Windsor Dog Bite Attorney

Windsor’s quiet streets and neighborhood parks attract families and dog lovers alike. From daily walks around local neighborhoods to visits to Foothill Regional Park, people and pets share these spaces regularly. However, when dog owners lose control of their animals, routine walks can instantly turn dangerous — and in such situations, a Windsor dog bite attorney can help victims understand their rights and seek fair compensation.

At Henderson Law, we represent people who have suffered injuries in dog attacks. Windsor dog bite attorney Michael Henderson applies over two decades of experience to every case and uses that background to advocate for people injured by negligent dog owners.

Whether you were walking your own dog, jogging through your neighborhood, or visiting friends, you have every right to feel safe in public spaces. These attacks often come without warning and leave victims facing urgent medical needs and legal questions. And when someone else’s failure to control their animal leaves you injured, you deserve a Windsor dog bite attorney who knows how to fight back.

Windsor Dog Bite Attorney Michael Henderson: “He was compassionate and understanding.”

Clients come to us after traumatic attacks. One recent client shared:

“When I came to Michael Henderson with my case, he was very compassionate and understanding of the traumatic experience that I had gone through. His team did an amazing job with the services they provided for me. I would definitely recommend Henderson Law to anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer.” 

At Henderson Law, we never forget that your case is personal. That’s why our dog bite lawyers treat each client respectfully, listen carefully, and fight relentlessly for the results they deserve.

What Leads to Dog Attacks Around Windsor

Well-trained dogs can still become aggressive when owners make poor decisions. We regularly see attacks caused by:

• Dogs breaking free from inadequate restraints. When an owner uses a worn leash or broken collar, the dog can escape during a walk or from a yard, potentially targeting nearby pedestrians or children.
• Unleashed dogs in public areas. Owners allow their dogs to roam freely in parks or neighborhoods, assuming their dog will behave around strangers.
• Lack of supervision during interactions. Dogs meeting children, other pets, or joggers without proper owner control can react unpredictably, especially when they feel cornered or threatened.

Responsible owners may not always anticipate how their dogs will react to stress or unfamiliar situations. But when those reactions turn violent, it’s the owner’s duty to prevent harm. Most of the serious attacks we handle stem from moments when someone failed to maintain control, ignored warning signs, or violated basic safety rules.

California’s laws require owners to control their animals and prevent them from injuring others. Under state dog bite law, owners of dangerous dogs face additional criminal penalties if their animal causes serious injury. When an owner violates these responsibilities and someone gets hurt, the law allows that person to hold them accountable.

After a Dog Attack in Windsor: What to Do

It’s hard to think clearly after an attack, but your actions in the moments and days following can help protect your health and potential case. Here are some key steps to take:

• Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria deep into tissue. A medical visit also helps document what happened and when.
• Take photos, if you’re able. That includes your injuries, the dog, the location, and any torn clothing or damaged items. These images provide useful evidence later.
• Talk to witnesses before they leave. If someone saw the attack, try to get their name and contact information. Their statement may fill in key details about the incident.
• Make notes about what happened. Whether on paper or a voice memo, recording what you remember while it’s fresh can be more helpful than you think. Even the dog’s size, what the owner said, or what you saw happen first can be helpful.
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but they’re looking for anything that can limit the payout. Talk to a dog bite injury lawyer first before talking to an insurance adjuster.

The decisions you make on the first day or two can go a long way toward strengthening your case and avoiding issues down the road.

Who’s at Fault in a Dog Attack?

California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning owners are responsible for injuries their animals cause, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. That means whoever owned or controlled the dog is financially accountable for the damage.

But fault doesn’t always rest with the dog’s owner alone. Others may share legal responsibility if they had control over the property or the animal and failed to prevent the attack. For example, a property owner who knowingly lets a dangerous dog roam unsecured or a dog walker who loses control of multiple animals. California law allows victims to pursue claims against any party whose negligence contributed to the incident.

We’ve also seen cases where owners claimed the victim “must have provoked” the dog. That language tries to shift blame, but witness statements, medical records, or scene evidence can provide a more accurate picture. Dog owners have a legal duty to control their animals and prevent them from injuring others.

Even if the other side argues that you were partly at fault, you can still recover compensation. California’s comparative fault law allows injured people to be compensated in proportion to the other party’s negligence. The more clearly your case shows what happened, the stronger your position becomes.

What a Dog Bite Claim Can Include

A dog attack can result in medical bills, time away from work, and lasting disruption to a person’s body, schedule, and sense of security. When a negligent owner caused the attack, the law allows injured people to pursue compensation.

A claim can include:

• Emergency care, surgery, and follow-up treatment; 
• Physical therapy, medication, or counseling during recovery; 
• Lost wages or limitations on returning to work; 
• Mental health care related to trauma or anxiety; 
• Scarring and disfigurement, particularly for facial injuries; and 
• Damaged property, including clothing, phones, and personal items.

If a dog attack results in death, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of care, guidance, or support.

We build these cases by gathering the records, receipts, and testimony that show exactly how the attack changed your life and what the law allows you to recover.

Let a Proven Windsor Dog Bite Accident Lawyer Help You Move Forward

With over 25 years of experience representing injury victims, Michael Henderson is a dedicated Windsor dog bite injury lawyer who helps clients pursue justice and recover the compensation they’re entitled to after an attack.

You can trust Henderson Law to provide the level of legal representation this moment demands. Michael knows that a serious dog bite injury can upend your life and focuses on securing a fair outcome.

He has tried and settled hundreds of cases across Sonoma County, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. He uses that experience to secure the money and resources his clients need to get their lives back on track.

Let one of Windsor’s top local dog bite attorneys handle your case. Contact today for a free consultation.