Available 24/7
Dogs can make wonderful companions and guardians, but only if they are trained and treated correctly by people who are dedicated to their welfare. Unfortunately, when California pet owners fail in that responsibility, severe dog bite injuries can be the result. You can more easily fight for your rights after such an injury with our professional lawyers at your side.
If you are one of the many people who has been injured in a dog bite incident, contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers today. Our California personal injury lawyers are committed to helping both personal injury and wrongful death victims get the legal, medical, and financial help they deserve.
Hiring Our California Law Firm Could Make it Easier to Pursue Dog Bite Damages
Dog bite injuries are not only painful physically, but they can also leave bite victims with medical bills, result in significant time away from work, and cause deep emotional pain and suffering. They are also distressingly common in California: in 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported that dog bites requiring emergency room visits have skyrocketed in the past 20 years.
Our professional California dog bite lawyers can fight for your rights. From the moment you call us, Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers can get to work on:
- Assessing your case for free. We make it as easy as possible for you to learn about your case’s merits: all you have to do is call.
- Helping you get medical care. Our legal team knows doctors who can treat your injuries, minimize your pain, and provide medical evidence that strengthens your case for damages—even if you are uninsured.
- Pursuing damages from the insurance company. We notify the insurer of our involvement in your case right away. Then we can either file a personal injury claim and negotiate with them for the money you need or initiate a dog bite lawsuit against the liable party—whatever it takes to get you fair compensation.
- Answering your legal questions. Our team includes English and Spanish speakers, so we can address your most frequently asked questions and make sure you understand your rights at every step of the way.
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowHow to Get Just Compensation for a California Dog Bite
It is not always easy to determine the exact amount a particular animal attack case may be worth. Our dog bite attorneys in California can work with you to ensure you receive a fair settlement or jury award for all of your injuries.
Call Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers today to find out more. Our firm has already recovered more than $40 million for our clients.
Damages Available to Dog Bite Victims in California
The California dog bite attorneys from our firm can help you recover some or all of the following types of compensation:
- Current medical treatments
- Future medical procedures, such as plastic surgery
- Loss of past and future income and earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Payments for wrongful death
Money can never fully make up for all of the suffering your family has gone through. It can, however, make sure that the at-fault party is held accountable and that you do not have to worry about paying for treatment or supporting your dependents.
Who Pays Your Dog Bite Claim or Lawsuit?
Under CIV § 3342, the dog’s owner is responsible for any injuries their dog inflicts when you are either “in a public place” (e.g., at a dog park like Mayflower Dog Park in Escondido) or “lawfully in a private place” (e.g., the dog owner invited you to their home).
If the dog owner has homeowners’ insurance, this insurance policy may cover your damages. Otherwise, our dog bite law firm in California can take legal action against the owner personally.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowDog Bite Injuries That Could Entitle You to Compensation
Dog bites can range in severity from relatively minor cuts and scratches to significant wounds that require emergency medical attention. Some of the most common injuries that result from dog bites include:
- Puncture wounds
- Infections
- Bone fractures
- Soft tissue damage
- Scarring
- Internal bleeding
- Psychological trauma
Are Dog Bites Considered Significant injuries?
That depends on the nature of the injury. The Mayo Clinic defines a “minor” bite as “one that only breaks the skin.” If the bite causes significant bleeding or deeper tissue wounds, or if you are not sure if the dog was rabid, seek medical attention immediately.
If a bite injury resulted in temporary or permanent disability, severe scarring, or death, then it may very well be considered significant. Our California catastrophic injury lawyers can help those who suffer life-altering injuries after a dog bite.
How Common Are Severe Dog Bite Injuries?
The Los Angeles Times reports that over 48,000 people went to the emergency room for dog bite injuries in California in 2022. Twenty-eight people died from bite wounds between 2018 and 2022.
Any dog bite can cause devastating losses and damages for the victim and their family. Our legal team wants to advocate for your right to compensation and hold the dog owner accountable for their failure to protect you.
Why Do Dog Bite Injuries Happen?
It is not always clear why a dog decides to bite a person. A dog may be intimidated or scared of a particular person, or a dog may be protecting its territory. However, some dog bites happen for seemingly no reason and without any warning.
It is part of our California lawyers’ job to prove that the bite attack was unprovoked and unjustified. We can do this with evidence from personal testimony, prior complaints, and any existing photos or video footage. The compassionate, innovative team at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers can work hard to pursue the maximum compensation your family is entitled to.
Let Our Dog Bite Attorneys Guide You Through the California Legal Process
If you were bitten by a dog, seek prompt medical attention. Then seek legal representation from Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers. Call now for a free case review and find out how our professional California dog bite lawyers can fight for your rights.
California Dog Bite FAQs
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for a dog bite lawsuit is two years from the date of the incident, per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to seek compensation entirely. It’s essential to consult with a California dog bite lawyer at Sargent Law Firm as soon as possible, so we can begin preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.
Can I sue for a dog bite in California if I was on the owner’s property at the time of the incident?
Yes. Under California’s strict liability law (CIV § 3342), you can still pursue compensation even if the dog bite occurred on the owner’s property, so long as you were lawfully present. This means you were invited, had a legal reason to be there, or were not trespassing. The dog owner remains responsible for your injuries, regardless of whether they were aware of the dog’s dangerous nature. The dog bite attorneys at Sargent Law Firm can assess your case and hold the property owner accountable.
Who pays for my dog bite injuries if the owner doesn’t have insurance?
If the dog owner lacks homeowners’ or renters’ insurance that covers dog bites, you may still be able to sue the owner personally. Additionally, in some cases, third parties—such as landlords or property managers—may share liability if they were aware of the danger and failed to take action. Our California dog bite lawyers at Sargent Law Firm will investigate all available avenues to recover damages on your behalf.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in California?
After a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection and document the injury. Then, report the bite to your local animal control agency—especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Take photos of the wounds and the scene, obtain contact information from witnesses, and refrain from speaking with the dog owner’s insurer before consulting a lawyer. A California dog bite lawyer from Sargent Law Firm can then guide you through filing a claim and seeking compensation.
