Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers Fighting for Accountability

If you or your child was bitten by a dog in LA County, our attorneys can help

A dog bite is a traumatic experience for both adults and children who are attacked. Regardless of whether the dog was a large or small breed, the victim can still experience severe injuries, infection, preventative medical care if the dog was not up-to-date on their shots, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma from the attack.

Whether the attack occurred in the dog owner’s home or in public, the owner is still responsible for the animal’s behavior. However, since there are statutes of limitation on when you can file a lawsuit, you need to speak with an experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney as soon as possible.

Contact the dedicated legal team at Oaks Law Firm in offices in Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, and throughout California for a free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 to explain your legal options and how our dog bite attorneys can help you pursue maximum injury compensation.

California dog bite laws

California has stringent dog bite laws that impose strict liability on dog owners, regardless of the dog's past behavior. Unlike some states with a "one bite" rule—where an owner may avoid liability if the dog has never bitten anyone before—California law holds dog owners accountable for any bite inflicted by their pet.

Key aspects of California's dog bite law include:

Strict liability: Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes through biting, regardless of the animal's previous history. This means that the owner is automatically responsible for the damages, even if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before.
No need to prove viciousness: Victims do not need to prove that the dog was previously vicious or had a history of attacks. The fact that a bite occurred is sufficient grounds to seek compensation for injuries.
Compensation for injuries: Victims can file a claim for compensation simply based on the occurrence of the bite. This includes recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

While certain breeds, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, may have reputations for being more prone to biting, the law applies to all breeds. Any dog, regardless of its breed, can potentially cause severe injuries through a bite.

Common types of dog bite injuries

Dog bites can lead to a range of injuries, some of which may require immediate medical attention. Here's a list of common types of injuries resulting from dog bites:

Scratches and abrasions. These might not penetrate deep into the skin but can still become infected if not cleaned properly.
Bruises. The impact from a bite or the dog knocking someone over can cause bruising.
Puncture wounds. Dogs' teeth can cause deep puncture wounds, which are particularly prone to infection.
Lacerations. Jagged or deep cuts that may require stitches and could leave scars.
Tearing injuries. Severe bites can result in tissue being torn away, sometimes requiring surgical repair.
Bone fractures. Strong bites can break bones, especially in hands, arms, or legs.
Sprains or dislocations. These can occur if a victim falls or is knocked down during an attack.
Bacterial infections. Including Pasteurella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus species which are commonly found in dogs' mouths.
Rabies. Though rare in countries with routine pet vaccinations, it's a fatal viral disease if not treated promptly after a suspicious bite.
Tetanus. A serious bacterial infection that can occur from deep bite wounds.
Nerve damage. Deep bites can damage nerves, potentially leading to loss of sensation or motor function.
Scars and disfigurement. Serious bites, especially on visible areas such as the face, can leave lasting scars.

Unfortunately, many dog bite incidents involve children. Children are more likely to interact with dogs and are often at a height that makes them susceptible to serious bite wounds to the face and torso. If your child was bitten by a dog, they likely suffered serious injuries and will also have to deal with the trauma resulting from the attack. You may be able to file a claim on your child’s behalf to compensate for the injuries caused by the dog bite. Contact us to learn how to get cash now for your injury claim.

The owner may have dog bite insurance

In dog bite cases, sometimes the dog is covered under the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy. In this case, you can file a claim with the insurance company for compensation for your injuries.

If the dog is not covered under any homeowners’ policy, you may be able to sue the individual who owns or was responsible for the dog. Our attorneys can investigate sources for potential settlement so that you are not left picking up the tab for an injury caused by someone else’s dog.

Contact our LA dog bite lawyers today

Injured? At Oaks Law Firm, we are here to help! We start with the claims process and if there is any delay or pushback from the insurance company, we will aggressively pursue litigation on your behalf. Our experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorneys can handle the claims process for you and ensure that the insurance company treats you fairly.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in the San Fernando Valley, LA County, or anywhere in California, it is important to understand your legal rights. Contact us for a free case evaluation. A member of our team is available 24/7 to listen to the details of what happened, answer questions, and explain your legal options for financial compensation.