Southern California Dog Bite Lawyer

Southern California Dog Bite Attorney

Destinations like Olive Hills Dog Park in Anaheim and Sepulveda Basin Off‑Leash Dog Park in Encino make Southern California an ideal place to be a dog owner. While most owners restrain their pets when necessary, dog attacks remain a public safety concern in the region. If you were attacked by someone else’s canine, you may be eligible for compensation when you hire a Southern California dog bite lawyer.

A Trusted Injury Firm Serving Southern California

At Duque & Price, we understand that a dog bite can leave you facing physical pain and financial hardships. Our lawyers focus on injury law and seeing that our clients reclaim what was taken from them. When you work with our team of attorneys, you gain the support of a formidable ally who understands what it takes to hold negligent dog owners accountable for allowing their pets to injure others.

We understand that our clients come to us during difficult moments in their lives seeking support and solutions. Our dedicated staff has managed over 850 claims in the past nine years alone and secured favorable outcomes for the men and women we represent. We are available 24 hours a day and respond to phone calls, text messages, and email. Trust our firm to deliver results-driven representation when it matters most.

Understanding Dog Bites in Southern California

Dog bites are a serious concern throughout Southern California, including in communities like Anaheim Hills, West Covina, and Long Beach. With an estimated 40.1% of California households owning a dog, these incidents can occur more often than many realize.

Data from the California Department of Public Health shows that San Diego County reports about 2,500 dog bites each year. In 2024, California also led the nation in dog-bite attacks on mail carriers, with 701 incidents reported.

The injuries resulting from dog bites can range from puncture wounds and deep lacerations to nerve damage, broken bones, and severe infections that require emergency medical care. Victims often seek treatment at facilities like Anaheim Regional Medical Center, located at 1111 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801.

Establishing Fault Following a Dog Bite

Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs. While some states require a pattern of causing harm to people before legal action can be taken, California allows injured victims to pursue compensation from canine owners, even when the animal shows no prior signs of aggression.

California follows a strict liability rule in these cases, meaning the victim only has to demonstrate that they were lawfully present in the area at the time of the attack. The claim, therefore, does not require proof that the dog owner instigated the attack. Establishing fault still requires evidence, and dog owners may challenge liability cases by arguing the facts of the case.

Potential Challenges You May Face

Pursuing compensation following a dog bite can lead to unexpected challenges. Homeowner’s insurance companies are in the business of making profits, and you may be surprised to learn that they can actively take steps to reduce what you are owed. They may dispute your claim or seek to minimize what you are owed. If you do not clearly demonstrate liability and measurable harm, your settlement may not reflect the full scope of the losses you incurred.

You may also run into hurdles when collecting evidence. Gathering witness statements, returning to photograph the property, and requesting medical records can be time-consuming. To protect your claim to compensation, you’ll need to connect the dog bite to your injury and show that you suffered measurable harm.

During the process, disputes may arise from the insurance company or the pet owner, and you may even face false accusations that you contributed to the injury. For these and other reasons, many defendants rely on an injury lawyer to help them navigate the complexities of their cases.

Compensation You May Be Owed

Following a dog attack in Southern California, you may be faced with many challenges. The initial attack can lead to lacerations and other injuries that require urgent care. An unexpected trip to the emergency room can be financially costly, even if you have health insurance. Ongoing treatment costs and the temporary or long-term loss of mobility can lead to missed work time or reduced earning capacity.

Beyond the physical and financial setbacks, you can be left contending with the psychological damage of an attack. Seeing dogs could trigger flashbacks, and daily life can become harder with the onset of anxiety attacks and PTSD. With legal representation, you can be financially restored for these and other setbacks. Economic damages can account for the tangible losses you suffered, while non-economic compensation can account for pain and suffering.

Why You Should Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were injured due to a dog attack, you have the right to hire a dog bite lawyer to represent you through the injury claims process. Southern California dog bite laws require claimants to gather evidence to support their case, including detailed medical records that document the physical harm they suffered.

Dog bite cases can be complicated and involve accusations that you instigated the attack or were not invited onto the property. When you work with a dog bite attorney, you benefit from their years of experience handling complex cases with precision and a focus on the rights and interests of clients.

An attorney can manage negotiations and gather evidence while you focus on recovering. Their support can prove pivotal as you pursue justice and accountability following a dog bite.

FAQs

How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth in California?

The value of a dog bite settlement case depends on how serious the injury is, the cost of medical treatment, and how clearly the owner’s negligence can be proven. Some cases settle quickly through insurance negotiations, while others require stronger evidence and legal pressure to secure fair compensation. Your lawyer’s skill can make a major difference in how much you recover.

How Do I Prove My Dog Bite Case?

You can prove your dog bite case by gathering evidence to show that a dog caused you bodily harm, which led to other setbacks. Tying the incident to the dog owner can be challenging if you do not have legal representation. An attorney can play a crucial role in holding the pet owner accountable for failing to restrain their dog. If you are falsely accused of trespassing or causing the attack, a lawyer can defend you.

Is Filing a Dog Bite Claim Really Worth It?

Yes, if a dog bite caused you pain, medical bills, or emotional trauma, filing a claim is often the only way to recover what you’ve lost. Ignoring the financial setbacks won’t make them go away. A claim gives you a legal path to hold the owner responsible and secure financial relief for your injuries. Acting quickly matters because waiting too long can cost you your right to compensation.

What Arguments Can a Dog Owner Make to Avoid Paying?

Dog owners often try to shift the blame in a bid to avoid liability. They might say you provoked the dog, ignored a warning, or entered their property without permission. California’s pure comparative negligence rule means any shared fault on your part can lower the value of your settlement or eventual court verdict.

That’s why you can fight false accusations by collecting evidence showing the attack happened because the owner failed to control their animal.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After a Dog Bite in California?

You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file your claim under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Miss that deadline, and your case is over before it starts. If the bite happened on government property, you may have just six months to file a notice of claim. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances of meeting every legal deadline and protecting your right to compensation.

Contact a Southern California Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Dog bite injuries can leave lasting physical scars and emotional trauma that affect every part of your life. When another person’s negligence causes these injuries, you deserve justice and financial recovery. A skilled Southern California dog bite lawyer can evaluate your claim, gather crucial evidence, and hold negligent pet owners accountable under California’s strict liability laws.

At Duque & Price, our team provides compassionate, results-driven representation for victims of animal attacks throughout Southern California. Our team has the legal experience to help you analyze your options and chart a path forward. With our team on your side, you can trust that you are getting the quality legal support you need.

In the past nine years, we’ve helped more than 850 clients and families reach successful resolutions throughout California. Contact our firm today to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer who will fight for your recovery and peace of mind through every stage.