotional harm that can affect their school performance, friendships, and ability to feel safe in their environments.
Even adults who considered themselves “dog lovers” may find themselves afraid to walk in their neighborhood, visit parks, or enter homes where dogs are present. Nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional distress can persist for years. Therapy and counseling may be necessary, and these costs should be part of any compensation demand.
Recovery from a dog bite can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the injury. During this time, victims may be unable to work, especially in physically demanding jobs. In some cases, permanent disability or chronic pain prevents them from returning to their previous occupation altogether.
Self-employed individuals or gig workers, such as delivery drivers or personal trainers, may suffer especially steep income losses during their recovery. If a child is injured, a parent may need to take time off to manage medical appointments, surgeries, or therapy sessions. All of this lost income, direct and indirect, deserves consideration in a well-prepared injury claim.
Life after a dog bite may look very different. Victims may avoid outdoor activities, social events, or travel. A person who once enjoyed jogging in local San Bernardino parks or taking their child to dog-friendly spaces might now feel unsafe doing so.
Some individuals may no longer be able to participate in their favorite hobbies, sports, or exercise routines. Others may withdraw from community events due to embarrassment over visible scarring. These changes can be deeply painful and isolating, and compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life is meant to address these kinds of losses.
For more serious attacks, medical care does not end with the removal of stitches. Victims may need physical therapy, multiple reconstructive surgeries, and long-term treatment for nerve damage or infections. Children who were injured may need to return to plastic surgeons as they grow to avoid functional or cosmetic complications.
Mental health support is another area where costs can add up. Sessions with trauma counselors, psychologists, or child therapists may be necessary for months or years. A strong legal case anticipates these future costs and includes them in the total damages sought.
Insurance companies often offer settlements that cover only immediate medical bills, ignoring long-term consequences. Accepting an early offer without fully understanding the injury's impact can leave victims struggling with unpaid costs later.
Countrywide Trial Lawyers works closely with medical experts, financial planners, and mental health professionals to assess the total value of a dog bite injury claim. We don’t just look at your current bills. We fight for everything you may need in the years to come.
In many cases, the most vulnerable people are the ones affected: children, seniors, and people with disabilities. These individuals may have a harder time defending themselves against a dog attack and often experience more severe consequences as a result.
Our firm takes special care in representing these groups, ensuring their unique needs are documented and respected. We pursue not only compensation but also accountability, helping prevent future attacks by holding negligent owners responsible.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino, it’s important to understand your rights and what steps you’ll need to take to pursue compensation. California follows a strict liability rule for dog bite injuries, which means dog owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Get treatment as soon as possible, even if the injuries seem minor. Dog bites can lead to serious infections. Your medical records will also serve as important evidence in your case.
Contact San Bernardino Animal Services or the local police department. Reporting helps document the incident officially and may reveal whether the dog has a known history of aggression.
Take photos of the injuries, the dog, the location, and any torn clothing or damage. Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses. If possible, obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Reach out to a personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to review your situation and explain your options.
Your legal team will investigate the incident, gather documentation, and identify the responsible party’s insurance policy. A claim will be filed with the dog owner’s insurance company, usually a homeowners' or renters' policy.
The insurance company may offer a settlement. Your attorney will review the offer and negotiate for a higher amount if it does not fully cover your losses. This may involve providing additional evidence, including expert medical opinions.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. The San Bernardino County Superior Court, located on West 3rd Street, is where such cases are typically heard. Trial preparation includes depositions, witness testimony, and presenting medical evidence.
Most cases are resolved through settlement, but if the case proceeds to trial, a judge or jury will determine liability and award compensation. We remain by your side through every stage of the process.
California law gives dog bite victims two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation. If the victim is a child, the timeline may be extended until they reach the age of 18. Still, it’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence and witness recollections.
Seek medical attention immediately, then report the incident to local authorities such as San Bernardino Animal Control. Take photographs of the injury, identify the dog and its owner, and get contact information from any witnesses. Prompt action helps protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
Yes, you can file a claim if the dog has never bitten anyone before. California follows strict liability laws for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is legally responsible for injuries, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. You do not have to prove the owner was negligent, only that their dog caused the injury.
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners' or renters' insurance policy covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If insurance is unavailable or insufficient, the dog owner may be held personally liable for any damages.
You can still file a claim without directly suing your loved one. The claim is typically handled through their insurance. A skilled attorney can help approach this situation with care, preserving relationships while pursuing compensation.
You generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the victim is a child, the timeline may be extended. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
In some cases, if you provoked the dog or were trespassing, your compensation could be reduced. However, strict liability laws still offer strong protection. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation and fight for the maximum amount available.
You may be eligible for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future medical treatment. In serious cases involving permanent injury or scarring, compensation can be significantly higher.
Emotional damages include anxiety, fear of animals, nightmares, and trauma from the attack. These are assessed based on the severity of the incident, medical or psychological evaluations, and the impact on your daily life.
While you can file a claim on your own, a lawyer greatly increases your chances of securing full compensation. Insurance companies may offer low settlements, and a lawyer can handle negotiations, legal paperwork, and trial preparation if needed.
There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your consultation is free, and we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.
A dog attack can leave more than just physical wounds. It can turn your daily life upside down, disrupt your work, cause emotional trauma, and create medical bills you never expected. If a dog owner's negligence caused your injuries or harmed your child, you should not be left to carry the burden alone.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often minimize the seriousness of dog bites. They might offer a low settlement or try to shift the blame. Without experienced legal guidance, you could lose out on the compensation you need for ongoing treatment, lost wages, or long-term emotional distress. These are not minor consequences. They are life-changing, and you deserve a team that will fight for every dollar you are owed.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we do more than file claims. We listen, we investigate, and we build cases designed to win. Our San Bernardino dog bite attorneys are known for taking an aggressive yet compassionate approach. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, and we do not back down when your future is on the line.
Whether you were bitten in your own neighborhood, at a local park, or while visiting someone’s home, we are here to help. We serve clients throughout San Bernardino and the surrounding communities, including Rialto, Colton, Highland, and Redlands.
You deserve justice. Call Countrywide Trial Lawyers today or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will help you understand your legal rights, evaluate your options, and take the next step toward recovery.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
