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Bitten in LA? Here's How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Win Your Case
A dog bite can be more than just a painful incident; it may result in enduring scars, both physical and emotional. In Los Angeles, where many people walk, run, and interact with dogs daily, bites occur more frequently than one might expect. When they do happen, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Who is liable? Should you pursue compensation? What if a neighbor or friend owns the dog?
You don’t have to navigate this situation alone.
A knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer can help clarify your rights, guide you through the legal process, and help you seek the compensation necessary to move forward.
Dog bites vary significantly. While some may lead to puncture wounds or fractures, others can result in nerve injuries, infections, or lasting trauma. Even if the injury appears minor initially, complications can arise quickly, particularly if there is a delay in seeking medical attention.
In addition to physical pain, there can be fear, anxiety, and emotional distress from being attacked by an animal, particularly in public or near children. These are genuine injuries that need to be paid serious attention to.
California law generally holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. That means you don’t have to prove the dog had a history of biting; you only have to show that the bite happened and caused harm.
Still, getting the compensation you’re owed isn’t automatic.
After a dog bite, there’s a lot to consider. You might be dealing with emergency room bills, follow-up treatments, or even surgery. You might miss work or need therapy to process what happened. Insurance companies may reach out quickly with a settlement, but their goal isn’t to take care of you. It’s to close the claim for as little as possible.
An attorney who specializes in dog bites can help you understand the true value of your case and fight to get it.
That means:
Every case is different, but a dog bite claim may include:
An experienced lawyer knows to take the time to understand how the bite has affected your life, not just the bills, but the changes to your sense of safety, confidence, and daily routine. These impacts matter, and they should be reflected in your settlement.
This is one of the most frequent concerns, and it’s valid. Many bites happen at a friend’s or neighbor’s house. You may feel guilty about taking legal action against someone you care about.
But in most cases, your claim isn’t against them personally, it’s against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. That’s what the insurance is there for: to cover injuries and prevent personal financial strain. Your lawyer can help you handle the process with respect and discretion, so you don’t have to choose between getting help and maintaining important relationships.
Under California law, you have two years from the date of the dog bite accident to file a personal injury claim. That might sound like a lot of time, but the sooner you act, the better.
Evidence such as medical reports, photos, witness statements, and even animal control records can get lost or disappear. A lawyer can help you preserve and organize this information early, giving your case the best possible foundation.
Children are among the most common victims of dog bites and often suffer more severe physical and emotional consequences.
If your child was bitten, the situation can feel especially overwhelming.
Your attorney can assist you in pursuing a claim on your child’s behalf, working to ensure that their future medical needs, emotional support, and well-being are fully considered. You may also be entitled to compensation for your own costs and distress as a parent.
Being bitten by a dog can shake your sense of safety and leave you unsure of what to do next. But you don’t have to navigate the legal process on your own. An experienced dog bite lawyer can listen to your story, explain your options, and take action to protect your rights, so you can focus on healing.
Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. Call 844-844-9119.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.