Fresno Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Fresno and Fresno County

If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Fresno, you have legal rights — and a deadline to protect them. At Dog Bite Law Group, our Fresno dog bite attorneys represent injured victims throughout the Central Valley and fight to recover every dollar of compensation you deserve. You will work directly with attorney John Montevideo from the very first call.

Fresno Dog Bite Attorneys

California Civil Code § 3342 makes dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries — no prior history of aggression required. If a dog bit you in Fresno, the law is already on your side.

A dog bite is never a minor event. The medical bills alone can be overwhelming, and that does not account for the pain, anxiety, and disruption to daily life that follows. Our Fresno dog bite lawyers are here to make sure none of those losses fall on you.

$301,000 Settlement*

Pit Bull Attack — Scarring, Fractures & Spinal Disc Injury; Client’s Dog Killed

Case Type
Dog Bite Attack
Injuries
Scarring, Fractures, Annular Fissure
Defendants
Dog Owners & House Sitter
Resolution
Pre-Trial Settlement

An elderly woman was walking her Labrador through her neighborhood when a pit bull escaped from a nearby property and attacked without warning. The pit bull first seized the Labrador by the hindquarter, then knocked our client to the ground. She sustained severe scarring and fractures to her forearms and hands, as well as an annular fissure in the paracentral disc — a serious spinal injury. Witnesses described the scene as extremely violent. The Labrador did not survive the attack.

The defense denied all liability and attempted to shift blame to the victim, arguing that her efforts to protect her dog constituted comparative fault. Dog Bite Law Group overcame each defense argument and secured a $301,000 settlement covering past and future medical costs and past and future pain and suffering — recovered from two separate defendants: the dog’s owners and a friend who was house-sitting at the time of the attack.

*All verdicts and settlements are the result of John Michael Montevideo’s work as lead trial attorney or as a key member of the litigation team. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View full case detail →

What You Can Recover After a Dog Bite in Fresno

A successful dog bite claim in Fresno can recover compensation for:

  • Emergency room, hospital, and all follow-up medical expenses
  • Future medical costs including surgery, physical therapy, and mental health treatment
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma, including PTSD
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • All out-of-pocket costs related to the attack

Most claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. Our attorneys deal directly with the insurer on your behalf — protecting you from lowball offers and pressure tactics.

How California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Works

Critically, California does not recognize a “one bite rule.” The owner is liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. Under California Civil Code § 3342, the following elements must be established:

  • The dog that bit you belonged to the defendant
  • The bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property
  • You suffered harm as a result
  • The defendant’s dog was a substantial factor in causing that harm

Our Fresno dog bite lawyers understand exactly how to build and present your case to maximize your recovery.

Reporting a Dog Bite in Fresno

Filing an official report creates a documented record of the attack, initiates a mandatory quarantine and rabies evaluation of the dog, and establishes whether the animal has any prior bite history — all directly relevant to your legal claim.

Fresno has two separate animal control agencies depending on where the bite occurred:

City of Fresno — Fresno Animal Center

For bites within Fresno city limits, contact the Fresno Animal Center.

  • Address: 5277 E. Airways Blvd, Fresno, CA 93727
  • Phone: (559) 621-7387
  • After Hours / Emergency: Dial 911

Unincorporated Fresno County — Fresno Humane Animal Services

For bites in unincorporated Fresno County, contact Fresno Humane Animal Services.

Certain bite incidents must also be reported to the Fresno County Department of Public Health — Environmental Health Division, which oversees rabies control and animal bite reporting under state law.

For a complete guide to reporting a dog bite anywhere in Fresno County, visit our dedicated page: How to Call and Report a Dog Bite in Fresno County.

Fresno Dog Leash Laws

Fresno enforces leash requirements on all public property. Under Fresno City Code § 5-503 — Dogs on Leash in Parks, no person having control or care of any dog shall allow it to enter or remain in a city park unless it is led by a leash no more than six feet in length, except in designated off-leash dog parks. Beyond parks, Fresno County and City ordinances broadly require that dogs be under direct owner control — on leash — whenever off private property. Any dog that is off-leash and off-property without its owner is considered a stray subject to impoundment.

An off-leash dog in violation of Fresno’s leash requirements significantly strengthens your case. It is direct evidence that the owner failed to exercise reasonable control over their animal. For the full ordinance text and a breakdown by community, see our Fresno County Dog Leash Laws page.

Your Attorney: John Michael Montevideo

JM

Founder & Lead Trial Attorney — Dog Bite Law Group

John Michael Montevideo founded Dog Bite Law Group with one focus: dog bite cases. That singular focus means his command of California strict liability law, Fresno County ordinances, and insurer defense tactics is deep and current. He has delivered results ranging from five figures to eight figures and has been recognized as a Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers, a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and a Top 40 Under 40 honoree.

When you retain Dog Bite Law Group, you work directly with John — not a paralegal or intake coordinator. Read John’s full bio →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does California have a one-bite rule?

No. California imposes strict liability on dog owners from the very first bite. You do not need to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had a history of aggression.

What if the dog that bit me was off-leash?

An off-leash dog in violation of Fresno’s leash ordinance significantly strengthens your case. It is direct evidence that the owner failed to exercise reasonable control over their animal. See our Fresno County Dog Leash Laws page for the full statutory language.

What if the bite happened on private property?

You may still recover compensation if you were lawfully on the property at the time — as an invited guest, a delivery driver, a contractor, or any other person with permission to be there.

Who do I call to report a dog bite in Fresno?

If the bite occurred within Fresno city limits, contact the Fresno Animal Center at (559) 621-7387. If the bite occurred in unincorporated Fresno County, contact Fresno Humane Animal Services at (559) 600-7387. You may also need to report to the Fresno County Department of Public Health — Environmental Health Division for rabies control purposes. What if the dog owner has no insurance?

Our attorneys will investigate all available sources of recovery. Even without homeowners insurance, a dog owner may be personally liable, and there may be other responsible parties to pursue.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the victim is a minor, the clock generally does not start until they turn 18. Do not wait — evidence disappears and witnesses become unavailable. Contact us as soon as possible.

There Are No Fees Unless We Win

Dog Bite Law Group works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing out of pocket and owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Anyone, regardless of their financial situation, can afford to hire our firm.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Fresno, contact our office today for a free consultation. You will speak directly with attorney John Montevideo from the first call — not an intake coordinator or paralegal. Call (951) 888-3401. We are available 24/7.