Long Beach Dog Bite Attorneys
We’ll review what happened and tell you what options may be available.
Or, get LIVE help now — call our free 24-hour accident hotline at (888) 488-1391
Our Long Beach Dog Bite Attorneys Know That Your Rights Matter, And We Will Advocate For Them.
Our Long Beach dog bite attorneys help victims pursue compensation for their injuries. We take the serious physical and emotional consequences of dog bites seriously and support your rights. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to get your case started.
Dog bites can cause more than just physical injuries. They also lead to costly treatment, lost wages, and the need to cope with potential long-term medical complications. Victims may also experience lasting trauma from the dog bite.
Pet and property owners have a responsibility to take steps to prevent dog bite incidents. When they fail to do so, they may be legally liable for the harm caused. Our team is here to establish liability and explore options for potential recovery.
What Does A Long Beach Dog Bite Attorney Do?
In the aftermath of a dog bite incident, you may find yourself asking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” While not required. It can be beneficial. Here’s what they can do for you:
- Document Your Injuries & Losses — Your attorney will gather and organize important evidence such as medical records, available CCTV footage, and witness statements. They will also collaborate with medical professionals to assess the total cost of treatment, including future care.
- Establish Liability Under California Law — The state’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for bites in most situations. Your lawyer will work to establish who owned the dog, how the bite attack occurred, and whether others, such as property owners or handlers, may also be responsible.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies — Our Long Beach dog bite attorneys will negotiate firmly with insurance companies on your behalf. We will properly evaluate your claim and seek compensation.
- Represent You in Court — If negotiations fall through or the settlement does not fully cover your damages, our lawyers can pursue legal action. We develop litigation-ready strategies for each case we handle.
Injured by a dog bite? You may seek free accident lawyer advice to understand your legal options and next steps. Our lawyers offer free initial consultations. You can reach us by filling out this contact form, and our team can follow up to discuss your situation.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Why Work With Arash Law’s Dog Bite Attorneys
Our attorneys handling dog bite cases in Long Beach have extensive experience in these complex matters. Here are some reasons many clients choose us for their injury claims:
- No Upfront Fees — Our Long Beach injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front, and attorney’s fees are collected only if we recover compensation for you. Note that other costs and expenses may still apply regardless of the case’s outcome.
- Experienced Legal Team — Our attorneys have handled numerous injury cases throughout California. We focus on building well-supported cases and providing legal representation for each client.
- Comprehensive Legal Knowledge — Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of local regulations, insurance company tactics, and how to navigate the court system effectively.
- Client-Centered Approach — We provide clear, personalized legal advice tailored to your situation and help you understand every step of the process.
Our lawyers offer more than just legal support. Once you hire us, we can connect you with qualified medical professionals, provide free transportation, and can meet them at a convenient time and a reasonably accessible place.
Common Questions About Dog Bite Cases In Long Beach
Injured victims often share similar concerns after a dog bite. Based on frequently raised issues in these cases, here are some of the most common legal questions that may help you understand what to expect.
What Is The Cost Of Hiring A Dog Bite Lawyer In Long Beach?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies depending on their billing structure, but most dog bite attorneys in Long Beach work on a contingency fee basis. This agreement means you don’t have to pay anything up front to hire them. Your lawyer will only get paid once they secure a settlement or win a verdict, but you may still be charged for other case-related costs regardless of the results of your case. During your initial consultation, your lawyer will clearly explain the fee structure and answer any questions you may have.
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim. This is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. If you don’t file within this time frame, the court will likely dismiss your case.
However, some exceptions may extend or adjust this deadline. For example, if the defendant leaves the state, the victim is a minor, or the defendant is a government employee, the time limit could change. Additionally, for cases involving police dog attacks, the deadline to notify the relevant government agency is six months.
If you sustain injuries due to a dog bite, consider consulting a Long Beach dog bite lawyer. They can assist you in choosing a course of action and help you understand and meet all necessary deadlines.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Dog Bite Claim In Long Beach?
Dog bite claims in Long Beach can take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case. In straightforward situations, where liability is clear and injuries are relatively minor, the parties may settle within a few months.
Complicated cases, where the dog owner disputes liability or the victim suffers serious injuries requiring long-term care, may take much longer. These cases often require more time for evidence gathering, medical expert consultations, and negotiations.
If parties fail to settle, the victim may need to take legal action, which can further delay the process. To understand how long your case may take and protect your rights, you might consider arranging a consultation with one of our Long Beach dog bite attorneys. You can call us at (888) 488-1391.
What Is The Average Compensation For A Dog Bite In Long Beach?
The average compensation for a dog bite in Long Beach varies based on the severity of the injuries. Other factors that affect the potential value are medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors specific to each case.
In cases where the dog bite causes more serious injuries, such as those that need surgery, long-term medical care, or ongoing physical and emotional trauma, the compensation may be more significant. You can discuss your case with our dog bite attorneys in Long Beach to get an approximate value of your potential settlement.
Can You Sue For A Dog Bite In Long Beach?
Yes, you may sue for a dog bite in Long Beach. Even a minor bite may provide grounds for a lawsuit in California. Under the state’s strict liability laws, pet owners are responsible for bite injuries caused by their dogs. Only a few exceptions apply, and discussing your situation with experienced dog bite attorneys in Long Beach can help you choose your legal options.
If you are uncertain about the validity of your claim, you may fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form. One of our lawyers will assess your case and determine your possible legal options.
Dog Bite?
How Our Lawyers Establish Liability In Dog Bite Cases
California law holds pet owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressiveness. This means the dog owner is legally responsible for any injuries their pet causes by biting someone. To establish a valid dog bite claim under the state’s strict liability statute, our Long Beach attorneys will gather evidence to prove the following:
- Dog Ownership — The liable party is the owner and is responsible for the dog.
- Lawful Presence During the Incident — The dog bite occurred in a public space or while the victim was lawfully on private property.
- Injury Sustained — The victim suffered injuries due to the dog bite.
When Negligence Applies In California Dog Bite Cases
California’s strict liability law makes dog owners automatically responsible when their dog bites someone in a public place or when the person is lawfully on private property. However, not all dog bite cases qualify under strict liability. In some situations, you may need to prove negligence to make the responsible party accountable.
Here are examples where negligence may apply in a dog bite case:
- Landlord or Property Owner Liability — If a landlord knew a tenant had a dangerous dog and failed to take action, they may be held liable under a negligence theory, even though they weren’t the dog’s owner.
- Employer Liability — If the dog bite happened during work, your employer may be liable if they failed to provide a safe work environment.
- Caretaker or Handler Negligence — If someone other than the owner (like a dog walker or pet sitter) was responsible for the dog at the time of the bite, they may be held liable for failing to restrain or control the dog.
- Shared or Partial Fault Cases — If the person bitten was partially at fault (e.g., provoking the dog), the court may consider comparative negligence to determine the compensation owed.
To prove negligence, you must show the following:
- Duty — The party had a legal duty to prevent the dog from causing harm.
- Breach — They failed to meet that duty (e.g., leaving a gate open or ignoring signs of aggression).
- Causation — Their actions (or inaction) directly led to the dog bite.
- Damages — You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.
These cases often require a deeper investigation and stronger evidence than strict liability claims. A skilled Long Beach dog bite attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties and build a case around negligence when strict liability doesn’t apply.
Exceptions To Strict Liability For A Dog Bite Case
While California’s dog bite law imposes strict liability on dog owners, there are certain exceptions where this liability may not apply. Here are some of them:
- The Victim Was Trespassing — When a person is unlawfully on the property, the dog owner may not be strictly liable. However, this exception may not apply when the victim is a child, as children may not fully understand that they are trespassing or recognize the risk or danger. In such cases, the dog owner may still be accountable.
- There Was Provocation — If the victim provoked the dog to bite them, the owner may not be strictly liable.
- The Incident Involves Government Dogs — A victim cannot sue a government agency if the dog was performing its duties. These include helping apprehend a criminal, investigating a crime, executing a search warrant, or protecting a peace officer or others. Liability may arise if the dog’s actions fall outside these official duties.
- There Is a Professional Risk — Individuals who work with dogs professionally, such as veterinarians or dog groomers, assume the risk of dog bites and thus cannot hold the owner strictly liable.
You can consult with a Long Beach dog bite lawyer to evaluate whether any of these exceptions apply to your case. Even if your situation doesn’t fall under strict liability, there may still be opportunities to pursue damages. We are here to assist you in exploring these options.
Evidence To Establish Liability In A Dog Bite Case
It is important to begin gathering evidence right away to support your dog bite case. The more thorough your documentation, the more it can benefit your claim. Here are the key pieces of evidence to collect:
- Incident Report — The report from law enforcement or animal control may provide important details to help establish the owner’s or other parties’ responsibility for your injuries.
- Visual Evidence — Take clear photographs of the dog, the location of the incident, and any visible wounds. This documentation can serve as vital evidence.
- Eyewitness Statements — If there were witnesses to the incident, their testimony can support your case, proving liability and countering any defense arguments.
- Your Attire — If your clothing gets damaged or stained with blood, these items could serve as compelling evidence.
Our dog bite attorneys in Long Beach can assist with obtaining some of these key pieces of evidence. We will use them effectively to build a well-supported case for you.
Compensation Available For Dog Bite Victims
Dog bites often fall under personal injury claims in Long Beach. In these cases, you may have the right to seek compensation for the losses you incur. The primary insurance coverage typically comes from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Our Long Beach personal injury lawyers can support you in seeking damages that may apply to your case:
- Economic Damages — These damages are typically straightforward to calculate because they involve quantifiable financial burdens. They may include:
- Medical Expenses — Costs for treating your injuries, including doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and ongoing treatments. For example, deep puncture wounds may lead to infections like sepsis, requiring more care. If the bite caused additional injuries (e.g., you slipped and fell while trying to escape), this also covers the costs of treatments such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
- Lost Wages — Reimbursement for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries. This is especially relevant if the dog bite caused fractures, nerve damage, or severe pain that kept you from working.
- Reduced Earning Capacity — If your injury impacts your ability to work long-term or limits future job opportunities, such as permanent scarring, nerve damage, or psychological trauma, you may seek compensation for this future loss.
- Non-Economic Damages — These losses are not easily measured in monetary terms. Some examples are:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Trauma
A court may rarely award punitive damages if the dog owner acted recklessly, maliciously, or with gross negligence. These damages punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior. For example, if the owner intentionally ordered their dog to bite, punitive damages may apply. For an estimate of your claim, you can discuss the details of your case with our Long Beach dog bite attorneys at (888) 488-1391.
Actions To Take To Have A Successful Dog Bite Claim
After sustaining a dog bite injury, you must seek immediate medical help to avoid further complications. In addition to puncture wounds, these bites can cause serious infections like rabies and tetanus.
Take the following recommended steps to support your claim:
- Follow up With Your Physician — After a dog bite, you may need a series of vaccinations to prevent infections. Seeking prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also provides documentation of your injuries, which is important for your case.
- Gather Important Information — Identify the dog’s owner, as they will be responsible for covering medical expenses related to the bite attack. Collect this information right away. If there are any eyewitnesses, be sure to get their contact details, as their statements can support and validate your claim.
- Keep Important Documents — Store photos of the scene, your injuries, and any dogs involved in a safe place. Keep records of communication with the dog owner, witnesses, and medical appointments. Also, save any receipts for medical costs and pay stubs showing lost wages during your recovery, as these can help prove financial damages.
- Consult Long Beach Dog Bite Attorneys — Our Long Beach accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and manage the complexities of your case. They will notify the dog owner, file the claim with necessary documentation, and handle all communications with insurance companies.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Dog Bite Statistics
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that approximately 4.5 million people experience dog bites in the U.S. each year. Among these, 885,000 people require medical attention due to related injuries or diseases. The Insurance Information Institute (III) also revealed that dog bite claims nationwide rose by 18.9%, from 19,062 in 2023 to 22,658 in 2024.
In California alone, dog bites led to almost 48,600 emergency department visits in 2022. The state continues to lead the nation in dog bite claims, with 2,417 reported in 2024, up from 2,104 in 2023.
Children and older adults are more at risk of dog bite incidents. Kids are smaller and less able to fight off a dog, making them more likely to suffer serious injuries and emotional trauma. Meanwhile, seniors may have trouble moving or defending themselves, which can lead to falls and other complications. Their weaker immune systems also make it harder to recover from infections caused by bites.
Postal workers are also at high risk of dog bites. In 2023, Long Beach had 19 reported attacks on mail carriers, ranking 20th nationwide according to the U.S. Postal Service. This statistic highlights the need for dog owners to be more responsible and aware of the dangers their pets pose to others.
Given this risk, you may want guidance from Long Beach dog bite attorneys who can explain your options and help you pursue compensation under California law.
Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Long Beach
A dog bite can lead to serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and other unforeseen costs. With help from our Long Beach dog bite attorneys, you can pursue appropriate legal remedies after this traumatizing incident. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Although we are known for our car accident lawyers, Arash Law has experience handling many types of personal injury cases, such as car collisions, hit-and-run incidents, DUIs, and Lyft and Uber accidents.
Our experienced team is committed to providing thorough representation for your case. We also extend our legal services to Redondo Beach, Norwalk, East Los Angeles, Bell, Cerritos, Cypress, Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens, Santa Fe Springs, Westminster, Hawthorne, La Palma, Hermosa Beach, and surrounding areas.
