Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorneys
Bakersfield Dog Bite Attorneys
California Strict Liability Works in Your Favor
In California, the dog owner is responsible — even if the dog never bit anyone before. That’s a strong legal position, and we know how to use it to get you paid.
“Thank you Valero Law Group for getting me paid after I got bit by my neighbor’s dog!”
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A Dog Attack Is More Than “Just a Bite”
A dog attack can leave you with torn skin, a dangerous infection, broken bones, permanent scars, and lasting emotional trauma. The medical bills add up fast — and so does the time off work while you heal. You did nothing wrong, and you should not be left covering the cost of someone else’s dog.
The good news: California law is firmly on your side. A Bakersfield dog bite lawyer can hold the owner accountable and pursue full compensation — usually through the owner’s insurance, not their pocket. Your first consultation is free.
The Owner Is Liable — Even on the First Bite
California is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under California Civil Code §3342, a dog owner is responsible for the damages their dog’s bite causes — whether or not the dog had ever shown aggression before, and whether the bite happened in public or while you were lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own yard.
That means you do not have to prove the owner was careless or that they knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is on the hook from the very first bite. It’s one of the strongest legal positions an injured person can have in California.
There Is No “One Free Bite” in California
Some states follow a “one free bite” rule, where an owner only pays if they already knew their dog was dangerous. California flatly rejects that for bite injuries.
The dog’s clean record is not a defense. Even if it’s the first time the dog ever bit anyone, the owner is liable. The few exceptions are narrow — for example, if you were trespassing or the dog was a police or military dog doing its job.
Strict liability covers the bite itself. If a dog knocked you down or you were hurt some other way, we can still pursue an ordinary negligence claim against the owner.
You’re Claiming Against Insurance — Not a Neighbor’s Wallet
One of the biggest worries we hear is, “I don’t want to make my neighbor pay out of pocket.” You usually won’t have to. Compensation for a dog bite typically comes from the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which commonly includes coverage for dog bite liability.
That’s exactly what the policy is there for. We identify every policy that could apply, deal directly with the insurer, and push for the full value of your claim — so you can focus on healing instead of fighting an insurance adjuster.
Children Are the Most Common Victims
Kids are bitten more often than anyone else — and because of their height, bites often land on the face, head, and neck. These injuries can be severe, may require reconstructive surgery, and can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Claims on behalf of a minor have special protections and a longer filing deadline, and we handle every step.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
The steps you take right after a dog attack protect both your health and your claim. Here’s what matters most.
Get medical care right away
Even a small bite can lead to a serious infection. See a doctor, clean the wound, and ask about rabies and tetanus risk.
Report the bite
Report the attack to Kern County Animal Control. An official report documents the dog, the owner, and the dog’s vaccination history.
Photograph and gather info
Photograph your injuries and the scene, and collect the owner’s name and contact details plus any witness information.
Call Valero
Before you talk to the owner’s insurer, talk to us. We handle the claim, the paperwork, and the negotiations for you.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
A dog bite is rarely “just a scratch.” Even a wound that looks minor can carry bacteria deep into the body and turn into a dangerous infection within days.
Puncture Wounds & Tears
A dog’s teeth can tear through skin and muscle, leaving deep punctures and lacerations that often need stitches or surgery.
Infections
Dog mouths carry bacteria like Capnocytophaga — and an unvaccinated dog raises the risk of rabies. Infection can turn a minor-looking bite into a medical emergency.
Broken Bones & Soft-Tissue Damage
Being knocked down or shaken by a large dog can fracture bones and tear ligaments, tendons, and muscle.
Facial Injuries & Scarring
Bites to the face, lips, and scalp are common in children and can leave permanent scars requiring reconstructive surgery.
Nerve Damage
Deep bites to the hands, arms, and legs can sever nerves, causing lasting numbness, weakness, or loss of function.
Emotional Trauma
Many bite victims — especially kids — develop anxiety, nightmares, and a lasting fear of dogs that deserves treatment and compensation.
Always see a doctor after a bite, even if it seems small. Infections like Capnocytophaga and the risk of rabies make prompt medical care essential — and your records also become important evidence for your claim.
Compensation After a Dog Bite
California law lets dog bite victims recover two kinds of damages — the bills you can count, and the harm that doesn’t show up on a receipt.
Economic Damages
Calculable, out-of-pocket losses you can prove with bills and records.
- Emergency care, surgery, and reconstructive procedures
- Wound care, antibiotics, and follow-up treatment
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Future medical care, including scar revision and therapy
Non-Economic Damages
The human cost of your injuries — subjective, but very real.
- Pain and physical suffering
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and fear of dogs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
$500M+ Recovered for Injured Clients
Over more than 20 years, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions for injured Californians — including what we believe is the largest personal-injury settlement in Kern County. These are some of the results that reflect how hard we fight.
$6.25M
Confidential settlement
Believed to be the largest personal-injury settlement in Kern County.
$5M
Motor-vehicle accident
Brachial plexus injury in a vehicle collision.
$4.4M
Car accident — neck injury
The insurer’s prior best offer was just $410,000.
These results reflect our firm’s overall track record across personal-injury cases. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.
Why Dog Bite Victims Choose Valero Law Group
California Law Favors You
Strict liability under Civil Code §3342 puts the burden on the dog owner — and we know how to use it.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing up front. We only get paid when we recover money for you.
We Speak Spanish
Hablamos Español. You’ll always understand your case and your options.
Available 24/7
Day or night, a real person is here when you or your family need help.
We Come to You
Injured and can’t travel? We’ll meet you at home or in the hospital.
$500M+ Recovered
Over 20 years fighting for the injured, including the largest PI settlement in Kern County.
See What Our Clients Are Saying...
“The first time I came into the office they welcomed me like I was family, and made sure to go over the whole process slowly and with great detail. My experience with this law firm was truly incredible and I can guarantee any client who decides to hire them will see exactly what I experienced.”
Jacob D.
Auto Accident
“Valero injury law firm made me feel comfortable like family and answered my questions no matter how small. They are completely committed to making sure you are taken care of. They are honest, they communicate with you, and they treat you like family.”
Elizabeth M.
Auto Accident
“After searching for an attorney, they truly were the only ones that looked at me as a person not just an easy case. Any question, no matter how small was answered. Any missed call was quickly returned. Even though they have many clients I never felt like I was not a priority.”
Nathan J.
Personal Injury
Serving Dog Bite Victims Across Bakersfield & Kern County
From neighborhoods off Ming Avenue and Stockdale Highway to communities along Rosedale Highway, we help dog bite victims throughout Bakersfield and all of Kern County hold negligent owners accountable.
Local Office
(661) 426-817924/7 Line
(877) 639-8888Dog Bite FAQ
Is the dog owner automatically liable if their dog bites me in California?
Does California have a “one free bite” rule?
Who pays for my injuries after a dog bite?
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
My child was bitten. What should I do?
What does a dog bite lawyer cost?
Sources: Cal. Civ. Code §3342 (dog bite strict liability) · Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §335.1 (2-year personal-injury deadline).
Bitten by a Dog? Let’s Talk Today.
California law is on your side, and we know how to use it. A Bakersfield dog bite lawyer will deal with the insurer and fight for the full value of your claim. Your first consultation is free. Call now: there are legal deadlines.
This page provides general information about California dog bite law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For advice about your specific situation, speak with a licensed attorney.