California has a strict liability dog bite law. The owner is responsible for a bite in a public place or when you were lawfully on private property, even if the dog never bit anyone before. Most claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner or renter insurance, not out of their pocket.
What to do after a dog bite
- Wash the wound and get medical care
- Get the owner’s name and address
- Report the bite to animal control
- Photograph the wound as it heals
- Call us about the insurance claim
Common injuries we see
- Deep punctures and tears
- Infections
- Scarring and plastic surgery
- Nerve damage
- Fear and trauma, especially in children
What you can recover
Depending on your case, you can recover money for medical bills (past and future), lost income and earning ability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In a wrongful death case, families can also recover funeral costs and the support they lost.
How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on contingency, so you pay only if we win. Learn how our fees work.
The law behind your case
Civil Code 3342: california’s strict liability dog bite law. Most claims must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1.
Where we handle dog bites cases
We represent clients across Los Angeles County, including Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Monica.
Related cases
Questions
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing up front. We work on contingency: we are paid a percentage of what we recover for you, and only if we win. If there is no recovery, you owe us no fee.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
For most injury claims, two years from the date of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1). Claims against a city or county can have a deadline as short as six months, so call early.
What is my case worth?
It depends on your medical bills, lost income, how the injury affects your life, and the insurance available. We give you an honest estimate after we review your case.