Personal Injury

Dog Bite Attorney

Bitten or attacked by a dog? California's dog bite law holds owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs in public places or while the victim was lawfully present. Baghikian Law helps dog bite victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Common Circumstances

  • Lack of leash control in public spaces
  • Dog escaping from a yard or home due to inadequate fencing
  • Attack on a visitor, mail carrier, or delivery worker lawfully present
  • Bite by a dog with known prior aggression that the owner failed to restrain
  • Attack triggered by provocation disputes, where fault may be shared

Common Injuries

  • Puncture wounds, lacerations, and tissue damage
  • Infection including MRSA and cellulitis
  • Nerve damage and scarring requiring surgery
  • Traumatic injuries to children, who are most often bitten on the face and neck
  • Psychological trauma and fear of dogs

How We Build Your Case

  • Obtaining animal control records of prior bite incidents
  • Documenting the attack with photos of wounds and the attack location
  • Identifying the owner and confirming homeowners or renters insurance coverage
  • Gathering witness accounts of the incident
  • Documenting all medical treatment costs from emergency care through any plastic surgery

Damages That May Be Available

  • Medical bills including reconstructive surgery and wound care
  • Lost wages during recovery
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Emotional distress and psychological treatment

What to Know About Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters represent the insurer's interests, not yours. They may contact you quickly after an incident to obtain statements or offer a fast settlement that does not reflect the full value of your claim. Common tactics include:

  • Arguing the victim provoked the dog to reduce or eliminate liability
  • Claiming the victim was trespassing or not lawfully present
  • Disputing the severity or permanence of injuries
  • Offering quick settlements that undervalue scarring and psychological harm

You are not required to speak with the other party's insurer without representation. Consulting an attorney before accepting any offer or giving any recorded statement is strongly advisable.

Response within 1 business day · All inquiries confidential

No Fee Unless We Win

Baghikian Law handles personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. That means no upfront costs, no hourly charges, and no attorney fee at all unless we recover compensation for you. Your free initial consultation is confidential and carries no obligation. We advance the costs of litigation so you can focus on your recovery.

  • Zero upfront payment required
  • No fee if there is no recovery
  • Free, confidential case review
  • Direct attorney involvement throughout
Free Consultation

No Fee Unless We Win

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we recover for you. Call us today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

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FAQ

Common Questions

Does California have a one-bite rule for dog bites?
No. California Civil Code section 3342 establishes strict liability for dog bites. The owner is liable for damages regardless of whether the dog had bitten anyone before or whether the owner knew of any dangerous tendency. Provocation and unlawful presence are potential defenses, but the one-bite rule from some other states does not apply.
Can I recover if the dog bit me at the owner's home?
Yes, if you were lawfully present, such as a social guest or invited visitor. Many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog bite liability, making those policies an important potential source of recovery.