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California Dog Bite Lawyer

Maison Law represents injured dog bite victims in California.

Maison Law represents injured dog bite victims in California. Dog bites are a traumatic experience, often leaving victims scarred physically, emotionally, and financially. And despite these serious impacts, most dog bites go unreported, and victims are uncompensated.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, Maison Law would be happy to speak with you about your case and discuss your legal options. We can help you get medical treatment and compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Free Case Analysis

California Dog Bite Claims Process

Step 1

Call Us For A Free Consultation

Call us 24/7 with No Obligations.

Step 2

Describe Your Accident Details

We will then discuss your legal options and decide whether to move your case forward.

Car Accident Lawyer, Fresno CA

Step 3

Retain Maison Law w/ No Upfront Fees

We work on contingency. No attorney fees unless you win your case.

Step 4

Receive Your Compensation

We will fight for you to earn the highest possible payout for your damages.

How to Know if You Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite

If you only suffered minor scrapes or bruises from a dog bite incident, then you will most likely not need the help of a lawyer. However, if your injuries resulted in medical treatment or missed time at work, then it is recommended to consult with one of our Dog Bite Attorneys about your legal options.

At Maison Law, we understand how overwhelming the legal process can seem after a dog bite. Many injured dog bite victims we help are typically hesitant to take legal action because they don’t want to sue a dog owner. But these lawsuits are not meant to sue individual people, only their insurance company. So, even though the owner of the dog who bit you will be held responsible, we will be seeking compensation through their insurance policy, not their personal assets.

If you need financial compensation due to the damage a dog bite has done to your life, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover the following damages:

  • Special Damages: medical bills, ongoing treatment, costs that accumulate when you’re unable to work, like rent or mortgage payments
  • General Damages: these are non-economic hardships like pain and suffering, anxiety, depression, and mental trauma
  • Wrongful Death Damages: these damages may be sought by a spouse or close relative for funeral arrangements, burial expenses, and medical treatment before a loved one’s death
  • Punitive Damages: these damages are rare, but if the dog owner engaged in reckless behavior with the intention of hurting you, such as training the dog to harm you or knowingly putting you in harm’s way, then you could sue for punitive damage

Our first consultation is meant to discuss all your concerns, what happened, and outline a custom plan for your case. We will also discuss the damage done to your life due to the dog bite incident. Dog bite damages can usually require serious medical injuries such as scarring, infected wounds, nerve damage, psychological injuries, lost wages, and the total impact on your current and future life.

What You Need for an Initial Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer

Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. During an initial consultation, you are under no obligation to hire the attorney or pay them a fee for their services. In the same breath, an attorney is under no obligation to represent you in your personal injury case. Before your first meeting with a potential lawyer, you should be prepared. You can present your case to a lawyer in a professional manner by:

  • Jotting down the key points in your case to share with them, or give them a written copy
  • Bring the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone connected with the case
  • Bring all papers related to the case as they might be helpful for the lawyer to review
  • Prepare questions for the lawyer such as:
    • Have they handled similar cases to yours?
    • Did they settle or go to trial?
    • How many clients have they represented in court?
    • How many trial cases have they won?

How We Take Action

When it comes to dog bite cases, time matters. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies move fast, but so do we. From the moment you contact us, we get to work on your behalf. Our team will:

  • Connect you with the best medical providers to treat your injuries right away because your health is always our first priority.
  • Dispatch private investigators to photograph the scene and speak with witnesses before critical evidence is lost.
  • Contact police and animal control to obtain all relevant reports.
  • Reach out to the insurance company to determine policy limits and put them on immediate notice that you are represented by a trial attorney.

That last point matters more than most people realize. Insurance companies treat represented clients differently. The moment they know a Maison Law trial attorney is on your case, the entire dynamic shifts in your favor.

When Is a Dog Owner Responsible for Dog Bite in California?

Are dog owners always liable if their dog bites you, or only if they have bitten someone else before? In many states, a dog has to have shown aggressive tendencies before your attack for the dog owner to be held liable for your injuries. However, California uses a different set of guidelines.

In our state, the dog’s owner is responsible for your injury even if it’s the dog’s first time biting someone or first-time showing aggression.

California does require that two factors also be true to enforce liability:

  • The owner can be held liable if the attack occurred in a public place or on private property if the victim was invited onto the property.
  • The victim must not have provoked the dog into the attack.In a strict liability dog state like California, dog owners can be held accountable for a dog bite victim’s recovery even if the dog hasn’t bitten anyone before or shown aggressive behavior. Victims may file a claim against a dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance and secure compensation to pay for all medical expenses and financial losses endured through recovery.

In a strict liability dog state like California, dog owners can be held accountable for a dog bite victim’s recovery even if the dog hasn’t bitten anyone before or shown aggressive behavior. Victims may file a claim against a dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance and secure compensation to pay for all medical expenses and financial losses endured through recovery.

In a dog bite case, a victim trespassing on someone’s property illegally usually can’t file a claim for damages after getting bit. Victims also can’t have provoked the dog and then gotten bit and still expect financial compensation. If victims are invited onto the owner’s property and get injured, they may file a claim for damages.

Exceptions to Dog Bite Liability in California

A dog owner may not be found liable for their dog biting someone if the following factors occurred:

  • Provocation: if the dog bite victim provoked the dog or engaged in aggressive behavior
  • Trespassing: if the victim was bitten due to unlawful trespassing on the property
  • Lack of injury: if the victim was not significantly harmed and no medical treatment was required
  • Assumption of risk: if the victim was aware of the risk of interacting with the dog
  • Contributory negligence: the victim was careless, which resulted in the dog bite
  • Lack of causation: the owner’s actions did not cause the bite to occur

Also, it is important to note that California Civil Code Section 3342 (b) removes dog bite liability from government agent dogs, stating:

“Nothing in this section shall authorize the bringing of an action pursuant to subdivision (a) against any governmental agency using a dog in military or police work if the bite or bites occurred while the dog was defending itself from an annoying, harassing, or provoking act, or assisting an employee of the agency in any of the following:

  1. In the apprehension or holding of a suspect where the employee has a reasonable suspicion of the suspect’s involvement in criminal activity.
  2. In the investigation of a crime or possible crime.
  3. In the execution of a warrant.
  4. In the defense of a peace officer or another person.

What to Do Right After You’re Bitten By a Dog

If you’re bitten by a dog, the most important thing you can do is remove yourself from the dog’s presence. Once the dog is no longer a threat, you should immediately start treating your injury by performing the following steps:

  • Look over the wound to note if the skin is broken or not
  • Wash the wound with non-scented soap and warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the wound is dirty, it may require extended cleaning time
  • Stop the bleeding by putting pressure on the wound with a clean cloth until it has stopped
  • Apply antibiotic ointment if available; it will help decrease infection
  • Dress the wound with a clean, dry bandage

Legal Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident in California

There are legal steps you can take to help your case after a dog bite injury. But if you haven’t taken any of these steps yet, do not worry. We will help you complete the necessary measures to build a strong dog bite injury case. To begin building your case after a dog bite incident, it is recommended to:

  • Document the incident: Take photos and write down details of your injuries, the dog, and your surroundings.
  • Exchange information with the dog owner: Get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance info. If any witnesses are on the scene, collect their contact information and record their testimony if possible.
  • Seek immediate medical attention: Go to the nearest emergency room or see your primary care physician as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to dangerous infections. Also, any delay in medical treatment could be harmful to your personal injury case.
  • Report the incident to Animal Control: Contact your local animal control agency and report the bite. An investigation by animal control will not only be helpful to your case but can also prevent future injuries.
  • Speak to an attorney: Discuss your legal options with an experienced dog bite law firm by contacting Maison Law today.

Dog Bite Severity in California Dog Bite Cases

Another factor that can help determine liability, as well as the value of a dog bite case, is the level of dog bite severity. Usually, the more severe a dog bite is, the higher the settlement. Dog bite severity is graded on the Dunbar Bite Scale, which includes the following levels:

Level 1

Aggressive behavior, but no skin contact. This could mean the dog was growling, showing its teeth, or snapping at someone.

Level 2

Teeth make contact with a victim but does not break their skin. A dog will typically do this when it is stressed or uncomfortable. The result is usually teeth marks on the victims without breaking the skin.

Level 3

A single bite with shallow wounds. Level 3 dog bites are defined by the number of punctures from a shallow bite, with no bite going deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. For a level 3 dog bite to occur, a dog must move beyond warning behavior and inflict minor to moderate injury.

Level 4

A single bite with deep wounds. A level 4 bite consists of one to four deep punctures of a person’s skin, with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. These are dangerous bites, as the dog may shake its head while biting, refusing to let go.

Level 5

Level five bites are similar to level four, only they have multiple bites that occur during the attack. Dogs responsible for level 5 bites are considered dangerous and may need rehabilitation.

Level 6

This level results in the death of a victim, or flesh consumed. Dogs who commit level 6 bites are not safe to be around humans or other animals. In these rare cases, authorities will determine if euthanasia is necessary.

Average Dog Bite Settlements

The settlement amount for a dog bite injury claim varies significantly on a case-by-case basis. However, there are various factors that can help determine the value of your case such as:

  • Extent of damages
  • Medical treatment needed
  • Insurance coverage of the responsible party
  • Determination of fault

When it comes to your dog bite settlement, the details of your case matter. For example, if you only sustained minor injuries from the attack or you were partially liable for the incident, your settlement could result in a lower amount. The best way to understand the value of your case and maximize compensation is to consult with a Dog Bite Lawyer at Maison Law.

Dog Bite Incidents in California

California leads the nation in dog bite incidents. According to the Insurance Information Institute, California had the highest number of insurance claims in 2024, with 2,417 claims, averaging $86,229 per claim. On the medical side, the California Health and Human Services Agency received 56,941 reports of people receiving hospital treatment after being injured by a dog.

Los Angeles has the most reported dog bite incidents of any city in California, with Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento ranking behind LA in that order. Children aged 5 to 9 are the most common victims, with postal workers and delivery drivers in second.

What Our Clients Say

"I was involved in an accident about 3 years ago and Maison Law and their team helped me every step of the way. It was a long journey and a lot of time and hard work in getting me what I deserved. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm. I highly recommend!"
Dylan B.
Dylan B.
I got into a fender bender in January and was left dealing with a very unresponsive and terrible insurance adjuster who was basically forcing me to accept only 1k to close my claim prematurely. Thankfully I found Martin and Maison "Law who truly helped ease my mind, took care of my car, rental, treatment and got me an AMAZING settlement in time for Christmas."
Pauline Z.
Pauline Z.
"Martin Gasparian and the whole Maison Law team were there for me when I was involved in an accident. They held my hand every step of the way and took care of all my needs. They listened to all my concerns and put my mind at ease and made the whole process pain free. I would definitely refer friends and family to Maison Law.
S.J.
S.J.

Frequently Asked Questions

You have two years to file a dog bite claim in California.

Victims or their families have up to 24 months from the date of the attack to file a claim over the injuries. You may think you can wait for a while, but it’s vital to file your claim as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh and witnesses are still easily located.

You can get all medical care now and any care needed in the future covered. Any disability or disfigurement from the attack can also factor into the amount you receive. Your lost wages while you’ve had to miss work can be reimbursed. Your travel costs to doctors and specialists can be covered.

Children like to run and play outside and unfortunately, that puts them at risk of a bite from a dog. Proper care and recovery from a dog bite can be all the more critical for children because their muscles, tendons, tissue, and bones are still growing and developing.

A week or two of medical care may not be the end of the story. Surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up evaluations might all be necessary in the months ahead. Families should never face the enormous costs of this care alone. A dog owner’s insurance provider must be held fully accountable for current costs and those that arise down the road to ensure the health and wellbeing of the young victim.

Parents are often overwhelmed while guiding a child through a difficult recovery. They may even miss work while seeing to their child’s appointments. They won’t have time to stay on top of insurance companies to make sure they’re offering every benefit available. A skilled personal injury lawyer has the experience to keep pressure on the insurance adjuster to do the right thing and provide everything needed to restore the child’s health and the family’s finances.

Yes. Children are the most at risk for dog bites and they can be badly injured by any size dog. An attorney can investigate the owner and the dog’s histories and the scene of the attack to help build a strong case that can earn the compensation needed to help the child recover physically and emotionally.

A delivery driver for companies like Amazon, DoorDash, or the U.S. Postal Service may be fooled into thinking that a dangerous encounter with a dog is just part of the job. When a delivery person is bitten, California property owners and homeowners can be held liable.

By ordering a package or receiving a delivery, the homeowner is inviting the delivery employee into the yard and up to the front door. The homeowner must provide the driver with safe passage unless other arrangements have been made.

You can collect compensation for every medical expense you build up and for every day of work you are off your route as you recover from a dog attack.

Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer Today

After a dog bites you or a loved one, make sure you are not left with thousands of dollars in medical bills over a scary incident that was someone else’s fault.

It can easily happen if you don’t have an experienced California attorney protecting you from irresponsible dog-owners and insurance agents who will be working to discredit your injury so they can save money.

After suffering a bite, contact an experienced California Dog Bite Lawyer for a free and confidential case evaluation. Maison Law takes a hands-on approach to every case and works to help victims get their lives back on track as quickly as possible without the worry of financial burdens.

If you feel we can help you earn more for your recovery, you won’t need to worry about finding the money to hire a lawyer. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the support an insurer is forced to pay you.

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