California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

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Our California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Can Help You Understand Your Legal Options

While dogs are often known as loyal and loving companions, even the most gentle canines can react aggressively if they feel scared or threatened. If someone else’s dog has bitten you, you might be eligible to file a claim and recover damages from its owner. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation and case review. Our California dog bite injury lawyers regularly work on these cases and can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries and related costs.

Imagine enjoying a family day at the park when someone’s dog charges at you and attacks your child. Or, you could be delivering a package to someone’s property when their dog runs across the yard and bites you.

A dog bite can be extremely traumatic for the victim and their families, especially in the event of a catastrophic injury. Furthermore, deaths from dog bites are not unheard of. Statistically, the most severely wounded victims have been children. For this vulnerable party, a dog bite can leave emotional scars or cause conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. A bitten child, for example, may develop a fear of dogs or going outside.

Contact our personal injury law firm for counsel on what to do if you or a loved one has suffered dog bite injuries. We understand the dog bite laws in California and can help you bring a claim against the dog’s owner.

Why Hire Our California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers For Your Claim?

The law may protect people from dog bite accidents, but not all victims receive compensation for their injuries. These claims could be tricky, especially if the canine only attacked the victim and didn’t bite them. Our California dog bite injury lawyers have experience handling these types of claims and can assist you in seeking compensation for medical bills and other damages.

Here’s what our legal team offers for all victims injured in dog-related incidents:

  • Knowledge & Experience — We have represented numerous clients all over the Golden State. Our personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of these cases. When you hire us, you can expect a personalized approach to how we plan to build your case.
  • Dedication & Competence — We work hard to bring you closer to justice, utilizing all available resources to strengthen your claim. Our meticulous dog bite attorneys will look at every detail in gathering evidence to support your claim.
  • Compassion & Integrity — Our firm also offers dedicated legal services with no upfront costs. With a contingency fee agreement, you don’t have to pay us for our services until we win your case.
  • Reliability & Accessibility — Our team at Arash Law is available 24/7 to answer your legal questions and update you on the progress of your case. We will also work around your schedule and meet you wherever you are in California.

Do You Need An Attorney For A Dog Bite Injury?

You can try to settle things independently. However, legal representation can be a useful asset in pursuing damages. Here’s what our dog bite attorneys can do for you:

  • Review the details of your case and conduct an investigation.
  • Identify the cause of the accident and determine who is at fault.
  • Connect you with medical professionals for the treatment of your injuries.
  • File a claim and make sure you comply with all requirements and deadlines.
  • Collect sufficient proof for your claim, including security footage and witness statements.
  • Communicate and negotiate with the at-fault party to try to reach a settlement.
  • File a lawsuit and represent you in court if the liable party refuses to settle.

Our attorneys are well-versed in the dog bite laws in California. We understand how the legal system works, so we also know how to navigate it. Hiring our lawyers will give you valuable support and guidance as you decide on your next steps.

Why Are Dog Bites Dangerous?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of five dog bites requires medical attention. If 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, that means approximately 855,000 individuals get treated for dog bite injuries.

A dog bite can cause minor nips or scratches, severe cuts, and punctures that lead to irreparable damage to the skin. These bites may also cause injuries to the bones, muscles, and surrounding blood vessels and nerves.

As with any open wound, dog bites can also lead to serious, life-threatening infections if left untreated. Even the smallest cuts or scratches must be kept clean and dressed (if needed) to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria that can easily infect the wound. Victims with liver disease, diabetes, or immune system problems are more susceptible to developing infections from dog bites.

If a dog bites you, even if the wound seems superficial, you should get emergency medical care immediately. Your health is of the utmost importance. If you need help pursuing compensation for treatment, our dog bite injury lawyers in California can help.

Animal Attack

$2,305,000.00

largest animal attack settlement in 2020 for California; client suffered Traumatic Brain Injury
–  JUDD ROSS ALLEN

California Dog Bite Law

Every state follows its own statutes when someone’s dog bites another person. California law Section 3342 outlines the legal processes in a dog bite case.

3342(a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.

It states that the owner is liable for the damages resulting from a dog bite in a public or private place where the victim was lawfully present. This is the case regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s violent tendencies. The “owner” can be anyone in charge of controlling the dog at the time of the attack. Our dog bite injury attorneys in California can assist you in filing a claim against negligent dog owners. There is an exception in which the bitten person could not file a claim, such as when the dog was performing police or military work at the time of the bite.

California’s Leash Laws

In general, California’s leash laws require owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public places, common areas of private property, and their own properties that aren’t enclosed by a fence or wall.

Walking around with an unleashed canine or letting it roam free in a public park is essentially illegal. Doing so violates the law and increases the likelihood of a dog bite.

A public place can be scary or overwhelming for a dog, with many possible triggers. They would be much harder to control or pacify if they weren’t on a leash. Additionally, unfamiliar places make them anxious, even on private property with only a few people.

For this reason, owners often find themselves caught up in a dog bite injury claim. So, unless the property owner explicitly gives you consent to take your dog off the leash within their premises, it would be best to follow the law to prevent dog bites.

Reach out to our California dog bite injury lawyers if you have questions about the state’s leash laws. We can explain these in more detail and help you understand what you can do about your case.

Strict Liability For Dog Bites And Other Related Injuries

California’s dog bite law is a strict liability statute. A dog owner cannot use the defense that they had no prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness, as this is irrelevant to the law.

It also does not matter if the dog’s owner took steps to prevent a dog bite. If the dog bites someone, the owner is strictly liable for damages unless the person was trespassing on private property at the time of the attack.

This is one of the very few exceptions. If someone’s dog bites you in California, the odds are that the owner will have to pay for your medical bills and other damages.

In some states, the “dog bite” statute also covers other types of dog-related incidents, such as being knocked down or chased by a canine. However, in California, strict liability applies specifically to dog bites. If a dog injured you in a way other than by biting you, you could bring a claim against the owner on the basis of negligence.

In this case, the injured party would have to prove that the dog’s owner was careless and did not use reasonable care to prevent the injury. For example, a dog was loose in a yard and jumped on the mailman, knocking him down and breaking his hip. The mailman could assert that the dog’s owner reasonably should have foreseen the risk of this happening and taken measures such as a fence or a leash to prevent the injury.

Our California dog bite injury lawyers are adept at proving an owner’s negligence when a bite doesn’t cause injuries. We’re familiar with the laws and how they apply in these situations. We’ll use our knowledge to build a case that supports your side of the story.

California Leash Laws
Emperatriz Ayala
Emperatriz Ayala
My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.
Chris Zavala
Chris Zavala
Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!
Jill Smith
Jill Smith
Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.
Joseph R. Porter
Joseph R. Porter
From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.
Monica Parra
Monica Parra
I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra
Common Reasons Why Dogs Bite

Common Reasons Why Dogs Bite

Like most animals, dogs often behave aggressively when frightened, startled, threatened, or unwell. California dog bite lawyers have handled many cases involving dogs that are normally mild-mannered and trained but attacked a victim without warning.

If you want to know why dogs bite, here are the commonly reported reasons:

Being in unfamiliar public places where many things are going on all at once can make a dog feel anxious and scared. These emotions often trigger aggressive behavior. When a dog is scared, it shakes or puts its tail between its legs. This is a common sign that bystanders should be wary of when approaching a dog.

It’s also worth noting that many of the cases our California dog bite injury attorneys have seen involve the victim trying to pet an unfamiliar dog. To keep yourself and your companions safe, do not pet random dogs on your way somewhere.

Canines are usually possessive and territorial, which means they can get mad and resort to biting when people try to take their food and toys or invade their space. Nursing dogs may also snap if their puppies are touched, carried, or moved without their permission.

To express anger, dogs often growl, bark, or bare their teeth. You may also notice them tense up or see the hair on their backs raise when they take a defensive stance. When dogs get extremely angry, they may attack you, regardless of whether you run away or stay calm.

Individuals injured by a dog while delivering a package may be able to bring a claim against the dog’s owner; our attorneys can outline the process. If a dog bites you while you are lawfully on a property, we can help you file a personal injury claim.

Many dog bites result from a lack of proper training and socialization. When owners neglect socialization training for their dogs, such as allowing them to play with other dogs and exposing them to people during their development stages, they may grow up to become hostile.

Additionally, dogs with improper or insufficient training may bite others due to a lack of discipline. When dogs aren’t trained to understand their boundaries and limits, they will likely resort to aggression upon encountering an unfamiliar situation.

If you were injured by an untrained dog, you may have the right to file a claim. Speak with our California dog bite injury lawyers in a free initial case evaluation and learn about your legal options.

Dogs are social beings who respond to stimuli. Pulling a dog’s ears or tail may annoy them and cause them to bite you. The same goes for continuing to playfully tease them even when their body language clearly says they don’t like it. Even the friendliest or most loyal dogs could end up biting people when their boundaries are disrespected.

It’s also possible to unintentionally provoke a dog, such as trying to play with them while they’re eating or startling them with loud voices and sounds. We are experienced with these types of claims and can help you understand your legal options for recovery.

Dogs may display aggression when they’re feeling unwell. It could be their way of communicating that they’re feeling pain or discomfort somewhere in their body.

Watch out for uncharacteristically hostile dogs. They may be sick or in need of immediate medical attention. Owners are expected to schedule an appointment with the vet as soon as they notice a change in their dog’s actions or behavior.

Our dog bite lawyers in California may be able to help you prove an owner’s negligence if they refuse to take their dog to the vet or get them treated.

Past traumatic experiences, such as abuse, can lead a dog to attack when they’re triggered. This behavior is more common in stray or adopted dogs, and sudden movements or loud noises often scare or stress them out.

When a dog perceives a threat, it may snap at you and bite. The best way to address this is to learn about their history and be gentle when handling them. It will be easier for them to adjust and warm up if they realize you won’t hurt them.

Regardless of the reason behind a dog bite, our California injury lawyers can help you go after its owner through a personal injury claim.

Typical Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause superficial injuries like cuts, bruising, and puncture wounds. On the other hand, they can also lead to serious injuries, such as fractures, nerve damage, infections, or even fatal ones. Here are the most common types of dog bite injuries our California dog bite lawyers observed in the victims they helped:

  • Deep Cuts — Dog bites often cause cuts with jagged or rough edges and excessive bleeding. These injuries often require stitching and must be monitored to prevent getting infected. Laceration injuries sometimes also crush tissues, therefore requiring debridement.
  • Puncture Wounds — These happen when a dog’s teeth pierce the victim’s skin. Puncture wounds from dog bites can be very painful and take weeks to heal. They are also more prone to infection and may cause more complications, especially when they occur close to a bone or joint.
  • Nerve Damage — A dog bite can also lead to nerve damage, which can cause a loss of function for the affected body part. Some more severe cases may also lead to amputation or paralysis.
  • Fractures and Crush Injuries — The force of a dog bite, especially from larger dog breeds, may lead to broken or crushed bones. Victims may also suffer bone fractures from falling after an attack.
  • Rabies — Dog bites can become infected overnight, and one of the worst infections that can result is rabies. Symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to years to appear, and once they do, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
  • Death — Other infections, such as tetanus and sepsis, may lead to complications and result in the victim’s death. If a loved one dies from a dog bite, our injury lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim against the negligent dog owner.

If you get injured from a dog bite in California, we can connect you with doctors for a thorough medical examination and treatment plan.

What To Do After A Dog Bite Injury In California

Dog bites are often violent and hectic events, so it is crucial that you know what to do after an attack. Our California dog bite injury lawyers have come up with this guide to help you:

  1. Seek medical attention. The most important thing to do after a dog attack is to seek medical attention. If the dog’s vaccinations were not up-to-date, the dog bite victim may have to receive a rabies shot or other treatments to avoid infection. The faster doctors treat your injuries, the better your prognosis may be.
  2. Document the scene and collect evidence. It is also crucial to take pictures of the location of the attack, your injuries, and the dog that bit you. Ask for the dog owner’s contact and insurance details. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
  3. Report the incident. Inform animal control of the dog bite as soon as you can. They can help locate and obtain information about the dog. Dog bites need to be reported so that the authorities can be on guard to prevent the dog from biting more people.
  4. Speak with our California dog bite lawyers. Our attorneys can advise you on your legal options following your dog bite injury. We can also assist you in gathering evidence that could support your subsequent claim.

It would be overwhelming to deal with a legal claim or lawsuit as you recover from your injuries, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our dog bite law firm has the resources necessary to handle negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurer. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, you may have the option to pursue a lawsuit in California with our lawyers’ help.

Who Will Be Held Liable For A Dog Bite?

It’s mostly the owner’s fault if a dog bites in California and across the United States. Generally, “owner” refers to anyone caring for or controlling the dog at the time of the accident. Here are the different parties who can be considered owners and held liable for a dog bite:

  • The actual owner of the dog.
  • A dog walker or sitter.
  • The parents or guardians of a minor who owns the dog.
  • A landlord who allows a tenant to keep a dangerous dog on their property.

Our California dog bite injury lawyers can pinpoint who should be responsible for compensating you for damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 anytime for a free case review. We will go over the details of your case, help identify the “owner” who should pay for a dog bite, and discuss your legal options moving forward.

What If A Support Dog Bites Me In The State Of California?

More than ever, Americans are conscious of and supportive of the problems confronting people with disabilities. There are several laws in place meant to protect people with disabilities from discrimination and to ensure that their needs are covered.

One type is service animals. While those animals used to be a unique sight, more people than ever are using dogs and other kinds of animals for a wide variety of health conditions, ranging from physical disabilities to mental health issues. With more support animals in public areas than ever before, the chance that an animal can bite or injure someone increases. It might also be a higher possibility with a relatively new type of service animal, known today as ‘emotional support animals.’

Compared to service animals that are professionally trained to do a task to assist a person with a known disability, emotional support animals don’t need to have any training at all. Rather, their job is to give ‘emotional comfort’ to their owners. Because they are allowed in many public places and aren’t obligated to have specialized training, the possibility that an emotional support animal will hurt another person is more significant than that of a service animal.

Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his skilled team at Arash Law support the rights of people with disabilities who receive help and comfort from animals. Still, if a dog or other support animal hasn’t been appropriately trained and hurts another person, the owner should be held liable. Our California lawyers have years of experience handling different types of injury cases, including dog bite claims.

Compensation For Dog Bite Victims

In many cases, dog bite victims may be eligible for financial compensation. Financial compensation does not undo the damage, especially in cases of wrongful death. However, it can take some of the burden off your shoulders and help you recover from the traumatic incident.

Here are some examples of damages you can get compensated for:

  • Past, ongoing, and future medical expenses for the treatment of your injuries.
  • Lost income from missing a few days or weeks from work as you recover.
  • Repair costs for property damage resulting from the dog bite.
  • Emotional pain and suffering.
  • Reduced quality of life as a result of the injuries.
  • Loss of earning capacity due to permanent injuries.
  • Funeral and burial costs for the death of a loved one.
  • Punitive damages for cases of extreme negligence.

If you’re wondering how to get money after a dog bite and use it for the treatment of your injuries, we are here to give you an answer. Our California dog bite injury attorneys can work with medical and economic experts to assess the full extent of your damages. We can gather documentation and evidence to support your claim, if you have a valid case.

Dog Bite Levels
Dog Bite Levels

Compensation in a dog bite claim may vary depending on the severity or level of the attack. Here are the six dog bite levels in California:

  • Level 1 — A dog shows aggressive behavior, such as growling or snapping. At this level, there is no physical contact yet between the dog and the victim.
  • Level 2 — A dog’s teeth make contact with the victim’s skin but don’t puncture it. This often leaves victims with light scratches or bruises.
  • Level 3 — A dog leaves one to four punctures on a victim’s skin. The punctures at this level shouldn’t go deeper than half of the dog’s canine teeth.
  • Level 4 — A dog leaves one to four punctures, and at least one goes deeper than half of their canine teeth. These cause extreme pain and bruising to the victim.
  • Level 5 — A dog bites the victim several times and leaves one or more Level 4 bites. At this point, the dog will have to be euthanized as it poses extreme danger.
  • Level 6 — A dog causes fatal injuries to the victim. The dog will also most likely turn rabid, but if not, it will require euthanasia because of the danger it brings to people.

Our California dog bite lawyers can help you identify the level of your injury and the amount you may be entitled to. We can give you an estimate of the value of your case and help you gather evidence to prove a dog owner’s liability.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs in the U.S. every year. WHO also states that children are the most at risk for dog bites. They also suffer more head and neck injuries compared to adult victims.

In 2021, there were 81 fatalities resulting from dog bites or attacks across the country — a drastic increase from previous years’ statistics. Of these victims, 44 were females and 37 were males.

Based on the statistics gathered by DogsBite.org, California had the highest number of fatal dog attacks for any state in a single year, with a total of nine deaths. Most of these instances (89%) involved pit bulls. The county with the highest number of dog bite-related deaths is Stanislaus County, with two deaths in one year.

Based on data from the same study, 30 (63%) of the 48 dog-related fatal attacks recorded in the United States involved multiple dogs. Two or three dogs were involved in 21 cases (70%), and four or more dogs were involved in nine cases (30%). Unsurprisingly, 63%, or 19 of these cases, involved at least one pit bull.

These statistics only prove how dangerous and lethal dog attacks can be. If you or someone you know has been injured in similar instances, reach out to our California dog bite attorneys. We can help you build your case and pursue compensation for your damages.

Dog Bite Victims Also Ask

You can sue for a dog bite in California, regardless of whether it’s minor or severe. Many dog bite cases are resolved through settlements, but a lawsuit may be necessary if the dog owner refuses to compensate you for your injuries and losses. In this case, our dog bite injury attorneys can offer their assistance and guidance to help you seek damages.

Assumption of risk is a defense usually employed by the liable party to disprove your dog bite claim. The owner may try to deny their liability by saying that they weren’t aware of the dog’s violent tendencies prior to the accident. However, this is irrelevant under California law. As with the one-bite rule, strict liability makes this defense or argument invalid. Contact our California injury attorneys to learn more about the actual laws that apply to dog bite cases.

Yes. Although strict liability laws hold owners liable regardless of whether they were negligent, comparative negligence may still apply to dog bite cases. Dog owners are generally liable for damages, but the settlement you receive may be reduced if they can prove that you shared fault in the dog bite incident.

For example, the settlement amount for your case is $10,000. If you are found to be 30% negligent — say, you provoked the dog by pulling on its tail — the final amount you receive will be reduced by your fault percentage accordingly. In this case, the maximum amount you can get will only be $7,000.

Dog owners may pin the blame on you, hoping to reduce the amount they have to pay. California dog bite injury lawyers can help protect your rights as a victim.

If you are bitten by a dog while performing your job duties, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. This type of claim can cover your immediate medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, but it often does not result in significant compensation. In many cases, you may also have the option to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. This type of claim may provide compensation for damages that workers’ compensation may not cover.

It is important to consider the implied risks of certain professions. If you work closely with dogs, such as a veterinary assistant, groomer, dog walker, or pet hotel staff member, you are generally understood to be at a higher risk of dog bites. While this may affect how liability is determined, you can still pursue legal action in situations where the dog’s owner or another party acted negligently, such as failing to warn you about an aggressive dog or not using proper restraints.

If you have been bitten while working, our California dog bite injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and explore potential avenues for compensation.

The law may differ slightly across counties, but dogs that have bitten someone are required to be quarantined for ten days. The reason you have to wait ten days after a dog bite is so you can observe the dog’s behavior and see if any rabies symptoms appear.

If the dog does not appear to be rabid, quarantine can be done at home, and it can be released once the ten days are over. However, if it is highly likely that the dog has rabies, it has to be quarantined at an animal control center or veterinary hospital.

The value of a claim may be affected if the dog is found to have rabies. Consult our California dog bite lawyers to evaluate the potential cost of your case in this situation.

If a dog known to show signs of rabies bites someone, it will have to be put down. Authorities may also order euthanization in cases involving repeat offenses or household dogs trained to attack. Such dogs may be deemed dangerous, and authorities may order euthanization as a public safety measure.

On the other hand, canines will not be euthanized if they aren’t rabid after biting someone. The same also applies to instances when they bite a trespasser or when they’re a military or police dog that bites someone in the line of work. These rules and exceptions may seem complicated, but our California dog bite attorneys can help you navigate them. We will help you understand the applicable laws so you can make an informed decision for your claim.

Under California law, dog owners are generally liable for injuries caused by their dogs biting someone. Conversely, if you were bitten by someone else’s dog, you can file an injury claim against the dog’s owner. If you decide to pursue damages, they will have to compensate you. Additionally, they must monitor their dog’s behavior for the next ten days and watch out for any signs of it going rabid. Our California dog bite injury attorneys assist injured victims in seeking compensation for their losses, such as medical bills, missed work, and emotional suffering.

The dog will likely need to be quarantined. The animal control agency will review the dog’s records, confirm its breed, verify its vaccination status, investigate any previous biting incidents, and inspect its living conditions at home. If the authorities determine there is no threat, the only remaining concern will be compensating the victim for their damages.

No. California follows strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning that owners are held liable for compensating victims for their injuries from a dog bite. It’s not relevant whether the dog has no prior history of aggression. Dogs with multiple bite incidents may face euthanization orders from authorities as a public safety measure. Reach out to our California dog bite injury attorneys if you have more questions about the applicable laws in a dog attack.

Most insurers offer dog bite coverage worth $100,000 to $300,000. However, they may refuse coverage if you own a typically dangerous dog breed, such as a pit bull, Doberman, or Rottweiler. Some breeds may have higher bite rates, and insurance companies usually cover bite incidents according to policy terms. Our dog bite injury lawyers can help you negotiate with insurance companies and work toward getting them to provide compensation up to the policy limits.

While there’s no set amount of money you can claim for a dog bite, the severity of your injuries will affect your settlement. Permanent disfigurement, scarring, and broken bones can all add to the amount of damages you are awarded. It is also important to retain an experienced dog bite lawyer to make sure your rights are protected to the fullest extent of the law.

If the insurance company refuses a fair resolution, you may file an injury lawsuit to have your injuries and damages compensated. However, it’s worth noting that most cases of dog bites are resolved outside of court through settlement negotiations. After the process of gathering evidence and negotiations, your final compensation will be determined by various factors, such as:

  • The extent of your dog bite injuries.
  • Your injury’s long-term effects, including scarring and disfigurement.
  • Your age.
  • Whether the owner was aware of their dog’s aggression but did not address it.

Speak to one of our dog bite injury lawyers in California to learn more about your legal options to cover your damages.

Victims can file a dog bite injury claim in California up to two years after the date of the attack. If the victim is a minor, their parents or guardians can file a claim for them. However, if they have no legal guardian, minors have up to two years after they turn 18 to file a claim.

Complying with this deadline is essential, as California courts will not consider your claim after the statute expires. Consult our dog bite injury lawyers right after an attack so we can help you with your claim.

Yes, it would be better if you had a lawyer on your side who could fight for your child’s rights. Our California dog bite attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws that apply to dog bite cases. We will know how to approach your case to pursue compensation from the negligent dog owner.

According to the Insurance Information Institute’s estimates, the Golden State led the country in 2024 with the most dog bite claims, totalling 2,417. Total payouts that year amounted to approximately $208.4 million. The average settlement for California was $86,229.

After analyzing the facts of your case, a dog bite injury attorney can provide you with a more precise estimate of possible compensation for your injury. Dog bite injury settlements can range from a few to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the injuries. Typically, minor injuries result in lower settlement offers since dog owners may prefer to settle quickly to avoid legal proceedings. In any case, victims may want to pursue appropriate compensation. Consider seeking compensation that covers your actual documented losses.

Like many personal injury law firms, our California dog bite law firm works on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This structure helps reduce financial stress and aligns your goals with ours. You’ll have full access to our services once you hire us. In addition to attorney fees, there may be case-related costs, such as filing fees, medical record requests, or expert witness expenses. Our dog bite injury lawyers will explain the fee agreement and any potential costs clearly during your consultation so you know what to expect before moving forward.

Get Legal Advice From Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys In California

Dog bite injury claims can get challenging, especially when the owner is uninsured or when their policy doesn’t cover dog bites. Legal assistance from our experienced lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

If you want to hold a negligent owner liable and prevent them from causing damage to other people in the future, get in touch with a skilled dog bite attorney from our law firm. Call us at (888) 488-1391 today for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation.

Arash Law handles a wide range of personal injury cases in California, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, product liability, wrongful deaths, and more. We also have car accident lawyers who handle all types of auto collisions, such as those involving rideshare vehicles.

We’re proud to offer our no-win, no-fee services throughout the state of California. Our injury law firm represents clients in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County, San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego, just to name a few. We also serve the following cities: Bakersfield, Fresno, Visalia, Redding, Modesto, Stockton, Palm Springs, Eureka, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Oakland, San Jose, Monterey, Salinas, Vista, Carlsbad, Apple Valley, Victorville, Oceanside, and many others.

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IF YES, You may be able to recover financial compensation. TELL US MORE:
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IF YES, You may be able to recover financial compensation. TELL US MORE: