Orange County Dog Bite Lawyer

Orange County Dog Bite Attorney

With popular destinations like Central Bark Dog Park and Olive Hills Dog Park, Orange County has ample places for pets to run free and socialize. While the county has many responsible canine owners, dog bites are still an unfortunate occurrence in the area. If you were injured by someone else’s dog, you have the right to pursue compensation with the support of an Orange County dog bite lawyer.

Why Trust Duque & Price

When Orange County residents suffer dog bites due to an owner’s negligence, they turn to Duque & Price for legal guidance and support. Our team of seasoned personal injury lawyers has secured favorable outcomes for our clients in more than 850 cases in the past nine years alone. We understand what’s at stake for you following an animal attack and will take decisive action to hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm they caused.

We understand that cases can pose unique challenges, which is why we begin every injury claim by focusing on the details and assessing potential obstacles. Then, we move forward strategically with a focus on seeing that our clients are fully restored from the physical and emotional harm they suffered. Always expect a responsive staff and client-focused representation from our firm.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?

Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is legally responsible for damages if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property. This includes the dog owner’s property. While some states have a one-bite rule that requires plaintiffs to show that the animal has a history of biting, California can find owners liable even if the dog had no prior behavior perceived as dangerous.

This makes California a strict liability state regarding victims’ right to pursue compensation from negligent parties. There are exceptions for law enforcement or military dogs that are engaged in official duties. These agencies must have a written policy outlining the proper use of service dogs. Suspects bitten while being apprehended on suspicion of committing a crime, for example, do not have a right to seek compensation for law enforcement dog bites.

Understanding Dog Bites in Orange County

Dog bites are a serious concern across California, including in Orange County communities like Irvine, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach. With nearly 40.1% of households in California owning a dog, the potential for accidental or aggressive encounters is significant.

While any dog can bite under stress, breeds such as German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers are more likely to cause serious injuries due to their strength and protective instincts.

San Diego County reports approximately 2,500 dog bites to the California Department of Public Health each year.

Even postal workers face risks. California topped the nation in 2024 with 701 incidents involving mail carriers. Many of these incidents occur in everyday situations, such as feeding, playing, or greeting unfamiliar visitors.

Establishing Fault Following a Dog Bite

Before you can pursue compensation for the harm you endured, you’ll have to establish fault. The process can be more complicated than you may think. To hold a dog owner accountable, you need to gather evidence documenting your injuries and tying the attack to the property owner’s negligence.

Medical records can help demonstrate that you suffered serious injuries. Having witness testimony to support your account of events can also be crucial. Your own account of events can be used to build a claim. If the owner had a history of negligence that led others to be bitten as well, that can also strengthen your claim to compensation.

How California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law Could Affect Your Claim

California’s approach to assigning fault allows multiple parties to share liability. Even when someone is partially at fault for their own injury, they can still pursue compensation. For example, someone who is 40% at fault for causing a car collision could still pursue damages for the remaining 60% of their losses.

This rule, known as pure comparative negligence, ensures that victims are not barred from recovering compensation simply because they share some responsibility. The court or insurance adjuster determines each party’s percentage of fault, and the final award is reduced accordingly. This system encourages fairness and ensures that accountability is proportionate to each person’s role in the incident.

Compensation You May Be Owed

Victims of dog bites in California have the right to pursue compensation for the harm they endured, both physically and emotionally. Following a dog attack, the injured party’s medical bills can add up quickly and require surgery, stitches, and ongoing treatment to prevent infections and scarring.

Compensation can address the cost of these and other medical treatments. If you are unable to return to work while you recover, lost wages can be included in your settlement.

Compensation can also address the emotional harm you endured. An animal attack can be a traumatic experience that leaves you with recurring flashbacks and PTSD. These non-economic damages can be calculated into your settlement or court verdict so you are financially restored for the harm you endured.

Why You Should Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were injured in a dog attack due to the owner’s negligence, your first step should be to hire a dog bite lawyer with experience managing complex dog bite cases. California’s dog bite laws require anyone seeking compensation to back up their claim with evidence.

An Orange County dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, carefully listen to your account of events, and pursue compensation on your behalf. Legal representation can play a critical role in protecting you from false accusations that you played a role in the animal attack, so you receive full compensation for the harm you endured.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Dog Bite?

The cost of a lawyer to handle a dog bite depends on their years of experience, reputation, and the time and resources that they will have to put into a case. Most injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that they are only paid when they secure compensation for clients. Most injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that they are only paid once they win compensation for their client.

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

The average settlement for a dog bite in California varies widely. The courts consider the severity of an injury and the owner’s degree of negligence when awarding verdicts. If the injury is compensated through negotiations with an insurance carrier, the final settlement may depend on your lawyer’s ability to maximize compensation and the insurance company’s cap.

Is It Worth It to File a Claim for a Dog Bite?

If you suffered emotional or physical harm due to a dog bite and the owner’s negligence, it may be well worth pursuing a dog bite claim. If you fail to take formal action against a dog owner, you could lose your right to compensation. A dog bite can lead to serious setbacks that only an injury lawyer can reclaim through strategic negotiations or litigation. When you hire an attorney, your lawyer handles the complexities of your case while you recover.

What Defense Can a Dog Owner Try?

One common defense a dog owner may try to avoid liability for a dog bite is arguing that the plaintiff invited or caused the attack. They may say that the injured victim approached the owner without the owner’s consent or behaved in a way that made the dog feel unsafe. Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rule, any percentage of fault due to the part of the injured party could lead to a reduction of the settlement or court verdict.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is two years from the injury. This deadline applies to most personal injury cases, including those involving animal attacks. If a victim fails to file within this time frame, the court will likely dismiss the case, and the right to pursue compensation will be lost. Consulting a lawyer soon after the incident ensures that all legal deadlines are met under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Orange County

When a dog attack leaves you injured, you need a law firm with proven experience and a hands-on approach. At Duque & Price, we understand how devastating these incidents can be. Our firm has earned a reputation for standing up to negligent pet owners and insurance companies to secure fair compensation.

Over the past nine years, we have closed over 850 cases while consistently achieving favorable outcomes for our clients across Southern California. We limit the number of cases we handle so we can deliver the personal attention and detailed preparation that dog bite claims demand. Contact Duque & Price today to speak with an Orange County dog bite lawyer committed to fighting for your recovery and peace of mind.