Dog Bite Lawyer in Los Angeles
Get the Maximum Compensation for Dog Bites and Injuries
A dog bite can change your life in seconds. Even though dogs are known as “man’s best friend”, they can still cause serious injuries when they become aggressive or act unpredictably. Many victims, especially children, suffer deep wounds, scarring, infections, long-term trauma, and significant financial stress. When a dog bite leaves you injured, emotionally shaken, or facing expensive medical bills, you deserve legal support from a dog bite lawyer Los Angeles residents can trust.
At RA & Associates, we fight for victims who have been bitten, attacked, scratched, pushed, or injured by dangerous or uncontrolled dogs. Our team understands California’s strict dog bite laws and uses them to protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
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Free Consultations Available 24/7
Dog Bites and Injuries: Understanding the Reality
Dog attacks happen more often than most people realize. The numbers show just how serious these incidents can be:
• 4.7 million dog bites occur every year in the U.S. Source
• 750,000 victims require medical care. Source
• Every day, close to 1,000 people receive treatment in emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries caused by dog bites. Source
• There were 98 deadly dog attacks in 2022, the highest number ever reported in a single year. That represents a 104% jump from 2019 (48 deaths) and a 180% increase compared to 2018 (35 deaths). Source
• In 2024, homeowners insurance companies paid an estimated $1.56 billion in liability claims stemming from dog bites and other dog-related injuries. Source
These statistics highlight how dangerous dog attacks can be. When a dog bites or injures someone, the physical and emotional impact can last for years. Scars, nerve damage, infections, and trauma are all common, yet preventable. harms.
If you or someone you love has been injured, a dog bite attorney in Los Angeles from RA & Associates is ready to help you take action immediately.
California’s Dog Bite Law: What Victims Need to Know
Every state handles dog bite cases differently. Some states require victims to prove negligence. Others limit responsibility depending on whether the dog had a known history of aggression. California is different.
California Is a Strict Liability State
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are automatically responsible for damages when:
- Their dog bites someone.
- The victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place.
This means:
- You DO NOT have to prove the owner did something wrong
- You DO NOT have to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous
- You DO NOT need to prove negligence
- You only need to show that a bite occurred and you were lawfully present
For dog bite victims, this law makes the process clearer and more direct.
A Los Angeles dog bite attorney at RA & Associates can guide you through the entire claim and help you understand exactly how strict liability works in your situation.
When Strict Liability Does Not Apply
California’s dog bite statute only applies to injuries caused by a bite, not by other forms of contact. For example:
- If a dog jumps on you and knocks you down
- If a dog scratches you and causes injury
- If a dog chases you, causing you to fall
- If a dog causes harm without actually biting you
These cases still qualify for compensation, but they fall under negligence rather than strict liability. In these situations, your dog bite injury attorney will argue that the owner failed to act reasonably by:
- Not controlling the dog
- Not using a leash
- Ignoring signs of aggressive behavior
- Allowing the dog to roam freely
- Failing to secure the dog on private property
RA & Associates handles both types of claims: strict liability cases and negligence-based dog injury cases.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in California
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit for a dog bite in California.
If you miss the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, even if your injuries are severe. Acting quickly is essential, especially because evidence like photos, medical records, and witness statements are easier to gather early.
A dog bite attorney near you will ensure your case is filed on time and handled correctly.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, many of which require long-term care. Some of the most common include:
- Deep Puncture Wounds
- Torn Skin or Muscle
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Facial Injuries
- Severe Infections
- Eye Injuries
- Broken Bones (From Falls or Force)
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD
- Permanent Disability in Serious Cases
Children are especially vulnerable due to their height and inability to defend themselves. Many attacks leave emotional scars that take far longer to heal than physical injuries.
Who Is Liable in a Dog Bite Case?
In most California dog bite cases, the dog’s owner is the primary party responsible for the attack. Because California follows strict liability, owners are usually accountable even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
But the owner isn’t always the only one who may be liable. Depending on where the attack happened and who had control of the dog, additional parties may also share responsibility, including:
- Landlords: If they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to act, they may be held liable for allowing the risk to exist on their property.
- Property Managers: If they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to act, they may be held liable for allowing the risk to exist on their property.
- Dog Sitters, Walkers, or Handlers: Whoever had control of the dog at the time of the attack can be liable if they failed to restrain the animal or were careless.
- Businesses That Allow Dogs: Stores, groomers, kennels, daycare centers, and other businesses may be responsible if the attack occurred on their premises under their supervision.
Dog bite cases often have more than one liable party, which can increase the amount of available compensation.
RA & Associates examines every detail of the attack: where it happened, who controlled the dog, and who knew about any risks, to identify all responsible parties and pursue the maximum recovery for your injuries.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, follow these steps:
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Dog bites can cause infection quickly. Medical documentation is also essential for your case.
Take Photos of Your Injuries and the Area
Photographs help show the bite marks, swelling, location, and any leash or fence failures.
Get the Dog Owner’s Information
Name, address, and insurance details are critical.
Report the Attack
Notify animal control or your local police department.
Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies
They may try to reduce or deny your claim.
Call a Dog Bite Lawyer in Los Angeles
RA & Associates will protect your rights and build a strong case from day one.
Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
A dog bite injury lawyer near you at RA & Associates can help you pursue compensation for:
- Emergency treatment and hospital bills
- Surgeries and follow-up care
- Infection treatment
- Physical therapy
- Scar revision and reconstructive surgery
- Lost income and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Long-term disability
Dog bite cases often involve higher damages when victims suffer scarring, disfigurement, or permanent injuries.
Why Choose RA & Associates for Your Dog Bite Case
Dog bite cases can be emotional, overwhelming, and legally complex. We take on the burden for you by:
- Handling all communication with insurers
- Investigating the attack
- Gathering medical evidence
- Proving liability
- Negotiating aggressively
- Preparing your case for trial if needed
We fight to ensure dog owners are held responsible and victims receive the care and compensation they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Yes. Because California is a strict liability state, the dog owner is responsible even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. Unlike other states, California does not require proof of previous bites or dangerous behavior. If the dog bit you while you were lawfully present, you likely have a valid claim.
What if I was bitten on private property?
You can still pursue compensation as long as you were “lawfully present”. This includes delivery drivers, postal workers, contractors, visitors, and guests. Trespassing usually creates exceptions, but many victims qualify under California’s dog bite laws.
What if the dog didn’t bite me but still injured me?
In this case, strict liability may not apply, but you can still pursue a negligence claim. If the dog knocked you over, scratched you, or caused injury without biting, the owner may still be responsible for failing to control the dog properly.
Can children recover compensation for dog bites?
Absolutely. Children make up nearly half of all dog bite victims, and they often suffer more serious injuries. Compensation may include medical treatment, scar revision, counseling, and long-term care. RA & Associates handles child injury claims with care and sensitivity.
How long do dog bite cases take to resolve?
Every case is different. Some claims settle in a few months, while others take longer if surgery, long-term treatment, or disputes over liability exist. Your attorney will update you throughout the process and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
If a dog bite has left you injured, scared, or unsure where to turn, you don’t have to handle this alone. RA & Associates is here to guide you through every step and fight for your recovery.
Our team is ready to stand by your side with the support of an experienced dog bite lawyer whom Los Angeles victims rely on.
Do You Have A Case?
In less than five minutes we can provide a Free Case Evaluation over the phone. Call now at 888-417-1080, or fill out the form below.
Our Locations
Los Angeles
- 888-417-1080
- 700 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 900, Glendale, CA 91203
San Diego
- 858-939-0151
- 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Rio Vista Tower, 8th Floor, San Diego, CA 92108
Orange County
- 562-800-0088
- 2030 Main Street, Suite 1300, Irvine, CA 92614
Riverside
- 951-266-5454
- 7121 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
San Bernardino
- 909-361-6099
- 473 E. Carnegie Drive, Suite #200, San Bernardino, CA 9240