Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bite accidents are one of the top accidents that are least thought of in the city of Los Angeles. This is a shock, especially considering that almost everyone has a dog in Los Angeles. Dog bite accidents could be very brutal, especially if a minor or older adult has been a victim of a dog bite. Injuries could rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills. These bills could be compensated for. Having a trusted Los Angeles dog bite attorney on your side will help ease the process when filing a lawsuit for dog bites injuries.

Dog bites could be very complex, especially in Los Angeles when it might be difficult to track down the owner of the dog. It can be even more difficult when looking at the different laws that Los Angeles has in place when it comes to dog bites and a dog’s dangerous history.

Can I Get Compensation for a Dog Bite?

In California, you can get compensated if you have been injured by another person’s dog. This goes for both dog bites and dog attacks. If you can prove that you have suffered damages, which includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, you will be able to recover compensation for those injuries. However, the amount of damages you could recover could differ depending on your attorney. For example, if you have a highly experienced Los Angeles dog attack attorney on your side, you most likely will have a stronger case when going up against insurance companies and / or defendants.

How Much Is a Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth in California?

It could be very difficult to determine how much a dog bite lawsuit is worth in California given that each circumstance is different from one another. However, an average dog bite could lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills. Reasons for this may be because the victim may need surgery, or antibiotics to prevent an infection. If the bite leaves scarring, then the victim may also need reconstruction surgery depending on the scarring and disfigurement severity.

Why Do Dog Bites Happen?

Dog bites could happen because of a variety of instances. It is usually difficult to determine how a dog is thinking and feeling at the time biting, but there are some common instances that have led to severe dog bites. Below are some examples of how a dog may be feeling at the time of biting another.

• A dog gets very protective, and will always want to protect themselves, their owner, or their puppies. They engage in very aggressive behavior when they feel as though someone is going to hurt their loved ones.
• A dog could end up biting another when they want to be left alone if they are not feeling well. Usually, a dog in pain isolates themselves away from others so they are not seen. Someone who reaches down to pet the dog during this time could get bitten.
• A dog likes to engage in play fighting. During play fighting, they could end up scratching or biting their owners with no intention to bring about harm.
• When a new person enters the dog’s territory, the dog could feel intimidated, especially if the dog detects a scent they are not familiar with.
• A dog always likes to be aware of their surroundings, and is always on high alert. If a dog is placed in an environment they are not familiar with, they could resort to biting behavior.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

It is important to seek medical attention immediately after being bitten by a dog. The dog’s bite could end up piercing several layers of the skin and could leave the skin open to getting an infection. If someone who was bitten by a dog neglects to get medical attention, they will most likely be unsuccessful in their efforts in filing a lawsuit against the dog owner since they contributed in the aggravation of their injuries.

California Dog Bite Statistics

• Over 4,500,000 dog bites occur annually across the United States with hundreds of thousands requiring hospital care.
• Nearly 50% of dog bite victims are young kids.
• California sees some of the most dog attacks out of any state in the country and has seen the second most dog bite fatalities in America over the past 15 years.
• California is the national leader in the number of dog bite claims per year and sees the highest average payout per case.
• Los Angeles is regularly one of the top cities in America for the most dog attacks on postmen per year.
• In the last 15 years, Pit bulls have caused the majority of dog bite fatalities in the United States with Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Mixed-breeds, and American bulldogs being the next most deadly breeds.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

A dog bite (dog attack) can result in severe personal injuries that can require a visit to the hospital.  Around 15%-25% of the people bitten by a dog require medical attention for their injuries. Any dog, any breed could bite a person once they are threatened or stressed.

A few examples of different types of dog bite injuries include:

• Facial Dog Bite
• Skin Punctures, Lacerations, Abrasions
• Bruises, Contusions
• Infection
• Broken Bones
• Disfigurement
• Trauma (Psychological and Emotional)
• Child Dog Bite
• Permanent Disability
• Death

It costs a victim an average of $18,000 per hospital stay as the result of a dog bite in America. There are also tens of thousands of victims who undergo reconstructive surgery after receiving a bite. Children and older adults are more likely to suffer severe injuries from a dog bite. Dog bites are also more likely to occur at home in known environments. Usually, a dog bite would occur at home when a dog feels threatened by someone new in their familiar place. When someone places their hand closer to pet the dog, the dog then bites their hand. Children are usually bitten at or near their faces because of their abrupt movement after an accident.

Los Angeles Dog Bite Laws

In the United States, each state has a different way of approaching dog bite laws. It is very important that you have a Los Angeles dog bite attorney that is well aware of all these different types of laws, especially since it is always changing and getting updated.

Generally, in Los Angeles, a dog’s owner is responsible for their dog’s bites or attacks. This means that an owner is responsible for damages for any injuries their dog has caused. In California, it does not matter whether the dog had a dangerous history. For example, in other states, a dog must have a dangerous history in order for the dog owner to be held responsible. In California, there is strict liability. Strict liability means that the dog owner is liable for damages if:

• Their dog’s bite cause injuries
• The dog bite occurred in a public or private area

This is mostly spelled out in detail through California Civil Code Section 3342.

Who is Responsible for My Dog Bite Lawsuit in Los Angeles?

Many may originally think of the owner when they file a lawsuit against the dog bite owner for a dog bite injury. But there could also be other defendants responsible depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, if you were bitten by a dog while the dog was at the shelter, then the shelter will most likely be held liable. You could also hold the landlord of a property responsible for a dog bite if the landlord was aware that the dog was on their property, and yet permitted the tenant to have the dog.

What if I Was Trespassing?

If you were trespassing when a dog bit you, then you are not able to get compensated for your injuries. A trespasser is considered to be one who entered another property unlawfully, meaning without permission.

What if I Was Bitten by a Police Dog in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, there are specific laws that do not allow compensation for one who has been bitten by a police dog. Reasons for this may be because the police dog was acting within the capacity of their duties and responsibilities.

What if I Was Also Liable for My Dog Bite in Los Angeles?

If you were also liable for your injuries, then this does not necessarily mean you will not be able to recover anything. The amount you will be able to recover will simply be deducted based on your liability. For example, a common defense mechanism that other parties raise is that the victim put themselves in such a risky situation. For example, if the dog was growling prior to you petting it, yet you approach the dog and continue to pet it anyways, you could be held responsible somewhat for the injuries you have sustained.

The good news is that in Los Angeles, this does not mean that you will not be able to get any compensation. The compensation simply will be reduced. But, to determine how much compensation will be reduced, it takes a highly experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney to look into the circumstances and investigate the dog bite accident themself. 

When Should I File My Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawsuit?

If you have been injured by a dog in Los Angeles, you have two years from the date of the incident to file your lawsuit. But keep in mind that time passes by very quickly, and so we recommend that you contact us as soon as possible after you have been involved in such a life-changing experience.

Will a Dog be Put Down for Biting in California?

A dog will only be put down in certain circumstances. If a dog has bitten two people in the past, then their third bite will most likely be the time they will be euthanized. If the dog also has a dangerous history, for example, they were raised to attack, then they will also be put down. 

Do Dog Bites Need to be Reported in California?

In California, both the dog owner and the victim of the dog bite have the responsibility of reporting the dog bite to the health department. This is simply for health and safety reasons, and to prevent another attack from the dog in the future. Even if you have not sustained any injuries from the dog bite, the bite should still be reported. 

What Type of Dogs Bite the Most in Los Angeles?

The most common dog breeds that are mentioned in dog bite attacks and bites in Los Angeles are:

• Rottweiler
• Pit bull
• Bulldog
• Husky
• German Shepherd
• Labrador
• Boxer

During our free no risk consultation, we will determine how these elements are met in your specific case. Our dog bite attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of dog bites, especially in the Los Angeles area.  We understand that victims could be dealing with a lot of trauma after a dog bite, and we’ll work on going through the legal hurdles for you while you focus on healing from your injuries.

Contact an Experienced Team of Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorneys

Contact our Los Angeles dog bite attorneys today for more information, and to determine exactly what type of damages you could recover for your injuries. We know that a dog bite incident could put your life on pause. We are here for you every step of the way to make sure that you get the care you deserve. We serve all of the surrounding areas in Los Angeles, including Long Beach, Glendale, Burbank, Malibu, San Gabriel, Arcadia, Riverside, etc.