Can You Sue for Compensation After a Dog Bite? Legal Options Explained

Dogs are man’s best friend, until they aren’t. Animal attacks often cause serious injuries before, during, and after a bite.

Many large dogs (typical aggressive animals) are considerably bigger than most small children (typical attack victims). As a result, the knockdown often causes head injuries, broken bones, and other such injuries. Then, when dogs bite, their teeth cause deep puncture wounds as well as severe tearing lacerations. Finally, dog bite injuries have very high infection rates.

Largely for these reasons, dog bite-related medical bills drive up the settlement value of these cases. The average dog bite settlement has doubled over the past decade.

So, you can sue for compensation after a dog bite, and the compensation is often high. But insurance companies don’t give this money away. A Los Angeles dog bite lawyer must thoroughly review a case, diligently collect evidence, and tirelessly advocate for victims. California law, which provides strong protections for dog bite victims, often takes care of the rest.

How Does California’s Strict Liability Law Work for Dog Bites?

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer doesn’t need to prove that the dog owner knew the animal was dangerous, if the bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property.

A public place is usually a publicly-accessible place. Veterinary clinics and dog hotels are technically private places, but for purposes of the strict liability law, they’re public places. Usually, small children are lawfully on private property, even if they sneak into a backyard without the owner’s permission or knowledge.

Furthermore, the strict liability rule doesn’t apply if the victim provoked the animal. Pet owners usually broadly interpret “provocation” to include things like loud noises, fast movements, and other unintentionally provocative acts. California law, however, defines the P word very narrowly. In fact, to a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer, provoking an animal is almost like torturing an animal.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Animal attack victims in California may be entitled to several types of financial compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, etc.),
• Lost wages, if the injury affects your ability to work,
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress,
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially in visible areas, and
• Future medical costs for ongoing treatment.

In severe cases, victims may also pursue damages for long-term disability or psychological trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress. Dog bite Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is especially common among children.

What Other Legal Claims Can You File After a Dog Bite?

Sometimes, the strict liability law is so broad that it alienates pet owner jurors. In these cases, other legal options are available:

• Negligence: This legal theory often applies to non-owner animal custodians. For example, the aforementioned dog hotel is negligent if its employees don’t properly control dangerous animals. Daycare teachers are likewise negligent if they allow children to play near strange dogs.
• Scienter (Knowledge): If the owner knew the animal was potentially dangerous and didn’t properly control the dog, the owner could be liable for damages. Evidence of knowledge includes pre-bite behavior, like aggressive growling and baring of teeth, as well as prior attacks against other animals or people.
• Negligence Per Se: State and local laws include a variety of fence laws, leash laws, and other animal restraint laws. If an owner violates one of these safety laws, and that violation substantially causes injury, the owner could be liable for damages as a matter of law.

Infections from dog bites are a different kind of third-party claim. Usually, a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer must file a separate action against the doctor, hospital, or clinic to obtain compensation for these injuries.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking immediate action helps a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer obtain maximum compensation in court.

• Seek medical attention right away to prevent infection,
• Identify the dog and its owner, if possible,
• Document your injuries with photos and medical records,
• Collect witness information if anyone saw the attack, and
• Report the incident to local animal control or authorities.

That last step may be the most important one. Usually, officials only prepare reports if someone reports the incident. An official report is often critical evidence in a dog bite or other personal injury claim.

What Happens If the Dog Owner Has No Insurance?

Many dog bite victims assume that if the owner has no insurance, there is nothing to recover. That is not always the case.

Can You Still Sue a Dog Owner Who Has No Insurance?

Yes. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the owner directly. If the court rules in your favor, the owner is legally required to pay damages out of pocket.

Does Homeowner or Renter’s Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Often yes. Many dog owners carry homeowner’s or renter’s insurance without realizing it covers dog bite liability. This is frequently the primary source of compensation even when owners claim they have no coverage.

Can a Third Party Be Held Liable Instead?

If the bite occurred at a rental property, daycare, or dog hotel, the property owner or business may share liability regardless of the dog owner’s insurance status.

No fees unless we win. The Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim handles dog bite cases on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Call 1-800-529-8255 for a free consultation today.

Ready to File a Dog Bite Claim in Los Angeles?

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. California’s strict liability law is on your side, but insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize what you recover.

The Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim has spent over 30 years fighting for injury victims across Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Joaquin Valley. With over $100,000,000 recovered in verdicts and settlements, the firm knows what it takes to win.

You pay nothing unless we win your case. Call 1-800-529-8255 today or schedule your free consultation online. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.