Dog Bite Attorney Los Angeles, CA

If You've Been Injured in a Dog Bite Incident, We're Here to Help.

California's dog bite law is among the strictest in the country — owners are liable even if their dog has never bitten before. L&F Brown helps victims recover medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for scarring and psychological trauma.

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California law

What You Need to Know Before You Settle

CA Law

California strict liability: Civil Code §3342

Dog owners are liable for bites in public places or when a person is lawfully on private property — regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. No "one bite rule" in California.

CA Law

Owner liability regardless of precautions

Even if the dog was on a leash, strict liability still applies in most cases. The owner cannot escape responsibility by claiming they were being careful.

CA Law

Homeowner's insurance typically covers dog bites

Most standard homeowner's and renter's insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites. You are dealing with a professional insurance adjuster, not just a neighbor.

CA Law

Extended deadline for children

The standard 2-year statute of limitations is tolled for minors — a child bitten at age 8 generally has until age 20 to file a claim. Acting promptly is still better for evidence.

Injuries vary in severity and type

Types of Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

Dog attacks cause a wide range of physical and emotional harm. The damages you are entitled to depend on the full extent of your injuries — including those not immediately visible.

Puncture Wounds & Lacerations

Deep tissue damage from bites that may require surgery and leave permanent scarring — particularly on hands and arms.

Facial Injuries

Children are frequently bitten on the face, causing permanent scarring or disfigurement that may require reconstructive surgery.

Nerve Damage

Bites to hands, arms, and face can sever nerves, causing permanent loss of sensation or function.

Infections

Dog bites carry serious risk of bacterial infection including Pasteurella and MRSA. Treatment can be prolonged and expensive.

Psychological Trauma

Dog attacks — especially those involving children — frequently cause lasting PTSD, anxiety, and fear that requires professional treatment.

Act quickly to protect your claim

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles

The steps you take in the hours after a dog attack directly affect your ability to recover full compensation — especially for infection, scarring, and psychological trauma.

Seek medical attention immediately

Dog bites carry serious infection risk. Go to an emergency room or urgent care even if the wound seems minor.

Report the bite

Report to LA County Animal Control or your local agency. An official report protects you and helps establish the dog's vaccination history.

Identify the dog and owner

Get the owner's name, address, and contact information. Ask about the dog's vaccination record and local registration.

Document your injuries

Photograph bite wounds immediately and throughout your recovery to document the healing process and any permanent scarring.

Preserve evidence

Keep any clothing damaged during the attack. Save all medical records, bills, and correspondence with the dog owner.

Contact L&F Brown

We identify applicable insurance coverage, deal directly with the insurer, and build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.

Bitten by a Dog in Los Angeles?

Get the Compensation You Deserve.

Free consultation · Pay nothing unless we win · 6,000+ cases handled

800-953-0075

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

UCLA Law · Personal Injury Partner · 6,000+ Cases

Most dog bite claims go through the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance — you're dealing with a professional adjuster, not a neighbor. We know how to handle that conversation, and we know what the claim is actually worth.

Client Stories

Hear From the People We've Helped

“I had a very good experience with these lawyers. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for quality legal advice and fantastic service. Curt is an Ace.”

Jack Hoskinson

“Overall experience was great. Arya was extremely knowledgeable and guided me through a stressful time in my life. Response times were quick and reassuring. Very happy with the outcome of my case.”

David Chau

“Helped now on three different occasions. Have referred Curt to at least three other people.”

Scott MacDonell

What you can recover

Compensation Available After a Dog Bite

California dog bite victims may recover both economic damages and significant non-economic damages — including for scarring and psychological trauma.

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Medical Expenses
Emergency treatment, wound care, surgery, reconstructive procedures, and future medical costs.
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Lost Wages
Income lost during treatment and recovery — especially relevant when bites to the hands or arms prevent you from performing your work duties.
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Permanent Scarring & Disfigurement
Compensation for visible scars, particularly on the face or hands.
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Pain & Suffering
Physical pain from the bite itself, plus the ongoing emotional distress and fear of dogs that commonly follows a serious attack.
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Psychological Trauma
Treatment costs and damages for PTSD, anxiety, and fear resulting from the attack.
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Loss of Earning Capacity
If nerve damage or permanent injury affects your ability to work.

Track record

Recent Verdicts & Settlements

Past outcomes don't guarantee future results, but they show what's possible when evidence is preserved and all defendants are pursued.

$6M Auto versus government entity settlement.

$4M Slip and fall at major retailer.

$2.5M Slip and fall at major retailer.

$1.5M Complex auto vs auto case.

$900K Complicated auto vs auto accident.

$700K Resolved following an auto accident injury.

Know your rights

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the owner says their dog has never bitten anyone before?

It does not matter under California law. Civil Code §3342 establishes strict liability regardless of the dog’s prior history. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — California’s strict liability rule is one of the most victim-friendly dog bite laws in the country.

What if I was bitten while trespassing?

The strict liability statute applies only to people lawfully present on the property. If you were trespassing, you may still have a negligence claim if the owner knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable precautions. Your recovery may be reduced by your own conduct under California’s comparative negligence rules.

Does the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance cover dog bites?

Usually yes. Most standard homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites. Some policies exclude certain breeds, so we investigate the applicable coverage in every case and deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf.

My child was bitten. Does the statute of limitations still apply?

For minors, California’s statute of limitations is tolled until the child turns 18, generally giving them until age 20 to file suit. However, acting promptly is always better — evidence is preserved, witnesses are available, and the owner’s insurance is more accessible. We recommend contacting us regardless of the victim’s age.

How much does it cost to hire L&F Brown?

Nothing upfront. Dog bite cases are handled on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid when you do. Your initial consultation is free.

If You've Been Injured in a Dog Bite Incident, We're Here to Help.

What You Need to Know Before You Settle

California strict liability: Civil Code §3342

Owner liability regardless of precautions