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California Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial damages to their victims. An Advocate can help you recover.

A Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident in Los Angeles, San Diego, or elsewhere in the state of California, it’s time to contact a personal injury attorney.

While not all dog bites cause serious injuries, more severe bites can lead to ongoing pain, emotional distress, and extensive medical bills. You do not have to face these challenges alone.

The dog bite lawyers with The California Advocates are here for you. We are committed to helping dog bite victims recover the financial compensation they deserve after their injuries.

If you’ve been the victim of an animal attack and need an experienced attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates for a free consultation today. We are standing by, ready to help you understand your legal options and get started on your dog bite case.

The Next Steps In Your California Dog Bite Case

Injury

Check for injuries immediately after your accident

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates for legal advice and representation

Treatment

Seek medical care for your injuries

Medical Records

Keep track of all treatment you receive

Finish Treatment

When you’ve completed treatment, your attorney will begin negotiations with the insurance company

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We don’t get paid unless we win your case and you receive a settlement.

For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.

Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case 

For more than 30 years, The Advocates have been helping victims navigate their dog bite cases, and we are ready to do the same for you. We are a capable, compassionate legal team who make it our mission to help our clients with all aspects of their recovery, not just negotiation and litigation.

In addition to providing legal representation, The Advocates are prepared to help you:

  • Access necessary medical treatment
  • Communicate with your employer regarding your injuries
  • Keep track of expenses and paperwork related to your accident

You only pay if we win your case!

Hable con un profesional

California Dog Bite Statistics

California dog attack statistics

  • Every year, an estimated 800,000 people seek medical attention for dog bites nationwide.
  • Per capita, California ranks 30th in the country for dog bite fatalities.
  • According to USPS, California sees the highest numbers of dog bites to mail carriers, with 5 California cities in the top 20.
  • Pit bulls, rottweilers, and German Shepherd Dogs are often assumed to be the most aggressive breeds, and this is not necessarily inaccurate. Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, cocker spaniels, and terriers also make the list, however.
  • Men are more likely to be bitten by a dog than women.

Common dog bite injuries 

A victim of a dog bite may suffer serious injuries after an attack. Some common injuries resulting from dog attacks include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Eye and face injuries
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Bruising and lacerations
  • Tissue and nerve damage

California Dog Bite Laws

Dog walking on a leash

Do dogs have to be on leash in public spaces?

There is no California law that imposes a leash requirement. Rather, cities and counties have jurisdiction over leash laws. It’s important to always know the local laws and ordinances in any area you plan to take your dog. 

Some local laws are listed below for convenience. Always check the city or county website for the most up-to-date information.

Los Angeles County: A dog must be restrained by a substantial leash not exceeding six feet and be in control of a competent person when off the dog owner’s property.

City of San Diego: Dogs must be kept on a leash not to exceed eight feet at all times, except when in a designated off-leash area or when confined in a residence or backyard.

San Francisco: The city has many designated off-leash areas. Outside of these areas and the owner’s property, dogs must be leashed or tethered and the person with the dog must be physically present at all times.

County of Sacramento: No person shall permit a dog to stray from its owner’s private property, except when restrained by a leash no longer than eight feet.

Are dog bites covered by insurance?

Dog bite injuries are typically covered by the dog owner’s renters or homeowners insurance policy. 

This does not necessarily mean that it will be easy to get the at-fault party’s insurance company to cover your medical expenses. Victims of dog bites who have experienced serious injuries should consider contacting a dog bite lawyer. Your attorney can help you understand local dog bite statutes and protect your legal rights.

Angry dog preparing to bite
Woman attempts to jump over railing to trespass

When is a dog owner responsible for a dog bite attack?

California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. Under California Civil Code §3342, the dog owner is responsible when their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place (such as a mail carrier or invited guest).

Whether the dog has a bite history or is known to be a dangerous dog is irrelevant under state law.

If the victim was trespassing on private property, the dog owner is typically not responsible for a bite.

There are a few exceptions to this law, including dogs that are performing military or police work. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine who is liable for your injuries.

What is the statute of limitations for dog bites?

Personal injury cases come with time limits for filing. These limits are known as statutes of limitations. Once the time period has expired, the plaintiff loses their right of action.

In California, the statute of limitations for dog bites is generally two years. It is a good idea to contact a dog bite attorney as soon as you believe you have a case so that they can get started on your claim right away.

Business people discussion
health insurance form

What damages can I seek in my dog bite claim?

Every personal injury case is different. You may be able to seek one or more of the following damages:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages and loss of future earnings
  • Non-economic damages, such as post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of the wrongful death of a family member

If you were injured by a dangerous dog, it is important to report the attack to animal control and seek medical care right away. This can help protect your right to a claim. Then, consider contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer to explore your legal options.

When Should I Hire a California Dog Bite Attorney?

Not every injury requires an accident attorney. If a dog bit you but you did not require medical attention, you may not need a lawyer. However, if the bite led to physical injuries, emotional trauma, missed work, or financial damages, it is a good idea to seek legal representation.

The Advocates personal injury law firm is here for you. Our experienced attorneys are ready to take on your dog bite lawsuit and get you the settlement you deserve. We know firsthand that insurance companies often try to avoid offering just compensation for injury victims. We will build your claim and negotiate with adjusters to get you a fair recovery.

At The Advocates, you and your family are priority number one. We put you first and provide personal care based on your individual needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve an attorney who has your best interests at heart. You deserve an Advocate.