Every year, millions of people have dog bite injuries in the United States, and children are the most frequent dog bite victims increasing the need for a San Fernando Valley Dog Bite Attorney. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually, and nearly 1 in 5 of dog bite victims become infected. In California, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone—regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you have the legal right to seek maximum compensation for your injuries. At Garabedian Audish Law, our experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyer will help you file a claim, deal with the insurance company, and recover the maximum compensation allowed by law.
Dog bite injury claims involve medical expenses, emotional trauma, and complex liability issues. Hiring a skilled San Fernando Valley Dog Bite Attorney ensures you’re protected and your claim is taken seriously. Here’s what we do:
At Garabedian Audish Law Firm, Dog Bite Attorney in San Fernando Valley, LA help dog bite injury victims hold negligent parties accountable and recover fair compensation for their damages.
California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites under California Civil Code § 3342. This means:
This statute makes it easier for dog bite victims and family member to recover damages, as there’s no need to prove negligence—only that the bite occurred under qualifying conditions.
In most cases, the dog’s legal owner is liable. However, others may also share responsibility, including:
Under California law, anyone who owns, harbors, or controls a dog may be held liable for injuries caused by the dog.
Even friendly dogs can bite under stress or if provoked. Common causes include:
Owners are legally responsible for preventing foreseeable harm by securing their pets
Dog attacks often result in serious injuries, such as:
To protect your health and legal rights:
Move to safety and seek immediate medical attention
Identify the dog and its owner
Collect witness contact information
Report the bite to Los Angeles Animal Services or local animal control
Take photos of your injuries
Keep medical records and receipts
Avoid speaking to the dog owner’s insurance company without legal advice
Contact a qualified Los Angeles dog bite attorney
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a dog bite lawsuit. If the dog bite victim is a minor, the two-year period starts when the child turns 18, giving them until age 20 to file.
Acting quickly preserves evidence and strengthens your case. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Most dog bite injury claims in California are settled outside of court through insurance negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our firm is fully prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in trial.
Dog bites can lead to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Garabedian Audish Law, we’re dedicated to helping victims of dog attacks recover what they’re owed. With deep experience in California dog bite law and aggressive advocacy, we’ll fight to hold negligent owners accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
We also have experience with handling various types of personal injury cases arising from car accidents and trip & falls. Apart from personal injury, Garabedian Audish Law also deals with Estate Planning, Wills and Trust cases.
If you’re bitten by a dog in the San Fernando Valley, seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to local animal control, and document your injuries with photos. If possible, obtain the dog owner’s contact information and consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes. Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable for bites, meaning you can sue even if the dog has never bitten before. A San Fernando Valley dog bite lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation.
Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, emotional trauma, and whether there’s any permanent scarring or disability. A local attorney can assess your case and give a more accurate estimate.
In most cases, the dog owner is strictly liable for any bite that occurs in public or when the victim is lawfully on private property. Exceptions may apply in certain cases involving trespassing or provocation.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident. Delaying your claim could forfeit your right to compensation.
You may still have a valid claim. Property owners, landlords, or dog owners can be held liable depending on the circumstances. A dog bite lawyer in the San Fernando Valley can determine who is responsible.
Possibly. While provocation may reduce or limit liability, it doesn’t automatically bar recovery. A lawyer can gather evidence and witness testimony to defend your rights and argue against false claims of provocation.
Not necessarily. Filing a claim for compensation is a civil matter. Whether a dog is put down depends on the severity of the bite, prior incidents, and decisions made by local animal control agencies.
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. Initial consultations are typically free.
A local lawyer understands California dog bite laws, knows local courts, and can access resources specific to the San Fernando Valley. They’re better equipped to handle your case efficiently and maximize your compensation.
