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Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney

Los Angeles dog bite attorney

California leads the nation in fatal dog bite injuries, especially in Los Angeles County. Finding an experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney after an attack can make or break your case. In California, if a dog bites you, a plaintiff has the right to pursue compensation against that person’s homeowner’s insurance.

There are time limits to file a California dog bite lawsuit

California is a strict liability state with strict rules regarding dog bites.  A lawsuit can still be filed within two years of the bite if you are on a person’s property without permission. Unless you were in the process of committing a crime or the dog was used as protection from harm, dog bite representation is possible.

If you do not file your lawsuit within two years, you may be barred from seeking compensation for your injuries.

Please call our offices to speak with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney if a dog has injured you. There is no cost unless we win your case. Call 323-238-4683. Free consultation.

Los Angeles Dog Bite Resources

Passionate Representation in Los Angeles Dog Bite Cases

At Bisnar Chase, we have achieved a 99% success rate for over 12,000 clients; we know how to win your case and get you the help you need to move past your traumatic experience with as little pain as possible.

Our team of experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorneys have represented clients who have been bitten by an array of different canines; every dog attack reminds us how a seemingly innocent, friendly animal can turn into a frightening monster in a matter of seconds. 

In some cases, a reason for the attack is never identified, and the dog has no previous record of being violent or dangerous. To learn more about why some dogs suddenly attack, read this article on dog aggression.

Dob bites in Los Angeles

in 2022, there were 5,618 reported dog bites in Los Angeles County. Of these, 1,074 were severe enough to require medical attention. The most common breeds involved in dog bites in Los Angeles County are pit bulls, German shepherds, and mixed breeds.

According to Dogbite.org, last year’s statistics showed 31 fatalities from dog bites. Specifically, Pit bulls comprise about 6 percent of the total U.S. dog population and contribute to 71 percent, 22 of the 31 dog bite fatalities.

The Law Relating to Los Angeles, California Dog Bites

Under California California’s Civil Code Section 3342: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”

This means that in the state of California’s “strict liability statute” dog owners are held responsible for the injuries and recovered damages caused to victims regardless of whether the attack occurred in a public or private place and whether or not the dog owner knew about prior instances when the dog had attacked. The only exceptions to such dog owner liability may be when a dog is provoked or attacked by a victim when the victim is trespassing or committing a crime.

How Much is a California Dog Bite Case Worth?

Dog bite victims can incur major medical expenses, including emergency medical costs, hospital stays, surgery, and follow-up care. In many instances, the fees associated with reconstructive surgery may not be covered because insurance companies consider it ” cosmetic ” instead of a life-saving procedure.

Dog bite victims can claim damages, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Cost of hospitalization
  • Surgeries
  • Rehabilitative treatments such as physical therapy
  • Pain and suffering
  • Cost of psychological counseling
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent injuries and disabilities
  • Punitive damages in some cases

The amount of damages that you may be awarded will vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the dog bite.

Contact a dog bite attorney in Los Angeles if you think you may have an injury claim, as they can assist you on seeing if you have a qualifying case. We have recovered hundreds of millions for our clients and may be able to help you, too.

Who Can Be Held Strictly Liable for a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?

Negligent dog owners can be held financially responsible for their actions in addition to facing citations or criminal charges. In addition to owners, caretakers of dogs can be held liable as well. However, they can only be held liable if they had prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness.

Landlords can be held responsible in a dog attack case if the landlord knew that a tenant’s dog was dangerous and had the right to remove the dangerous dog from the property. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, there may be other potentially liable parties.

Homeowner’s insurance policies typically cover dog bites unless it is a banned breed as laid out in their policy. 

If you have a case, reach out to our experienced dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles for a free consultation. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

In this video: Managing partner Brian Chase discusses who’s at fault in a California dog bite case.

Los Angeles Dog Bites on the Rise

There has been a recent increase in the number of dog bites reported in Los Angeles. In the past year, there have been over 1,000 bites reported, which is a significant increase from the year before. Many factors may be contributing to this increase.

First, the warm weather may be causing more people to be out and about with their dogs. Second, the city may have more dogs overall as the population grows. Finally, people may be more likely to report bites now that there is more awareness of the issue.

Whatever the cause, it’s essential to be aware of the danger that dog bites can pose. If you or someone you know has been bitten, be sure to seek medical attention immediately. And if you see an aggressive dog, it’s best to keep your distance.

Invisible scars from a dog attack

Our clients suffer from more than just physical injuries; the major trauma associated with an unexpected attack by a dog can leave lifetime emotional scars. Some clients experience terror when being approached by a dog or even hearing a dog bark.

Unfortunately, despite several organizations’ efforts to help prevent dog attacks, dog bites continue to rise throughout the United States, particularly in Los Angeles.

LA has one of the highest rates of injury when it comes to dog bites on postal workers. A law firm familiar with LA courts and dog attack cases is recommended.

Mail carriers and delivery personnel are at a very high risk of injury from a dog attack.  Homeless dogs are also a problem in Los Angeles as they roam the streets for food. Most are scared, starving, and have been abused and will lash out. These dogs have not had their vaccines and can carry diseases.

If you have been attacked by a canine and suffered injuries, contact a seasoned Los Angeles dog bite attorney for assistance and legal advice. 

How Bad Does a Dog Bite Have to be to Have a Case?

There are many variations of dog bites. Some can be extremely damaging and cause severe injury or death, while other dog attacks can leave a dog bite victim with severe mental trauma. A physical injury does not have to be present for a dog owner to be sued. Still, it helps to have strong physical evidence, such as stitches, lacerations, bruises, and medical expenses, rather than just stating severe mental trauma was inflicted.

Mental trauma can be severe as well and should never be downplayed. Being emotionally scarred by an incident with a dog or other animal can leave a victim with long-lasting and even permanent damage that can hinder their ability to live a normal life from that moment on.

If you think you have a case, let our Los Angeles dog bite attorney review your information and see if we can help you get fair compensation.

Major Trauma From a Dog Bite

Dog bites can cause major trauma, both physical and emotional. Physical trauma can include puncture wounds, lacerations, and bacterial infections. Emotional trauma can include fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the US. Of these, 800,000 are children under the age of 12.

The CDC estimates that 1 out of 5 dog-bite victims require medical attention, and approximately 33% of those bitten by dogs suffer injuries to their head or neck, many with major trauma.

Dog bites can also lead to serious complications, such as rabies and severe skin infections. That’s why it’s so important to be careful around dogs, even if they seem friendly. If a dog has bitten you or someone you know, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

The Los Angeles area has a large number of dog bites each year. While most do not result in severe injury or death, they can cause significant and long-lasting damage.

To ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve, it is essential to consult a personal injury attorney.

Questions to Ask a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney

Have this list of questions handy when speaking with a dog bite attorney in Los Angeles.

  1. What is your experience handling dog bite cases? Look for a lawyer with extensive experience dealing specifically with dog LA bite claims. They will understand the laws and processes best.
  2. What is your success record for dog bite cases? Ask about their track record fighting for victims of dog attacks and getting favorable settlements/verdicts. High success rates are a good sign.
  3. Are you willing to take my case to trial if needed? Many dog bite cases settle out of court, but you want an attorney willing to go to trial if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
  4. How quickly can you start working on my injury case? Time is of the essence in these cases, so you want someone who can start investigating, filing claims, and building your case immediately.
  5. What are all the costs involved? Get a clear breakdown of legal fees, filing fees, expert witness fees, and other costs so there are no surprises.
  6. What can I expect throughout the legal process? A good lawyer will walk you through what to expect with your case so you feel informed and confident.
  7. Can you refer me to past clients you’ve represented? Speaking with former clients can give insight into the lawyer’s skills and dedication.
  8. Do you have experience with my specific type of injury? Find someone who understands the specific medical, emotional, and financial impacts of your type of dog bite injury.
  9. Will you or an associate handle my case? You want to know who specifically will be working on your case and their experience level.

Why Would I Need an Attorney in my Los Angeles Dog Bite Case?

Dog bite cases can be very involved and sensitive. Who was breaking what laws, does the dog have a history of aggressive behavior, was the canine attack victim permitted to be on the property, or were they trespassing?

Understanding the laws, rules, and best course of action throughout the legal process can benefit your case.

Experienced dog bite lawyers spend countless hours acquiring the newest information and studying law to defend you and your case best. The ability to receive the best legal representation is always advised, especially in dog attack cases.

Studies have shown through personal injury data that plaintiffs who hire an attorney recover about 25% more on average than if they were representing themselves. 

What Type of Compensation is Covered in a California Dog bite Claim?

Depending on the severity and type of canine attack case, your Los Angeles dog attack attorney can earn you compensation that can consist of the following:

Medical cost

Medical costs are expensive, and those expenses often exceed what insurance plans cover. In the US, there are two types of medical cost compensation.

One is called “no-fault” coverage, which provides a predetermined amount of money for any medical expense without going through a claim process. The other type is “tort” coverage, which requires you to file a claim for reimbursement.

Pain & suffering

Pain and suffering compensation is an essential part of personal injury law. It is given to compensate for the emotional pain that the victim has endured.

The amount depends on how severe the injuries are or how much the victim has endured pain. Many personal injury cases could require compensation for pain and suffering. The most common types include car accidents, slips and falls, and dog bites. The amount given is determined by how severe the injury was.

Loss of future income

When an individual suffers a serious injury that prevents them from working, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of future earnings.

This type of compensation is meant to cover the individual’s lost wages, potential earnings, and any associated costs, such as medical bills and rehabilitation. The amount of compensation an individual receives will depend on many factors, including the severity of the injury, the individual’s age, and career prospects.

Loss of companionship

In some cases, people may be able to receive compensation for the loss of companionship of a loved one. This type of damage is typically awarded in cases where a family member’s death was caused by another party’s negligence, such as in a catastrophic dog attack.

The amount of damages awarded will vary depending on the relationship of the deceased to the claimant and the severity of the loss. To receive this type of compensation, claimants will typically need to prove that they have suffered a genuine loss due to the death of their loved one.

What Information Do I need to Gather for my Dog Bite claim?

If there was a personal injury involved in the dog attack, documentation of the injuries, photos, and a detailed summary of the event, including location, time, and how the attack began and ended.

Having witness information is also very important, including eyewitness accounts of the attack, who the witnesses are, where they were during the attack, and their contact information.

Any information regarding the attack, including medical costs, photos/video, documentation, and any police reports, is essential to your dog bite lawyer handling the case

What Does Your Firm do to Stand Out From Other Firms When it Comes to Representing Dog Bite Victims in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has the highest number of canine attacks in the nation. Bisnar Chase will take on California dog bite cases of aggressive breeds, trespassing violations, and uncommon situations when other firms will not. Bisnar Chase also does not back down from the high volume of canine attack cases because of our courtroom experience, skill, and reputation.

We have been named in the top 1% of law firms and attorneys year after year. We have the financial resources to take on tough cases with exceptional results.

We have successfully settled and litigated hundreds of canine bite cases in Los Angeles. Most PI attorneys do not go to court. We do. Winning your case is always our primary goal. Contact our Los Angeles dog bite attorneys for a free evaluation of your case and to review the evidence.

Dog Bite Statistics in Los Angeles

  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 4.5 million dog bites happen each year to people in the United States, and 1 out of five bites will result in an infection. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are most at risk for dog attacks.
  • Nearly two-thirds of canine attack injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head and neck region. Also, statistics show that injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys than for girls.
  • A CDC study shows that Pit bulls and Rottweilers account for over 75 percent of all fatal dog attacks. Clients seeking a dog bite lawyer have increased over the last decade.
  • The latest statistics on dog bites and attacks in Los Angeles, California, are not yet available for 2023. However, in 2022, there were over 5,600 reported dog attacks in Los Angeles County.

Emotional Trauma from a Dog Attack

Experiencing a canine attack can be very traumatic, and can leave long-lasting and even permanent PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), night terrors (suddenly waking in your sleep from extreme fear) and even Cynophobia (phobia of dogs).

PTSD From Canine Attacks

physical and emotional toll of canine attacks

According to one of our clients, life after a canine attack is difficult for her and she still struggles to this day with fear.

“The moment the dog bit me, I knew something was seriously wrong. I was in a state of shock, and my body felt numb. The sudden change from feeling nothing to feeling pain and terror made me realize that my body must be seriously injured.

I had heard about PTSD from dog attacks before but never thought it would happen to me. It took me a long time to get over the incident, which still affects me today. But thankfully, with the help of therapy sessions and medication, I can live a normal life again.”

PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is experienced by many individuals. Ranging from the military, car accident victims, violent assault victims, animal bite victims, and many others who have experienced a traumatic event that is difficult for them to overcome emotionally and mentally.

PTSD is a disorder diagnosed in individuals experiencing symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event, even though symptoms may not appear for several months or years.

Symptoms may include:

  • Re-living the traumatic event through flashbacks and nightmares.
  • Avoiding people, places, and activities with a lack of emotional stimulation.
  • Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, feeling on edge, and being easily agitated.
  • Feeling detached from other people, intrusive thoughts.
  • Panic attacks the site of a dog.
  • Irrational sense of constant danger.

If you have any of these symptoms, you might want to contact a mental health professional and start addressing the fear that can cripple you.

Avoid actions that can trigger PTSD, like close contact with dogs, especially large breeds that can cause extensive damage. A good therapist will help you slowly overcome your fears and trauma.

Learn more about PTSD, treatments, counseling, and therapy, and get in touch with others who suffer from PTSD at ADAA.org.

Signs of Cynophobia After a Dog Attack

The most common symptoms of cynophobia are rapid breathing, feeling like running away or hiding from the object, and a sense of panic.

Just the thought or seeing a dog can trigger fears and anxious feelings. Typical responses are usually both physical and psychological. Some signs of cynophobia include the following:

  • Panic attacks just thinking of dogs
  • Freezing when seeing or in the presence of a dog(s)
  • Avoiding friends and family who have a dog(s)
  • Avoiding places dogs could possibly be present (beach, parks, running paths, etc.)

Dog Bite Victims who show signs of cynophobia and who have experienced severe emotional trauma many times experience the following:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Social phobias
  • Agoraphobia (fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment)

Many canine attack victims seek treatment at an emergency room and some others undergo surgeries to repair bite marks and scars. A dog attack can also prove costly for victims because of the medical expenses they incur. Many are unable to work and earn a livelihood as they recover physically and emotionally from the attack.

Serious Canine Attack Injuries in Los Angeles

Dog attacks can cause serious injuries and wrongful death, depending on the nature of the attack. Canine attacks can result in significant bodily injuries. Some common bodily injuries sustained in dog attacks include;

  • puncture wounds
  • nerve injuries
  • torn flesh
  • broken bones
  • lacerations
  • tissue loss
  • and internal injuries

Individuals could be permanently scarred as a result of the bite marks. Medical amputations of limbs or fingers may also result from dog attacks in severe bite cases

Dog bite victims may also suffer life-threatening infections from the dog attack. John Bisnar specializes in canine attack cases in Los Angeles. He says seeking medical attention is critical to making a full recovery — even if the victim initially doesn’t think the bite is serious.

In addition to physical injuries, dog bite victims suffer severe psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, nightmares, and fear of dogs. Call 323-238-4683 to speak to our Los Angeles dog bite lawyer today.

Protecting Your Rights in California

  • If a dog has bitten you, you must take the steps necessary to protect your own legal rights. First and foremost, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Identify the dog that bit you so the owner can be located. Report the attack to local law enforcement officials.
  • Make sure you take photos of the injuries. Save evidence such as torn or bloody clothing.
  • Approximately 57 million households in the United States have a dog, estimated at about 83 million dogs nationwide.
  • At an average of almost 4 million canine attacks annually in the United States, you should know your rights if you were or happen to be attacked and contact our highly skilled dog bite attorneys immediately. Read more about your rights as a dog bite victim.

Skilled and knowledgeable injury lawyers will work quickly to protect the evidence, locate all the parties involved, and obtain a fair settlement in your case. It would be best not to give specific information to insurance companies about the incident.

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys have taken on these cases for over 45 years, winning millions of dollars in settlements and compensation for dog bite victims. We have the best-skilled connections, the necessary resources to engage in expensive personal injury litigation, and a reputation that gives us the advantage in winning these cases.

If you have been the victim of an animal attack our Los Angeles,s dog bite lawyers can help. Let us evaluate your personal injury claim and see how we can maximize your compensation.

Contact Our Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers

Call 323-238-4683 to speak with one of our Los Angeles dog bite attorneys. With a free consultation, we can determine if you have a dog attack case without any obligation until you are ready to be represented. 

Our contingency plan allows you to be represented in your California canine attack case without financial liability until we win. We have 5 locations throughout California to be sure you have a lawyer near you when you need it most.

We Take Care of Our Community

Bisnar Chase has been supporting people in our community for over 40 years. 

We have organized an outreach program called Backpacks4Life, where we have donated over 25,000 backpacks filled with personal care items (blankets, toothpaste, socks, hygiene supplies, etc.)

The backpacks fill a vital need for the underprivileged and those needing access to basic necessities. Our staff spends hundreds of hours of their own time helping to fill and distribute the backpacks to Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. 

We’ve also formed Crafting for a Cause where we provide knitted blankets and skull caps for babies in local NICU wards in Los Angeles and Orange County suffering from cancer.

We donate cash annually to local churches, veterans, and homeless outreach programs to help those in need all throughout Los Angeles.

Our Branchout Scholarship provides $1500.00 to two students twice a year who are attending high school and college. A portion is donated to the charity of their choice.

It feels good to see the difference our team is making. – Brian Chase, managing partner and trial lawyer.

Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Near You

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack in Los Angeles, please contact our top-rated Los Angeles dog bite attorneys for a free consultation. We have recovered over $800 million with a 99% success rate and have been serving LA County for over four decades.

  • No fee if we don’t win
  • Top-rated year after year
  • 99% satisfaction rate
  • Experienced trial lawyers familiar with LA courts

Schedule a FREE consultation
6701 Center Dr. W 14th fl,

Los Angeles, CA 90045
323-238-4683

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I had an attorney for my truck accident who wanted almost 60% of what my case was worth. Worse than that, he was willing to settle for $5,000.00 with the insurance company even though I was still treating for whiplash and back pain. I contacted Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys because a friend recommended them. My case was handled exceptionally well! I was being kept notified throughout the whole process and only when I was comfortable with the settlement figure, did my attorney Gavin Long, accept it. I felt like we were working together and I felt listened to. I would refer Bisnar Chase to anyone who wants quality over quantity!

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Bisnar Chase Google Review - Lena

I wasn’t sure if I needed a personal injury attorney because I’d never been in a car accident before. I assumed I’d just go straight through the other driver’s insurance but that quickly became a nightmare. I spent months fighting over the simplest of issues about my case, which was 100% the other driver’s fault. I hired Bisnar Chase to see if they could just take it over for me. I was really impressed with how much they communicated everything to me! I suddenly started getting calls from the insurance company, imagine that. My final settlement was 6 times what I asked for to begin with. Everyone I dealt with was really involved in what was best for me, not the insurance.

Lena Murillo
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Great people in this office, everyone was really helpful explaining everything. I was referred by my aunt for my car accident in October and the case went pretty fast. No problems and very professional. I was kept in the loop thru the whole process and was able to get a better settlement than my insurance company said I would. I can’t really compare them to other law firms because it was the first time I had to use an attorney, but my bad experience with the car accident was handled as well as I could have hoped.

P. Montgomery
Bisnar Chase Review - Natalie

I’m so impressed with this law firm. I lost my mother because of a seat defect when she was rear-ended in an auto accident and Bisnar Chase stepped up and took our case. The staff is wonderful and Brian Chase took his time explaining everything via phone with me. I’m honored to have the best of the best working on our family’s behalf, trying to get justice for my Mom, because of a negligent car company still manufacturing faulty seats. I look forward to working with this firm and am hopeful for a positive outcome. Thank you so much, Brian Chase. I know you will work your hardest on this case. God Bless you.

Natalie C.

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP

6701 Center Dr W 14th fl, Los Angeles, CA 90045

323-238-4683

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