Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney
LA's Trusted Legal Team for Dog Bite Claims
Dog bites can lead to physical harm, emotional distress, and costly medical bills. You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, but having said that, navigating the journey alone will come with its own stress. From dealing with insurance companies to accurately calculating all the damages you’ve incurred from your injury, it’s important to let an experienced attorney do the heavy lifting. So if you’re looking for a dog bite accident lawyer — or simply want to learn more about what these legal pros do — reach out to our team today.
As lovable and friendly as dogs seem, without the proper training and caretaking, man’s best friend can easily become a nightmare in a matter of unprovoked seconds. It is extremely important to seek medical attention right away but also contact a dog bite attorney to ensure all your rights remain protected. If you’ve been a victim of a dog bite or animal that was not properly trained or controlled in California, you are entitled to compensation and our expert California dog bite lawyers can assist you in securing the damages that you’re entitled to.
At Zakaryan Law Group, our qualified California dog bite attorneys understand the complex nature of dog bite cases and know how to fight for your rights every step of the way. We can help you pursue justice while offering the compassionate support you need. To schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case and the types of damages you may have been entitled to, simply call (818) 399-7922 or contact us online today.
The dog bite injury claims process is not simple. You may need a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer experienced in dog bite claims to assist you, especially if you suffered serious injuries. An insurance company may intentionally mishandle your claim to save money on your payout. An attorney can help you in many ways during a dog bite injury claim, including:
- Answering your legal questions
- Investigating your dog bite incident
- Identifying who is at fault
- Helping you prove liability
- Filing an insurance claim on your behalf
- Negotiating with an insurance claims adjuster
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
A dog bite attorney in Los Angeles can make sure that you have everything you need throughout the claims process, including medical care by top doctors and answers to your legal questions. You can rest, relax, and focus on your future while a lawyer handles the legal elements of your claim for you.
It is important to know and teach children the basic rules of interacting with dogs. In general, you should always refrain from approaching or petting strange dogs, especially when the owner is not around. If a dog displays signs of aggression, agitation, or fear—such as growling, bristled hair, stiff posture, or pinned-back ears—stay away. Always ask owners about a dog’s temperament and whether or not it is okay to approach the dog before doing so and remember, even a familiar pet can attack if it feels threatened.
While dog bites and animal attack injuries vary in severity and location, some types of dog bite injuries are more common than others. Any dog bite should be taken seriously and evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper treatment and minimize potential complications.
Dog attacks can be catastrophic, meaning they cause injuries that will impact the victim for life. When some dogs attack, they do not let go. Their teeth, jaws, and claws can cause significant injuries:
Some common types of dog bite injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Injured muscles and ligaments
- Cuts, scrapes, and deeper lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Evisceration
- Degloving
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Nerve damage
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Infections or diseases
- Wrongful death
A dog attack can also cause emotional injuries, such as distress, anguish, a phobia of dogs and post-traumatic stress disorder. Take the first step toward obtaining compensation by contacting Zakaryan Law Group. Seek free legal advice from top-rated personal injury attorney Robert Zakaryan to learn about your legal rights and all the ways in which we will fight to protect them.
Whether or not you can hold a pet owner legally and financially responsible – liable – for your dog bite injuries will depend on the circumstances of your case and the laws in your state. Some states use a strict liability law, where the owner or controller of the dog is liable for injuries and property damage regardless of whether the owner was negligent or had reason to suspect that the dog was capable of biting someone.
Other states use a one-bite rule, which is based on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence refers to an action or omission that a reasonable and prudent pet owner would not have committed in the same or similar circumstances. One-bite states hold that a pet owner will only be liable for a bite injury if the dog had a history of violence and the owner was negligent in preventing a subsequent bite.
California uses a strict liability dog bite statute, where a pet owner can be liable even without proof of negligence. California Civil Code Section 3342 states that the owner of a dog is liable for the damages suffered by a victim who was bitten by the dog while lawfully on private property or in a public place, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or whether the owner knew of such viciousness.
If your injuries were caused by a dog bite and you were lawfully on the property where the attack occurred, the owner or controller of the dog is liable for your injuries. Note, however, that this law generally does not apply to dog bite injuries that occur while a dog is performing police or military work.
If you suffer a dog bite injury in Los Angeles, take the following steps to protect yourself physically and financially:
- Try to remain calm and get to a safe place.
- Exchange information with the pet owner.
- Write down the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the attack.
- Call animal control in Los Angeles to report the dog bite.
- Get immediate medical care for your injuries.
- Write down what happened for your own records while it is still fresh in your mind.
- Document the losses associated with the attack, including your medical bills.
- Call the pet owner’s insurance company to file a claim.
- Do not give the insurance company a recorded statement.
- Talk to a experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney like Zakaryan Law Group about your legal rights before accepting a settlement from an insurance company.
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).
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims after a dog bite injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. Once this time has passed, you will no longer be able to make a claim for compensation. However, California does have a few exceptions that may allow for an extension, such as:
This includes the plaintiff being:
- A Minor
- Out-of-state
- Incarcerated
- Legally Insane
- Incapacitated
With only some exceptions, the courts in California will refuse to hear an injury claim that is filed after the expiration of the statute of limitations. This is why it is important to consult with a experienced dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible after the event. An attorney can quickly go to work on your case to make sure that your lawsuit is filed before the deadline.
Suffering a dog bite can lead to substantial physical, emotional, and mental trauma, all of which can be expensive to manage. At Zakaryan Law Group, we understand the complexity of serious injuries from dog attacks and have built a reputation for providing clients with experienced legal advice throughout California. Victims of dog bites may be eligible to receive substantial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages based on the nature of their losses and the anticipated impact of their injuries on their lives.
When seeking compensation, you may be entitled to the following:
- Medical bills (present and future)
- Missed wages and income-earning opportunities
- Property damage repairs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological anguish
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement or disability
- Lost quality or enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful Death
The value of your dog bite claim will depend on circumstances that are unique to your case. Whether you’ve been injured by a dog or your child has been bitten, our team is prepared to advocate for your rights. Our skilled team of California personal injury attorneys at Zakaryan Law Group specializes in dog bite cases and stands ready to pursue justice on your behalf, helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. We encourage you to call (818) 399-7922 today to schedule your free consultation, obligation-free.
At Zakaryan Law Group, our experienced and compassionate attorneys are prepared to listen to your story, advise you of your next legal steps, and can refer you to specialists in the area for medical and psychological accident-related care. Whether you were injured by a dog, or your child was bitten, our team is ready to fight for justice. There are no attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you.
To learn more about the amount and types of damages available after a dog bite injury, you can seek free legal advice from a top-rated Los Angeles Personal Injury attorney at Zakaryan Law Group. Reach out to us today at (818) 399-7922 to schedule a free consultation with our team and discover how we can assist you through this challenging time.
