California Dog Bite Attorney

Dog attack incidents are often distressing and violent events. According to statistics, California is one of the leading states in dog attacks and dog bite injuries. If you’ve been a victim of a dog bite in California, you are entitled to compensation and our California dog bite lawyers can assist you in securing the damages that you’re entitled to.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our qualified attorneys are readily available to offer legal assistance to victims of personal injury. We have over 20 years of legal experience in handling personal injury cases. With our track record of winning more than $1.7 billion in settlements for our clients.

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Why Choose WCTL for Your Dog Bite Case?

For California dog bite victims, hiring the right legal team is critical. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, you’ll work directly with real, in-person California attorneys, many of whom graduated from Harvard and are nationally recognized legal analysts. We don’t outsource your case, inflate our fees mid-case, or charge hidden costs—and we handle property damage for free. With a track record of representing high profile clients and thousands of other Californians, we have the trial experience and expertise to secure the compensation you deserve.

California Dog Bite Law

California does not practice the one bite rule but instead has a strict liability statute regarding dog bite attacks. This means that the dog’s owner is responsible for covering the victim’s medical expenses and any related damages, regardless of whether the owner was aware of the dog’s potential for aggression.

There are only a few exceptions to California dog bite laws, such as:

• If the dog bite attack was provoked by trespassing or unlawful entry.
• If the dog is a service animal, in which case they are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This protection does not apply to emotional support dogs, however.
• If the victim was previously taunting or purposely upsetting the dog prior to the attack.
• If the dog was performing military duty or law enforcement work at the time of bite.

California dog bite law only applies the strict liability statute to dog bites and not just any attack or accident involving a dog. If a victim has sustained injuries from a dog in another way, they may be able to sue the owner for negligence instead.

Dog Bite Levels in California

The Dunbar bite scale created by notable veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar, takes into consideration the dog’s behavior and severity of dog bites and categorizes this into 6 levels. This scale is used by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and is also used by attorneys to determine the severity of a dog bite. 

• Level 1: The dog is behaving obnoxiously or aggressively but does not make any skin contact with its teeth. No medical attention is required here.  
• Level 2: The dog makes skin contact with its teeth but does not puncture the skin. There may be a slight graze or slight visible blood, but no medical attention is needed. 
• Level 3: A single bite with one to four punctures from the teeth, creating a shallow wound. 
• Level 4: A single bite with one to four punctures from the teeth, creating a deep wound. These wounds may require stitches.
• Level 5: A multiple bite incident resulting in deep wounds. These wounds may cause severe bleeding and cause the victim to suffer permanent scarring. 
• Level 6: The attack leaves the victim dead.

The APDT recognizes that dogs classified as Level 4 or Level 5 biters, have the potential to be rehabilitated to promote behavioral change. However, dogs that cannot be rehabilitated and carry out severe attacks are advised to be euthanized.

Understanding Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim

As a dog bite victim, it’s essential to understand your rights and the laws that protect you. In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or not. This means that if you’re bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

It’s also important to note that dog bite victims have the right to seek medical attention immediately after the incident. If you’re bitten by a dog, you should seek medical attention right away, even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites can cause serious infections and other complications, so it’s crucial to get medical help as soon as possible.

The Importance of Finding a Local Car Accident Lawyer in California

When you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, hiring a local attorney can make all the difference in navigating your case effectively. As local lawyers understand the specific laws, regulations, and court systems in your area, they can give you an edge when it comes to building a strong case. In addition to their legal knowledge, local attorneys often have connections with local experts, investigators, and resources that can be crucial to your claim.

Here are some other benefits you can get of working with a local dog bite lawyer:

• In-depth knowledge of local laws: Each city in California has its own nuances when it comes to handling dog bites. 
• Familiarity with local courts and judges: A local attorney knows the preferences and tendencies of judges and other legal professionals in the area.
• Accessibility and personalized service: Meeting your attorney in person can provide peace of mind and foster clear communication throughout the process.

If you’re looking for an experienced local dog bite lawyer, we proudly serve clients in cities across California. Explore the links below to find help in your area:

• Los Angeles
• Irvine
• San Bernardino
• Long Beach
• San Francisco
• Newport Beach
• Woodland Hills
• Sacramento
• Beverly Hills
• Pasadena
• Solana Beach
• San Jose
• Bakersfield
• Riverside
• Fresno
• Glendora
• San Diego
• Valencia
• Santa Ana
• Fullerton
• Visalia
• West Covina
• Palm Springs

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Being bitten by a dog can result in some of the most traumatic injuries, ranging from minor cuts to major puncture wounds and a lot of blood. The dog owner is not just liable for directly inflicting injuries on the victim, but also any injuries sustained while trying to escape or defend themselves. 

 Some common types of dog bite injuries are: 

• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Contusions
• Puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Infections
• Rabies 

Risk of Infection From a Dog Bite

To some people’s surprise, dog bites come with a risk of infection caused by several different strains of bacteria. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), 15 to 20 percent of dog bite wounds become infected. The most common bacteria found in dog bite infections are: 

• Staphylococcus species
• Streptococcus species
• Eikenella species
• Pasteurella species
• Proteus species
• Klebsiella species
• Haemophilus species
• Enterobacter species
• DF-2 or Capnocytophaga canimorsus
• Bacteroides species
• Moraxella species
• Corynebacterium species
• Neisseria species
• Fusobacterium species
• Prevotella species
• Porphyromonas species

Risk of infection from a dog bite increases depending on the severity of the bite–where it’s located and how deep it is. However, the risk of infection from a dog bite is also higher if the victim has a weak immune system. 

What to Do After a Dog Bite in California

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in California, there are a series of important steps you must take as follows:

1. You must obtain immediate medical attention if your injuries are severe. Even if your injuries are not severe, you should still seek medical attention in case your symptoms are not obvious.
2. Ensure to collect contact information of the owner or handler of the dog. If there are no visible owners present, take pictures of the dog and the area the incident happened and collect contact information for all witnesses present.
3. Call the police or local authorities.
4. File a report with your local animal control organization.
5. Call an experienced law firm that specializes in California dog bite cases like West Coast Trial Lawyers.

It is crucial to understand the potential compensation available through a dog bite claim. Consulting with an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of such claims and contest any liability defenses the dog owner may raise. All biting dogs or dogs that are suspected of having rabies, must be reported to the local health officer according to California Code of Regulations Title 177, § 2606(a).

What Types of Damages are Available to Dog Bite Victims?

Getting bit by a dog can come with a lot of physical, emotional and mental trauma, all of which are not cheap to deal with. After a canine bite attack in California, you will most certainly be able to recover any lost damages due to your injuries. Dog bite victims can request compensation for a number of damages such as: 

• Medical expenses
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement/Disability
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Punitive damages
• Physical therapy 
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in California

After being bitten by a dog, you may be wondering just how much of a settlement you are entitled to receive. Well, the amount of compensation you can receive changes based on what location the accident occurred in. 

If you were bitten by a dog in California, the calculation of your compensation will be based on a couple of important factors such as:

• Severity of the injuries you sustained
• How much the injuries have affected your quality of life
• How much medical treatment was received and other rehabilitation factors.

California law also sometimes punishes the dog owner due to their negligence or if the dog bite was as a clear result of their lack of attention. This allows for what is called punitive damages to be recovered by the victim of the dog bite. 

There is no specific monetary amount for dog bite settlement cases, but the average dog bite settlement amount in California ranges anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000.

Can I File a Lawsuit if Another Dog Bites My Dog?

Dog bite attacks on other dogs are one of the most common causes for emergency visits to the vet. As dogs are classified as personal property in California, if a  situation arises where a dog has attacked another dog, the incident is not considered as a personal injury case. Instead, you may likely be able to file a property damage lawsuit against the owner of the dog and reclaim the medical expenses of your dog’s treatment. 

After assessing the injury of your dog and getting your pet the veterinarian care they may need, remember to document the event and then prioritize speaking with a lawyer. You may not need to file a lawsuit if the owner accepts responsibility and decides to settle out of court. A dog bite lawyer will be able to help you determine what the best course of action to take is. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

There is a statute of limitations for filing any personal injury case in California, including dog bite injury cases. If you have been bitten by a dog and would like to file a dog bite injury claim against the dog owner, you must keep in mind that the time limit to do so in California is 2 years. While two years may make you feel like you have all the time in the world to make such a decision, be aware that the process of filing a dog bite injury claim and recovering necessary damages can get tedious and complicated. 

This is why it is advised to speak and consult with an expert California dog bite lawyer who will be able to ensure the seamless and timely process of a California dog bite lawsuit. Keep in mind that if the lawsuit is not filed within the 2-year allotted time period, you may lose the right to recover your losses. This means your deadline begins on the day of your dog bite incident except the victim is a minor, in which case the statute of limitations may be extended until they turn 18.

Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s highly recommended that you hire a dog bite lawyer to represent you. A dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Some of the benefits of hiring a dog bite lawyer include:

• Expert knowledge of dog bite laws and regulations
• Ability to negotiate with insurance companies and dog owners to secure fair compensation
• Experience in handling dog bite cases and achieving successful outcomes
• Ability to provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process
• Contingency fee arrangement, which means you don’t pay unless you win your case

By hiring a dog bite lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Injured by a Dog in California? Call West Coast Trial Lawyers Today

If you’ve been bitten by a dog or injured by someone else’s negligence in California, you deserve justice. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our dedicated California dog bite attorneys will fight aggressively to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. As a result of our dedication, we have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to ensure their rights are protected. Don’t face the aftermath of a dog bite alone—let us stand up for your rights.

Contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring, and compassionate legal team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims

Will The Dog That Bit Me Be Quarantined?

If you have been bitten by a dog in California and you’re wondering if the dog will potentially be put away or quarantined, the answer is yes. Legally, all dog bites are required to be reported and the dog has to be quarantined for no less than 10 days to determine whether it is exhibiting signs of a rabies infection or not.

The dog can either be quarantined in the owner’s home if it is determined low risk or quarantined in an animal shelter or veterinarian’s office if considered high risk. If after 10 days it is determined that the dog is indeed showing signs of rabies, it may be euthanized to protect the public from the deadly virus. 

When Should I File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

Generally, it is recommended to file a dog bite lawsuit as soon as possible, because California’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. Should a dog bite victim file a claim after two years, the statute of limitations takes into effect and the case will be immediately dismissed in court. 

Can You Sue for a Minor Dog Bite in California?

Even if the dog bite seems minor, you can definitely still sue for any injuries you have sustained. Due to California’s strict liability dog bite rules, all dog owners in California are liable for all damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This means that whether the bite is considered major or minor, the dog owner is still liable for the bite and you the victim can sue for damages.