Dog Bites

Dog Bite Attorney in Modesto

Are Dog Owners Responsible For Canine Attacks?

According to the California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are considered liable for any injuries their pets cause, whether by they harm a person, another animal, or property. This law was enacted to ensure that individuals are kept safe from dangerous dogs, and to provide injured individuals with the compensation they deserve. If you were injured in a dog attack, our team at the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Our Firm?

We have been assisting individuals with personal injury cases, including those concerning dog bite attacks, for over 20 years. We are passionate about helping our clients obtain the compensation and justice they deserve, and to prove it, our clients don't pay anything until we recover their damages. In other words, if you don't win, you don't pay!

We go above and beyond for our clients by using our resources to connect them with the best possible medical care. If you still aren’t sure if our firm is the best fit for you, don't just take our word for it, read testimonials of our former clients to see what they have to say about our service.

Contact our Modesto legal team to schedule your free case evaluation today.

Determining Liability In a California Dog Bite Case

Each dog bite injury case is unique, and the outcome of each situation will vary depending on the specifics of the attack. However, in most cases, the wrongfully injured party should be able to hold the pet owner responsible for their dog’s aggressive actions.

To prove liability in a dog bite case, one or more of the following must be evident:

  • The owner did not properly restrain the dog.
  • The dog inflicted injury upon another animal.
  • The owner failed to vaccinate the dog.
  • The owner knew of the dog's aggressive history.
  • The owner did not place an adequate warning about the dog's presence or aggressive nature.

In order to prove liability with these factors, however, you must also be able to show that the dog in question as the same animal that bit you and that the defendant actually owned the dog at the time of the attack. It is also important to note that you may not be able to recover compensation if you were trespassing on the owner's property or the owner proves that you provoked the dog. In such situations, the dog owner may be able to prove that the animal’s behavior was prompted, which could make the issue of liability less clear-cut.

Injuries Caused By a Dog Attack

Dogs have large, sharp teeth, and regardless of the type of dog or breed, they can inflict serious injury. Victims may suffer emotional and physical trauma, or they could develop nerve damage, muscle damage, or severe scarring as a result of a dog bite.

In a few rare and unfortunate cases, extremely aggressive dog attacks or well-placed bites can be fatal. That said, any animal attack can be serious, and almost all bites require immediate medical attention because dogs sometimes carry dangerous bacteria, parasites, and germs. To prevent infection or other injuries, you may require a tetanus shot or other medications.

If you were injured by a dog or other animal, you may be wondering what to do next. To recover compensation, you need to work with our attorney to begin building your case.

Contact our firm today to get started!

Have You Been Injured? Our Firm Is Here To Help

At the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis, we are not afraid to aggressively pursue the best possible outcome for our clients' injuries. We understand that this time in your life can be stressful, which is why our team is committed to providing honest legal advice and steadfast support throughout each step of the legal process. If you have a case, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, physical therapy, medication, emotional trauma, and more.

Dogs have long been revered as man's best friend, but when a dog turns and attacks a person, the results can be devastating. You should not face the California legal system alone or suffer quietly—you deserve to work with our skilled Modesto dog bite attorney.

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  • “Very knowledgeable in his craft.”
    I came to the Law Office of Dean Petrulakis after being referred from a friend. I was previously working with another firm who had done very little to help me, let alone communicate with me. Mr. Petrulakis took time to speak with me over the phone and after consideration of the difficulties related to my case, he agreed to take my case. I was very impressed and appreciative of the genuine concern and compassion he relayed. He is very knowledgeable in his craft, and equally kind and personable. He and his assistant Jennifer were amazing communicators who kept me well informed without delay. My case was handled quickly, professionally, and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis to everyone/anyone who has been injured and needs representation.
    - K's A.
  • “HIGHLY recommend him for any injury needs”
    “Dean has definitely helped us with a case on our hit and run. My husband and I are so thankful for his fast action and professionalism. Great staff. HIGHLY recommend him for any injury needs. Thank you Dean!”
    - Former Client
  • “The best in our area by far!”
    “Thank you helping us when we needed you. The best in our area by far!”
    - Former Client
  • “Dean Petrulakis and his firm were invaluable in helping me through a difficult time.”
    “Dean walked me through the process and made it easy.”
    - Former Client
  • “Dean knows how to win your case and be there for you.”
    “Dean is very personable, accessible and dedicated.”
    - Former Client
  • “Dean is an outstanding attorney to have at your side.”
    “Dean explained the entire process to me and what to expect during my case.”
    - Former Client
  • “Dean took care of my situation to the best of his ability.”
    “When I hired the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis, I received more than what I imagined.”
    - Former Client
  • “Dean is amazing and very professional!”
    “Dean will do everything in his power to get the results you want.”
    - Former Client

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