Fontana Dog Bite Attorney

Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Fontana, California

fontana dog bite attorney

If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Fontana, you have legal rights — and a deadline to protect them. At Dog Bite Law Group, our Fontana dog bite attorneys fight on behalf of victims to secure the full and fair compensation they deserve. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.

California has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes — regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. You do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If a dog bit you in Fontana, the law is already on your side.

Why Dog Bites in Fontana Matter

Fontana is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Inland Empire, and with that growth comes an increasing dog population. Dog bite incidents occur in parks, on sidewalks, in front yards, and even in neighbors’ homes. Children are among the most vulnerable victims, and the consequences — physical scarring, nerve damage, infection, emotional trauma, and lost time from work or school — can be devastating and long-lasting.

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 Fontana 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.

JM

Attorney John Michael Montevideo — Lead Trial Attorney

John Montevideo personally led this case from intake through settlement, navigating a full denial-of-liability defense and pursuing recovery from two separate defendants simultaneously. His direct, hands-on involvement — not a paralegal or associate — is what his clients consistently credit for their results. If a dog has attacked you or someone you love in Fontana, you will work one-on-one with John from the very first call.

*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 Fontana

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

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and follow-up treatment
  • Future medical costs such as reconstructive procedures or physical therapy
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to the attack

Most dog bite claims in California are paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. Our attorneys deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf so you are not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Fontana

Taking the right steps after a dog bite protects both your health and your legal claim:

  • Seek medical attention immediately — even if the wound appears minor, infections and nerve damage may not be obvious right away
  • Photograph your injuries and the location where the attack occurred
  • Get the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information
  • Identify any witnesses and collect their contact information
  • Report the bite to Fontana Animal Control (contact information below)
  • Contact a Fontana dog bite attorney before speaking with the insurance company

Reporting a Dog Bite in Fontana

Reporting a dog bite is an important step — it creates an official record, triggers a quarantine investigation, and helps protect others in the community from the same animal.

Fontana Animal Control

Fontana Animal Services handles dog bite reports for the City of Fontana.

  • Address: 17005 Upland Ave, Fontana, CA 92335
  • Phone: Fontana Police Dispatch at (909) 350-7700
  • Online Reporting: fontana.org/2776/Reporting
  • Hours: Contact the phone line to speak directly with a dispatch officer

For a complete guide on how and where to report a dog bite throughout San Bernardino County, visit our dedicated resource page: How to Report a Dog Bite Attack in San Bernardino County.

Leash Laws in Fontana

Fontana follows the San Bernardino County leash laws, which impose clear obligations on dog owners any time their animal is off private property. A violation of these leash laws can be powerful evidence of negligence in your dog bite case.

Under San Bernardino County § 32.0108 – Control of Animals, no person owning or controlling an animal may allow it to run at large on any public street, sidewalk, park, playground, or other public place. The ordinance further requires that any dog brought off private property must be restrained by a leash held by a person competent to control the animal.

Under § 32.0101, a leash is defined as any rope, leather strap, chain, or similar material not exceeding six feet in length, held in hand by a person capable of controlling the attached animal.

When a dog owner fails to comply with these leash requirements and someone is bitten as a result, that failure directly supports your claim for compensation. For the full text of the applicable leash law provisions, see our San Bernardino County Leash Laws page.

How California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Works

To win a dog bite case in Fontana 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
  • The incident caused harm to you
  • The defendant’s dog was a substantial factor in causing that harm

Critically, California does not recognize a “one bite rule.” The owner is liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. Our Fontana dog bite lawyers understand exactly how to build and present your case to maximize your recovery.

Topic Key Information
Governing Law California Civil Code § 3342 — Strict Liability
Leash Law San Bernardino County § 32.0108
Animal Control Phone Fontana Police Dispatch: (909) 350-7700
Animal Control Address 17005 Upland Ave, Fontana, CA 92335
Report Online fontana.org/2776/Reporting
Statute of Limitations 2 years from the date of the bite
Fee Structure No fee unless we win

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Fontana

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 Fontana’s adopted San Bernardino County leash ordinance significantly strengthens your case. It is direct evidence that the owner failed to exercise reasonable control over their animal.

What if the bite happened on private property?

You may still recover compensation if you were lawfully on the property at the time — for example, as an invited guest, a delivery worker, or a neighbor who was given permission to be there.

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 — such as landlords or property managers — to pursue.

How long do I have to file a claim in Fontana?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Do not wait — evidence disappears and witnesses become unavailable. Contact us as soon as possible.

What should I do if the dog’s owner is my neighbor?

Many dog bite victims hesitate to pursue a claim because they know the owner personally. In nearly all cases, compensation comes from the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy — not directly out of their pocket. You are not suing your neighbor personally; you are making a claim against their insurance.

What information should I document after a dog bite in Fontana?

Document the date, time, and exact location of the attack. Photograph all injuries — immediately and as they develop over the following days. Collect the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance details. Get the names of any witnesses. Keep records of every medical appointment, prescription, and out-of-pocket expense related to the bite.

There Are No Fees Unless We Win

Dog Bite Law Group works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing out of pocket and owe us nothing if we do not recover compensation for you. Anyone, regardless of their financial situation, can afford to retain our firm.

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