Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles | Animal Attack Attorney | Baghikian Law

Personal Injury · Los Angeles

Dog Bite Lawyer in Los Angeles

California has one of the strictest dog bite laws in the country. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Los Angeles, the owner is liable — even if the dog never bit anyone before. Baghikian Law Firm pursues full compensation for dog bite victims. Free consultations.

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California Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

No "One Bite" Rule in California

Contingency Fee — No Win, No Fee

Encino, CA · Serving All of LA County

California Dog Bite Law

California Holds Dog Owners Strictly Liable — Regardless of the Dog's History

Unlike many states, California does not follow the "one bite rule" that requires proving an owner knew their dog was dangerous. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog biting another person in a public place or lawfully on private property — regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of any vicious propensity.

This means you do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that they knew the dog was dangerous. If you were bitten, the owner is liable. Baghikian Law Firm builds the evidence necessary to hold dog owners and their homeowners or renters insurance accountable for the full scope of your injuries.

Key Legal Principles

What California Law Says About Dog Bites

California Civil Code Section 3342 establishes one of the broadest dog owner liability frameworks in the United States. Understanding the key elements helps evaluate your claim.

Strict Liability

The owner is liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous or took precautions. No prior history of aggression needs to be proven. The bite itself establishes liability under Section 3342.

Lawful Presence Required

Strict liability applies when the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the bite. Trespassers generally cannot use the strict liability statute, though other negligence theories may still apply.

Homeowners & Renters Insurance

Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy. These policies typically cover dog bite liability. We deal directly with insurers to pursue full compensation.

Common Injuries

Dog Bite Injuries We See Most Often in Los Angeles

Dog bites and attacks cause a range of injuries — from lacerations requiring immediate medical care to long-term physical and psychological harm that affects victims for years.

Deep lacerations and puncture wounds requiring sutures or surgery

Scarring and disfigurement, particularly on the face, hands, and arms

Nerve damage causing chronic pain or loss of sensation

Infections including cellulitis, sepsis, and rabies exposure

Broken bones from falls caused by a dog knocking someone down

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lasting fear of dogs

Soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments

Eye injuries and vision damage from attacks to the face

Compensation

What Dog Bite Victims May Be Entitled to Recover

California dog bite victims can pursue both economic and non-economic damages from the dog owner's insurance or directly from the owner when insurance is insufficient.

Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization

Reconstructive surgery and scar revision

Future medical care and follow-up treatment

Lost wages during recovery

Physical pain and suffering

Emotional distress and psychological trauma

Disfigurement and permanent scarring

Therapy and counseling costs for PTSD

Our Fee Structure

No Fee Unless We Win

Dog bite cases are handled entirely on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing while your case is pending. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.

$0 upfront

No hourly fees

Free consultation

You only pay if we win

Call (818) 804-8901

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in California

Does California have a "one bite" rule for dog attacks?

No. California Civil Code Section 3342 establishes strict liability for dog bites — meaning the owner is liable even if the dog never bit anyone before and the owner had no reason to expect dangerous behavior. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was aggressive. The bite itself is sufficient to establish the owner's liability.

What if the dog knocked me down but didn't actually bite me?

The strict liability statute under Section 3342 applies specifically to bites. However, if a dog knocked you down and you were injured, you may still have a valid negligence claim against the owner under the general rule that dog owners must exercise reasonable care to prevent their dogs from causing foreseeable harm to others. These claims require proving the owner knew or should have known the dog had a propensity to jump or knock people over.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?

California's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the injury. For claims involving a government-owned dog (such as a police K-9), a government tort claim must be filed within six months. Acting quickly is important — medical records, witness memories, and evidence are best preserved immediately after the incident.

What if the dog's owner is a friend or family member?

In most cases, the claim is directed at the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance — not personally at the owner. Insurance exists precisely for this purpose. Many people are reluctant to pursue a claim against someone they know, but the practical reality is that insurance pays. An attorney can structure the claim in a way that pursues full compensation through insurance rather than targeting the individual directly.

Can I claim compensation if the attack caused emotional trauma but minimal physical injury?

Yes. Non-economic damages including emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and psychological harm from a dog attack are recoverable in California. These damages do not require visible physical injury and can be substantial — particularly for children or individuals who develop lasting fear responses after an attack. Documentation from a mental health professional strengthens these claims significantly.

Does it matter where the bite occurred?

Yes. Strict liability under Section 3342 applies when the victim was bitten in a public place or was lawfully on private property. This includes sidewalks, parks, neighbors' yards when invited, and any other location where you had a legal right to be. Trespassers cannot use the strict liability statute, but may still have other legal claims depending on the circumstances.

Bitten by a Dog in Los Angeles? California Law Is on Your Side.

Serving Los Angeles, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Glendale, and all of LA County. Call (818) 804-8901 for a free case evaluation.