Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney | Hakakian Law

California law generally holds a dog owner responsible when the dog bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property. A claim usually requires proof that the defendant owned the dog, the dog caused a bite injury, and the injured person had a legal right to be where the bite happened.



The owner cannot avoid responsibility by saying the dog had never bitten anyone or acted aggressively before. California does not follow the “one bite” rule used in some states. You do not need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or failed to use reasonable care.

Strict liability has limits. A person who was trespassing may not receive protection under the dog bite law because that person was not lawfully on the property. Evidence that the injured person teased, struck, or threatened the dog may also reduce or prevent recovery, depending on the circumstances. California also has narrow exceptions for certain police and military dogs performing official duties.

The strict liability law applies specifically to bites. If a dog knocks someone down or causes another injury without biting, that person may still have a claim based on the owner’s careless conduct. A dog bite lawyer can identify which rule applies and review any defense raised by the owner or insurer.

What compensation you can recover

Once strict liability establishes the owner’s responsibility, your claim can address the full harm caused by the bite. The amount depends on your injuries, recovery time, and supporting records.

• Medical bills may include current and future care. For example, compensation may cover an emergency room visit, infection treatment, or surgery to repair damaged tissue. Future physical therapy and follow-up appointments may also qualify when the injury requires ongoing care.
• Scarring and disfigurement may support additional compensation. A deep facial bite may leave a lasting scar even after the wound heals. A claim can account for scar treatment and the personal effect of a permanent change in appearance.
• Lost wages cover income you could not earn during recovery. For example, a hand injury may prevent a cook, mechanic, or office worker from doing regular job duties. A serious injury may also reduce future earnings if you cannot return to the same type of work.
• Emotional distress covers the mental effects of the attack. A child may develop nightmares or become afraid to play outside. An adult may feel panic near dogs or avoid the place where the bite happened. Counseling records and personal accounts can help show how the attack changed daily life.

A dog bite lawyer can gather medical records, wage statements, photographs, and other evidence that shows the claim’s value. Early settlement offers may leave out future care or the lasting effects of scarring and emotional distress.

What to do right after a dog bite

1. Get medical care first. Wash the wound with soap and water, apply gentle pressure to bleeding, and cover it with a clean bandage. Call 911 for heavy bleeding, deep wounds, severe pain, or injuries to the face or neck. A doctor can check for infection and decide whether you need stitches, a tetanus shot, or treatment for possible rabies exposure.
2. Document the injury and where it happened. After you receive immediate care, take clear photos of the wounds, torn clothing, blood, and the area where the bite occurred. Keep medical records, bills, work notes, and receipts for related costs. Continue taking photos as bruises, swelling, scars, or signs of infection develop.
3. Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information when possible. Ask for the dog’s vaccination records, but do not approach an agitated animal. Write down contact information for anyone who saw the attack.
4. Report the bite to local animal control. Give the agency the dog owner’s information, a description of the dog, and an account of what happened. The report creates an official record and helps officials check the dog’s vaccination status. Ask for a copy of the report or its case number.
5. Wait before accepting an insurance settlement. An insurer may make an offer before you know the full cost of treatment or how much scarring will remain. Accepting an offer usually requires you to give up the right to seek more money later. Review the offer with a dog bite lawyer before signing anything so it accounts for medical bills, scars, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Who else can be held responsible

A dog owner is usually the main person responsible for a bite, but another person may share responsibility. The answer depends on who controlled the dog or property and what that person knew before the attack.

A landlord may be responsible when a renter keeps a dangerous dog on the property. You generally must show that the landlord knew about the danger and had the power to remove the dog or end the unsafe condition. Prior bites, complaints, or threats by the dog may help prove that knowledge.

A renter may face a claim as the dog’s owner or keeper. For example, a renter who keeps the dog in an apartment, walks it, or lets it near visitors may be responsible when poor control leads to a bite. A landlord does not automatically take the renter’s place in the claim.

A dog sitter or house guest may also be responsible while caring for the dog. Strict liability under California’s dog bite law generally applies to the owner. A temporary caretaker may instead be liable for careless conduct, such as leaving a gate open or allowing the dog near a child despite knowing it may attack.

Some bites support claims against more than one person. A dog bite lawyer can review who owned the dog, who controlled it, where the bite happened, and what each person knew. Identifying every responsible party may also reveal more than one insurance policy that could cover your medical care and other losses.

Why work with Hakakian Law

Hakakian Law helps you identify every person who may be responsible and handles insurer communication on your behalf. The firm prepares each claim to pursue payment for medical care, lost income, scarring, and emotional harm without pushing you into an early settlement.

Shawn Hakakian stays personally involved and keeps you informed throughout your case. You receive direct attention rather than being treated like a case number, while the firm presses insurers for fair compensation.

Your consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless Hakakian Law recovers money for you. Request a consultation to discuss your dog bite and learn what options may apply.

The takeaway

Prompt action protects your health, preserves evidence, and gives your lawyer time to meet filing deadlines. Hakakian Law can deal with insurers and build your claim while you focus on healing. Contact the firm as soon as possible for a free consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Does a first-time dog bite still count in California?

California law can hold an owner responsible even when the dog never bit anyone before. Hakakian Law can review what happened and explain whether the law covers your injury. You usually do not need to prove that the owner knew the dog might bite.

Will homeowner’s or renter’s insurance cover a dog bite claim?

Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover medical costs and other losses caused by the policyholder’s dog. Hakakian Law can identify available coverage and handle talks with the insurance company. Insurance coverage may let you seek payment without relying on the owner’s personal funds.

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

California generally gives an injured person two years from the bite date to file a lawsuit. Hakakian Law can check the deadline because some claims have different or shorter time limits. Starting early helps preserve records, witness accounts, and your right to seek compensation.

Disclaimer: This post is considered attorney advertising and is for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.