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Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Serving Clients Throughout California

Protecting Victims of Dog Attacks Across California

A dog attack can be sudden, terrifying, and life-changing. In just moments, victims — including children — can suffer severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term scarring. If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you have important rights under California law. At Nalbandyan Law Firm, P.C., our California dog bite attorneys help victims recover the compensation they deserve. We hold negligent dog owners accountable and make sure insurance companies take your injuries seriously. You don’t have to face this alone — we’re here to fight for you.

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Speak with an attorney today to find out if you have a case, and what it is worth. 

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California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

California’s Dog Bite Law

California follows a strict liability law for most dog bite cases. Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for bites that occur when a victim is lawfully on public or private property — regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before. In many situations, an injured person does not have to prove that the dog previously bit someone, that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, or prove the dog owner was negligent — only that their dog bit you and caused injury.. If a dog bites someone who is lawfully on public or private property, the owner may be legally responsible for the injuries caused by the attack. 

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 Our firm has extensive experience navigating California’s dog bite laws, working with medical professionals, and pursuing maximum recovery for victims throughout the state.

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Experienced

Defending the rights of California injury victims.

Who May Be Liable for a Dog Bite Injury?

Dog Owner

In California, dog owners are generally responsible for injuries caused when their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property. Liability may exist even if the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before the incident.

Property Owner or Landlord

Although California's strict liability statute applies to dog owners, property owners or landlords may, in certain circumstances, also face liability if their own negligence contributed to the attack. Whether a landlord or property owner is responsible depends on the specific facts of the case and generally requires a negligence analysis rather than strict liability.

Dog Walker or Caretaker

A dog walker, pet sitter, kennel operator, or other caretaker may be responsible if their negligent handling or failure to properly control a dog contributed to an attack. Even when strict liability applies to the owner, additional negligence claims may exist against others involved.

Business or Commercial Property

Dog attacks occurring at businesses, apartment complexes, or other commercial properties may involve additional legal issues concerning negligent security, inadequate animal policies, or unsafe property conditions. Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the attack.

California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause serious and lasting harm, including:

  • Deep puncture wounds and lacerations

  • Nerve damage

  • Severe infections or rabies exposure

  • Facial injuries and disfigurement

  • Scarring requiring plastic or reconstructive surgery

  • Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress (especially in children)

These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, time off work, and lifelong emotional impacts. Our attorneys make sure your claim reflects the true scope of your pain and losses.

California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in California, take these important steps:

  • Seek immediate medical care — even small bites can lead to infection.

  • Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement.

  • Document your injuries with photos and medical records.

  • Get contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses.

  • Call a California dog bite lawyer to protect your rights before speaking with insurance companies
    Early action can make a major difference in the strength of your case.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations

Dog bites frequently cause deep puncture wounds that may damage muscles, tendons, ligaments, and underlying tissue. Even relatively small bite wounds can require emergency medical treatment and careful monitoring because of the risk of infection.

Nerve Damage

​A dog bite can damage nerves in the hands, arms, legs, or face, resulting in numbness, weakness, chronic pain, or permanent loss of function. Some victims require reconstructive surgery or extensive rehabilitation to restore movement.

Facial Injuries

Facial dog bites can cause severe lacerations, fractures, nerve injuries, and permanent disfigurement. Children are particularly vulnerable to facial injuries because of their height relative to many dogs.

Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement

Many dog bite victims suffer permanent scars that may require reconstructive or plastic surgery. Visible scarring can have lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects long after the wounds have healed.

Broken Bones and Fractures

A dog attack may cause a victim to fall or be knocked to the ground, resulting in fractures of the wrists, arms, hips, shoulders, or other bones. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and lengthy recovery periods.

Infections

Dog bites carry a significant risk of bacterial infection because bacteria from the dog's mouth can enter the wound. Prompt medical evaluation is important, even when the injury initially appears minor, to reduce the risk of serious complications.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Concussions

Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries or concussions if they strike their head during a dog attack or fall while attempting to escape. These injuries can lead to headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and other long-term complications.

Emotional Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Dog attacks often leave victims with lasting emotional injuries, including anxiety, depression, fear of dogs, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional trauma can be especially significant for children who experience serious attacks.

Compensation Available After a California Dog Bite

Every dog bite case is unique. Depending on the circumstances, injured victims may be entitled to recover compensation for both their financial losses and the physical and emotional impact of the attack.

Medical Expenses

Compensation may include emergency treatment, hospital bills, surgery, physician visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medical equipment, and future medical care related to the injury.

Future Medical Care

Some dog bite injuries require ongoing treatment, including reconstructive surgery, scar revision procedures, occupational therapy, counseling, and other long-term medical services. Compensation may include the reasonable cost of anticipated future care.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Victims suffering facial injuries or permanent scarring may require multiple reconstructive procedures to improve appearance and function. These future medical costs may be recoverable as part of a personal injury claim.

Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity

If a dog bite injury prevents someone from working or permanently limits their ability to earn income, compensation may include both past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

California law may allow recovery for physical pain, emotional distress, inconvenience, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages resulting from a dog attack.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

Victims who suffer permanent physical impairments, nerve damage, loss of function, or significant scarring may be entitled to additional compensation reflecting the long-term impact of their injuries.

Emotional Distress

Many victims experience long-term psychological effects after a dog attack. Compensation may be available for emotional injuries, including anxiety, PTSD, fear, and other mental and emotional suffering resulting from the incident.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Dog Bite Claim

Photographs of the Injuries

Photographs taken immediately after the attack and throughout the healing process can help document the severity of the injuries, visible scarring, and the progression of recovery.

Nerve Damage

​A dog bite can damage nerves in the hands, arms, legs, or face, resulting in numbness, weakness, chronic pain, or permanent loss of function. Some victims require reconstructive surgery or extensive rehabilitation to restore movement.

Medical Records

Medical records establish the nature and extent of the injuries, the treatment received, and the ongoing medical care required as a result of the dog bite.

Witness Statements

Witnesses may provide important information regarding how the attack occurred, whether the victim lawfully entered the property, and the actions of both the dog and its owner.

Animal Control Reports

Reports prepared by animal control agencies may contain valuable information regarding the attack, vaccination status, quarantine procedures, prior complaints, and other relevant facts.

Vaccination and Veterinary Records

Veterinary records may help establish ownership, vaccination status, and other information relevant to the investigation and medical treatment following the attack.

Prior Complaints or Prior Attacks

Although California's strict liability law generally does not require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, evidence of prior complaints or previous attacks may still be relevant in certain negligence claims or when determining the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Our Proven Process

From start to finish, we’re with you every step of the way.

Free Consultation

Speak directly with an experienced California dog bite lawyer

Investigation

We gather medical evidence, witness statements, and insurance details.

Negotiation

We handle all communication with insurers and demand full compensation.

Litigation

If necessary, we take your case to court and fight for your rights.​

No Fees Unless We Win

At Nalbandyan Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we recover money for you.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

You may be entitled to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)

  • Lost wages and lost earning potential

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress or trauma

  • Scarring and disfigurement

  • Future medical or psychological care

  • Wrongful death (in fatal dog attack cases)

Our team will aggressively pursue every available source of compensation — including homeowner’s insurance policies or renter’s insurance coverage.

California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Why Choose Nalbandyan Law Firm, P.C.?

  • Experienced in handling complex dog bite and personal injury claims

  • Millions recovered for personal injury victims across California

  • Compassionate, responsive representation — you’re never just a case number

  • No upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we win

  • Serving clients statewide — from Los Angeles and San Diego to Sacramento and Fresno.

  • We understand how traumatic dog attacks can be — physically and emotionally. Our mission is to make sure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Speak With a California Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, don’t wait. Evidence fades, memories fade, and insurance companies move quickly to minimize claims. Our attorneys are ready to help you take action today.

 

Call (310) 280-8339 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form to speak confidentially with a California dog bite injury lawyer

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