If an injured person brings a civil lawsuit against a dog owner, the dog’s owner can try to defend against the claim. That isn’t to say their defenses will necessarily be successful, but plaintiffs (the person who brings the lawsuit) should be aware of common possible defenses. As discussed above, the owner bears responsibility if the attacked person was legally on their private property. Dog owners may try to claim that you weren’t legally on the property, even if you were. They may claim that they didn’t invite you or didn’t know you were on the property, or even that you were trespassing, even if you weren’t. Other owners may attempt to argue that you knew the home had a dog, and thus that you voluntarily took the risk of a bite. An owner can also accuse you of provoking the animal, in an attempt to shift responsibility to you. It’s a good idea to talk to an experienced dog bite attorney in Fresno before you file a civil claim after a dog bite. Lawyers can help you counter these kinds of defense tactics. Law firms often work with investigators, for example, who can dig up all the available evidence. They can talk to other people in the area who know the dog’s history, for instance. They can find out if the dog has attacked anyone previously. In other words, just because a dog’s owner tries a defense does not mean you can’t counter that defense.