Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer

Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney

Spaces like Barrington Dog Park, Silver Lake Dog Park, and others make Los Angeles a dog-friendly community. While most owners take precautions to safeguard visitors and guests, dog attacks are still an unfortunate and often preventable occurrence. If you were injured in a canine attack, you can hire a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer to pursue compensation for the harm that you endured.

A Trusted Dog Bite Law Firm Serving Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas

When Orange County residents are injured in dog attacks caused by an owner’s negligence, they rely on Duque & Price for trusted legal representation. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have achieved successful results in more than 850 cases over the past nine years. Those cases helped clients recover from the physical, financial, and emotional aftermath of animal-related injuries. We take every claim seriously and act decisively to hold negligent owners accountable.

Every case presents its own challenges, which is why we start with a thorough review of the facts and potential obstacles before developing a tailored legal strategy. From there, our team works diligently to help clients regain stability and peace of mind after a traumatic experience. At Duque & Price, you can always expect attentive communication, detailed preparation, and unwavering representation focused on your recovery.

Understanding Dog Bites in Los Angeles

Dog bites remain a serious public safety issue across Los Angeles, with thousands of residents seeking medical care each year. In 2024, California topped the nation for dog-bite attacks on mail carriers, with 701 incidents reported. Los Angeles County alone sees an estimated 20,000 dog bites annually, which reflects both the city’s dense population and its high rate of pet ownership. About 40.1% of households statewide have a dog.

Neighborhoods such as Echo Park, Sherman Oaks, and South Central often see reported cases involving both stray and owned dogs. Victims frequently require treatment at hospitals like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048), where emergency staff treat everything from puncture wounds to torn ligaments and nerve damage.

In more severe cases, victims may suffer permanent scarring, infections, or emotional trauma that can last long after the physical injuries heal. Following a dog attack, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation, but they must gather evidence to back their claims.

California’s Strict Liability Rule for Dog Bites

While some states follow a one-bite rule that requires injured victims to show that a dog had a history of aggression before they can pursue compensation, California has a strict liability law for canine attacks. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner can be held legally responsible for any injuries their dog causes to others, even if the animal has never shown aggression before.

This means victims do not have to prove the pet owner’s negligence. The claimant in an injury case must show that the defendant owned the dog, that the dog bit the victim, and that the incident occurred in a public space or lawfully on private property. This framework is largely favorable to victims. Still, claims can be challenged if the owner alleges that the victim trespassed or provoked the dog.

Can I Share Fault for a Dog Bite?

In California, a dog bite victim can share liability under the state’s comparative negligence rule. Under this legal framework, multiple parties can share fault. If someone is 40% at fault for a dog bite, for example, they can still pursue 60% of what they are owed. In a dog bite case, the courts may consider various factors that could affect what you are eligible to receive.

Provoking the dog, ignoring warning signs, entering property without permission, and acting recklessly can also lead to a reduction in what you are owed. In some cases, false accusations may be used to downplay your injuries or shift blame, reducing the compensation you’re entitled to. Securing legal representation after a dog bite helps ensure your side of the story is protected and your claim is handled fairly.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor wounds to severe trauma requiring surgery. Victims often suffer puncture wounds, lacerations, and tissue damage that can lead to infection if not properly treated. More serious attacks may result in nerve damage, muscle tears, or fractures from the force of the bite or the resulting fall.

Many victims also experience scarring or disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face or hands. Beyond the physical harm, dog bites can leave lasting emotional distress and anxiety around animals, making full recovery both a medical and psychological challenge.

How the Dog Bite Claims Process Works

Dog owners can be held financially liable for the harm their canines cause. Before you can pursue compensation, you will need to gather evidence to support your claim. Documenting where the attack took place and the extent of your injuries are both key steps that you’ll need to complete to ensure that your strict liability case leads to fair compensation. Any dispute over dog ownership must be resolved early on.

One source of compensation could be the pet owner’s homeowner’s insurance. Dealing with insurance carriers can be challenging, but a fair settlement could pay for your medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, and other damages that you are owed. If the dog owner or their insurance provider fails to make a fair settlement offer, you can work with an attorney to pursue compensation through the civil court system, either through a settlement or a court verdict.

Challenges You May Face During the Claims Process

Any injury claim can lead to challenges and obstacles. If the at-fault party disputes ownership of the dog, that could require you to collect further evidence to prove otherwise. You may also face false accusations that you provoked the attack or trespassed. If you fail to refute those allegations, your claim to compensation could be greatly diminished.

Taking a case to court can also pose challenges. Court filings must be detailed, legally sound, and backed by evidence. Given the many potential challenges that injured parties can face, seeking legal representation should be one of your top priorities. An attorney can take decisive steps to establish liability before pursuing the full compensation that you are owed.

Compensation You May Be Owed

Following a dog attack, you may be facing many challenges. Medical bills can quickly accrue, even if you have health insurance. Your recovery can result in missed time at work. Lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and other hardships can quickly lead to financial stress.

Compensation may also cover future medical treatment, therapy for emotional trauma, loss of earning capacity, and permanent scarring or disfigurement that affects your quality of life. With representation from an attorney, you can be compensated for the tangible losses you incurred as well as intangible losses like pain and suffering.

Why You Should Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were injured by a dog bite, you have the right to hire a dog bite lawyer to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the full compensation that you are owed. Los Angeles dog bite laws allow you to hold negligent dog owners accountable, but you need evidence to back your claim.

When you hire a dog bite lawyer, you gain the support of an advocate who understands the complexities of the state’s injury laws and how to leverage maximum compensation for your case. An attorney can carefully calculate the total compensation you are owed so you are not left with outstanding bills and financial hardships.

Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can work to secure a settlement that accounts for the full scope of harm you endured. If needed, they can take your claim to court to pursue a fair settlement or trial verdict that financially restores you following a dog attack.

Tips for Finding the Right Dog Bite Lawyer

Finding the right attorney to represent you through your dog bite claim requires careful consideration of several factors. Not all attorneys practice personal injury law. Start by finding reputable lawyers or law firms that primarily focus on injury cases. Then, consider their years of experience and success helping clients secure full and fair compensation.

Come to the initial consultation with questions so you understand their approach to managing claims and whether they are a good fit for your case. An experienced attorney should be able to provide insight into your case by explaining the strengths and potential challenges your claim brings.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite in California?

The average settlement for a dog bite in California can vary considerably. Cases involving severe wounds or permanent disfigurement often result in higher compensation. Settlements may also account for lost income, pain and suffering, and future medical care. Legal representation can play a key role in maximizing the size of a settlement or court verdict, which is why hiring an attorney should be your top priority.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Dog Bite Case?

The cost of legal representation depends on the experience and reputation of the injury lawyer you hire. Lawyers consider the time and resources it takes to manage a case when setting fees. Dog bite cases are often handled on a contingency basis, meaning the lawyer representing the injured party is paid only after securing compensation for their client. This approach to payment favors the injured party since they do not have to worry about legal costs upfront.

What Should I Do After Being Bitten by a Dog in Los Angeles?

Following a dog bite in Los Angeles, you should seek medical attention immediately. Animal attacks can result in infections and other medical complications. Once you’ve received care, report the incident to Los Angeles County Animal Control and document everything by taking photos of your injuries, collecting the dog owner’s information, and gathering witness statements if possible.

These steps will help protect your health and strengthen any future claim for compensation.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect From a Dog Bite Claim?

The amount of compensation you receive from a dog bite claim is largely based on the severity of your injury and the financial setbacks you suffered due to the attack. Factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the need for future treatment can all influence the value of your claim.

More serious injuries or permanent scarring typically result in higher settlement amounts, but only if you have strong representation throughout the claims process.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite Under California Law?

Under California’s strict liability law, the owner of the dog that attacks you is financially liable for the harm the animal causes. Victims do not need to prove negligence. They only need to demonstrate that the bite occurred while they were in a public place or lawfully on private property. This law holds owners accountable and ensures victims can pursue compensation for their injuries.

Secure the Compensation You Are Owed by Contacting Duque & Price Today

A dog bite can be a serious setback for your life, but it doesn’t have to leave you facing financial hardships. With representation from Duque & Price, you can reclaim what was taken from you by entrusting your case to our skilled team of injury lawyers. We understand the unique hardships that can follow a dog bite and are committed to ensuring you are financially restored and receive the compensation you need to rebuild your life and move forward.

We allocate considerable time and resources to these types of cases. We know that our clients come to us during difficult periods in their lives, and we have the experience and legal acumen to hold the negligent pet owner accountable for the injuries you suffered. Our team can help victims explore their options for pursuing fair compensation.

Expect prompt communication and a diligent approach that maximizes the size of your settlement or court verdict. Contact our office today and gain the high-quality representation you deserve.

Serving Los Angels, CA and Nearby Areas

As the largest city in California, Los Angeles, CA, offers a unique blend of world-famous attractions and diverse communities. Surrounded by neighboring cities like Santa Monica, Pasadena, Long Beach, Glendale, and Beverly Hills, it’s a region rich in culture and opportunity. We are committed to helping personal injury victims in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, providing trusted legal guidance when it matters most.

Duque & Price – Los Angeles Office, CA Office

3415 South Sepulveda Blvd,
Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Call: (323) 400-4411