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Orange County Dog Bite Attorney

Orange County dog bite lawyer

Have you been the victim of a serious dog bite in Orange County? Our law firm has over four decades in personal injury, and our lawyers have won hundreds of millions for our clients throughout Orange County, California.

If you seek compensation for an injury, consult a qualified dog bite attorney before you talk to the at-fault party or insurance companies. 

We can help determine how much compensation you are entitled to, including time lost on the job, medical bills, and emotional damages. Call us at 949-203-3814 for immediate assistance for a free, no-hassle, confidential consultation with an experienced Orange County Dog Bite Attorney.

  • Over $800M recovered
  • 99% success rate
  • Familiar with all Orange County courts
  • Seasoned trial lawyers

Orange County Dog Bite Resources

How Long Does it Take to settle A Dog Bite Claim?

Receiving compensation in a dog bite claim can take a few months to a year or two. Because no two cases are the same, different circumstances will determine how long it takes to be paid for your injuries. 

If it’s a complex dog attack with serious injuries, it will take time to negotiate with the insurance companies and defense team to make sure you get a fair settlement. 

If your attorney is rushing to settle your case, be cautious because they should be fighting for you, not settling quickly. A good lawyer will work every corner of the file to uncover avenues for additional compensation.

How Much is an Orange County Dog Bite Case Worth?

We’ve settled cases from a few thousand to seven figure settlements. The amount you will get in your lawsuit will depend on the severity of the injuries and trauma. 

Someone with a few scratches and minor bites will be compensated accordingly: medical bills, pain and suffering, etc. This is usually a few thousand dollars.

Alternatively, someone who suffered severe injuries and underwent surgery or lifelong damage will collect much more. On average, an Orange County dog bite claim is worth around $5-$10,000.00 but can be more depending on the skill of your legal team.

Negligence in an Orange County California Dog Bite Case

Liability in a personal injury case involving a dog or other animals may also be based on negligence or negligence per se. If it is shown that a dog is not properly restrained or that the owner has knowledge of the animal’s violent tendencies, the owner can be held liable for damages.

The State of California permits a person to recover damages for canine-inflicted injuries based on the negligence doctrine.  To prove negligence, the plaintiff must show that (a) the defendant owned or had responsibility for the dog and (b) he is negligent in failing to control it or warn of its violent propensities.

Compensation Based on Negligence

A dog bite victim may be entitled to receive monetary compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Depending on the circumstances of the case, punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or oppression.

In California, compensatory damages are typically determined using the multiplier method, where the total amount of special damages is multiplied by a number between 1.5 and 5. dog bite Victims may also be entitled to compensation from the dog’s owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy.

Is my California dog bite settlement taxable?

The victim of a dog attack who receives a settlement receives non-taxable compensation.  

Like other personal injury settlements, dog bite settlements are often not taxable under U.S. federal law. This is so that you can receive compensation for losses you suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional anguish.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, though. There may be potential tax repercussions if the settlement includes money for mental distress or other losses unrelated to your physical ailments.

For instance, if a dog chased you but did not injure you physically, and you later acquired post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), damages for mental suffering would be taxed.

Punitive damages are completely taxed because they are meant to penalize the defendant. Furthermore, any interest received on compensation for personal injuries is subject to taxation as interest income.

Contact our Orange County dog bite lawyers to see if you have a qualifying personal injury claim. The initial consultation and legal advice is free.

Do I have an Orange County Dog Bite Case?

The terror of a dog attack can be life-changing and create an immediate fear of dogs that can last a lifetime.

The animal’s owner is liable if the attack occurred on private or public property. The following circumstances apply:

  • The defendant owned the dog.
  • The dog bit the plaintiff.
  • The plaintiff was lawfully on the premises where the bite or attack occurred.
  • The dog bite caused the plaintiff’s injuries.

Once these prerequisites are met, further action can be taken. A skilled Orange County dog bite attorney can combine all the case facts to attain fair compensation for you.

We have had dog bite cases where the at-fault party (or their insurance company) offered only a few thousand dollars. Still, through our pre-litigation negotiations, we collected more for our clients, some seven-figure settlements. 

We have gone to a jury trial to win the cases that could not be successfully negotiated in pre-litigation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California?

The statute of limitations is two years in California. You must file your lawsuit within that timeline to seek compensation for your injuries. 

There are some exceptions to the two-year time limit that could apply in your case.

Some exceptions that could apply:

  • Minor: If the injured person was a minor at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the injured person reaches the age of majority. This means a minor must file a personal injury lawsuit two years from their eighteenth birthday.
  • Mental incapacity: If the injured person is mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the injured person becomes mentally competent.
  • Fraud or concealment: If the defendant fraudulently concealed the injury from the injured person, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the injured person discovers or should have discovered the injury.
  • Government immunity: If the defendant is a government entity or employee acting within the scope of their employment, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until the government entity or employee waives immunity or until the statute of limitations is extended by statute.
  • Multiple injuries: If the injured person sustains multiple injuries from the same accident, the statute of limitations may not begin to run until the injured person has recovered from all of their injuries.

What to do After a Dog Attack

The most important aspect of prosecuting an Orange County dog attack claim is to secure evidence as quickly as possible. If the dog bite victim calls us as soon as the attack happens, our investigator is often on the scene, usually within an hour of notification, to gather and preserve evidence.

Immediately after the attack:

  • Obtain the identity of the dog and its owner
  • Obtain the dog’s vaccine records/vet information
  • Photographs/video of the dog
  • The identity of the witnesses
  • Witness written statements
  • Photographs of the injuries
  • Photos/videos of the location of the attack
  • File a police report
  • Seek emergency medical care
  • Contact Orange County Animal Control
  • Call an experienced dog bite attorney

Collecting and preserving evidence to prove the defendant’s negligence or carelessness and the extent of your damages is essential.  Additionally, you should keep a written log of all expenses related to the injury and how the injury has impacted your daily activities and overall life, including any mental issues because of the attack. 

Keep a record of all of your medical treatment and medical bills. This will be critical in proving the severity of the dog bite.

Common Injuries in a Dog Attack in Orange County

  • Lacerations: Deep cuts, tears, and puncture wounds from the dog’s teeth are common. These can require stitches and leave scarring.
  • Bruising: Dogs often cause bruising from their bites and just from knocking a person down. Areas like the neck and shoulders often bruise.
  • Fractures: It’s common for dog attacks to break bones in the fingers, hands, wrists, and arms when a victim tries to defend themselves.
  • Sprains & strains:– The sudden motion of a dog attack can easily cause sprains and strains to joints, muscles, and tendons. Knees and wrists are especially prone to sprains.
  • Infection: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can cause serious infections in bite wounds.
  • Scarring: Lacerations or disfigurement from a dog attack, especially on the face or neck, can leave significant disfiguring scars requiring multiple surgeries.
  • Nerve damage: Deep bite wounds can sometimes sever or damage nerves, potentially causing disability or loss of function.
  • Amputation: In severe dog attacks, the injury to hands, arms, or fingers may be so extensive that amputation is required.
  • Loss of vision: Dogs may bite or scratch the eye area, damaging the eye itself and the eyelids/tissue around it.
  • Death: Though rare, death can occur from major blood loss after a brutal dog mauling or from infection complications later on.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, we recommend seeking medical attention immediately and contacting an Orange County dog bite attorney to understand your rights. 

Orange County Dog Bite Laws

Strict Liability: Orange County follows strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning the owner is liable for injuries regardless of the dog’s history or propensity for biting (CC §3342.5).

Reporting Dog Bites: The owner or person in charge of a dog that bites a person must immediately report it to Orange County Animal Control. It is a crime not to report a bite.

Dangerous Dogs: A dog ruled dangerous/vicious by Orange County animal control must be registered, microchipped, neutered, confined, and insured for liability.

Fines and Penalties: Owners of dogs involved in bite incidents can face fines up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months if negligence is proven.

Orange County Leash Laws

According to the Orange County Code of Ordinances, it is unlawful for any person to have control of a dog on public property unless the dog is restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length. This law applies to all public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and schools.

There are a few exceptions to this law. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash in designated dog parks. Additionally, service dogs and guide dogs are always exempt from leash laws.

If caught violating the leash law in Orange County, you could be fined up to $100 for a first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.

Dog Bite Prevention

Educating the public can help reduce the number of dog bites we often see here in Orange County. Our law firm gets calls and emails daily about dog attacks; responsible ownership is the key to reducing them.

  • Supervise your children around dogs at all times.
  • Teach your children how to behave around dogs. This includes teaching them not to hug or kiss dogs on the face, pull on dogs’ tails or ears, and not disturb dogs while they are eating, sleeping, or taking care of their puppies.
  • Socialize your dog from a young age.
  • Spay or neuter your dog.** This can help to reduce aggression in some dogs.
  • Be aware of the signs of aggression in dogs. These signs include growling, snarling, snapping, and baring teeth.
  • Always ask the owner before petting a dog.
  • Let the dog sniff you before petting them.
  • Pet the dog on the chest or back. Avoid petting the dog on the head or face, as this can be perceived as a threat.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • If an aggressive dog approaches you, stand still and avoid eye contact.  Do not run or scream; this can trigger the dog’s predator instinct.

Some of Our Dog Bite Case Results

Bisnar Chase represents a variety of personal injury clients. From serious dog bite cases to catastrophic injuries due to a defective product; our attorneys have a vast knowledge of California injury laws and will fight to the end for our client’s right to fair compensation. 

We fight to get you the best possible settlement for your dog bite injuries and pop numerous policy limits and expose the 998 rule for maximum compensation.

  • $3,000,000.00
  • $1,478,819.00
  • $1,050,000.00
  • $1,000,000.00
  • $900,000.00
  • $600,000.00
  • $565,000.00
  • $325,000.00
  • $310,000.00

Why Do Dogs Attack?

You are required by law to report any animal bites or attacks. Here in Orange County, on average, 3 to 5 dog bites are legally reported every day, not to mention all incidents that are not reported. While some believe only specific types of dog breeds are dangerous biters, every dog is a risk, even with no prior history of aggressive behavior

Most Orange County dog bite cases involve dogs that have never shown any aggression before the bite incident.

Some key factors to consider before stereotyping breeds – reasons for dog attack situations can result from any of the following:

  • Reaction to a stressful situation
  • Scared, fear, or threatened (animal shelter or rescued dogs are often fearful)
  • Protecting themselves, their puppies, or their owner (territorial)
  • Startled
  • Sick or illness, injury or rabies
  • Over-excitement, especially during rough play
  • Mental issues with the dog
  • Predatory drive
  • Poor training
  • Ignored warning bites or signals

Nationwide Dog Bite Fatalities

nationwide dog bite statistics

Out of 78 million dogs nationwide, 4.5 million dog bites were recorded last year, with 41 U.S. fatalities.

All breeds can bite or attack randomly or as a result of a specific situation. Statistic information reports these breeds to be accountable for last year’s annual report:

  • Pit bulls contributed to 71 percent of these deaths, with 22 of the 41 deaths recorded
  • Labradors made up 3 of the 41 deaths
  • Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, Belgian Malinois, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepards, and mixed breeds each contributed to 2 deaths per breed

These fatalities included:

  • 31 percent were infants ages 3-6 days old
  • 42 percent or 13 of the deaths were children 9 years and younger
  • 58 percent or 18 of the deaths were adults ages 30 and older

Danger for Postal Carrier Dog Attacks in California

Southern California is a hotbed for dog attacks on postal carriers. Los Angeles to San Diego ranks top 4 for reported postal carrier dog bites.

Dogs are protective and may view letter carriers as a threat. Statistics show that one California city had 58 attacks in a single study year, trailing behind only Houston with 77. Fifty-one cities make up the top 30 rankings. See the national statistic report for postal carrier-related dog bites here.

Postal workers, couriers, drivers – the statistics for dog attacks

  • The US Postal Service reported 48 dog attacks on USPS postal carriers in Orange County in 2021. This was a 33% increase from 2020.
  • UPS said over 1,100 UPS drivers reported dog attacks in 2021.
  • FedEx reported over 450 dog and animal attacks on couriers in California in 2021.
  • In a 2018 survey of letter carriers in Southern California, 80% admitted to having been bit or attacked by dogs at least once. Over half reported needing medical attention.
  • As the Insurance Information Institute reported, an estimated 12,400 delivery drivers nationwide required medical attention for dog bites in 2018.

To find additional help or to report a dog attack, contact Orange County Animal Control. If you are a postal carrier or a courier and have been injured, contact our Orange County dog bite attorney for a free review of your attack.

Who is at Fault in an Orange County Dog Bite?

In a dog bite case in Orange County, the owner is usually the first person to be held responsible for the damages. Dog owners have a certain level of responsibility when they decide to take ownership of a dog, and if they do not adhere to this standard, they can be held accountable for their failure.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, other parties may also be liable for a dog bite, such as a landlord who has knowledge of a tenant’s dangerous dog but fails to take action. In some cases, there may be shared liability among multiple parties.

If the dog owner has homeowners insurance, it typically has a provision that covers canine attacks on their property. Dogwalkers can also be held liable for a dog attack since the dog was in their care at the time.

To determine who is at fault for a dog bite case, an experienced dog bite lawyer in Orange County will need to review the facts of the case and the applicable laws of the state where the bite occurred.

Do you take dog-on-dog attacks?

Most personal injury law firms do not take dog-on-dog attacks because a pet is considered personal property. You can, however, sue the person yourself, most likely in small claims court. The max is 5,000.00 in a small claims court case.

California Ranks Top for Canine Attacks

It may surprise you that California is ranked first in the nation in fatal dog attacks. Insurance companies nationwide pay over $1 billion in claims related to animal bites annually. One-third of the money paid out through homeowners’ liability claims are related to dog attacks.

At Bisnar Chase, our Orange County dog bite lawyers handle numerous California dog bite cases yearly. We can use our knowledge and experience to represent you and achieve great results.

In our experience, the most dangerous month for dog attacks is August. The days are long, it’s been hot for months, the gardeners are coming and going, and children are generally home from school; a dangerous combination.

Particularly this past August 2023, our law firm saw more dog bite cases than the previous three years. Many of those came from Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Huntington Beach.

Parks and beaches are especially hotbeds for dog attacks. Dog parks where large and small breeds mingle unfettered are an accident waiting to happen. Owners typically jump in the middle of a dog fight and end up with serious injuries.

Nationwide Dog Bite Insurance Claims Staggering

  • According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), around $797 million was paid out by homeowners insurance companies for dog bite liability claims in 2020. This number has risen steadily over the past two decades.
  • The Insurance Information Institute reported that dog bite liability claims increased by 2.2% from 2019 to 2020. If this rate of increase held steady, estimates for 2022 would be around $815 million and $834 million for 2023.
  • State Farm reported a 1.2% increase in dog bite claims from 2018 to 2019. Extrapolating forward, claims could reach $194 million for 2022 and $196 million for 2023 for their policyholders.
  • The American Veterinary Medical Association’s most recent data estimates that around 800,000 Americans annually require medical attention for dog bites. Those numbers would likely hold steady for 2022 and 2023.
  • A 2023 insurance industry report predicted dog bite claims will continue to rise by about 2% per year due to increased pet ownership during the pandemic.
  • Several industry sources project that pet liability insurance rates will rise by 8-10% in 2023 to keep up with increased animal bite claim costs.
  • Dog bites make up over one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in the U.S. The average cost per claim was $55,671 in 2020.
  • Homeowner insurance companies’ medical payments for dog bite injuries reached $213 million in 2020. The average claim for medical costs was $6,887.
  • Annually, around $100 million is estimated to be paid by rental/commercial insurance policies for dog bite claims.
  • Pet liability insurance has boomed into a $300 million-a-year industry to cover dog bite claims and other pet-related incidents.
  • The amount that insurance companies pay out in settlements and jury awards specifically for dog bite injury lawsuits increases by hundreds of millions every year.

Award-winning Orange County Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite or animal attack, contact our highly skilled Orange County Dog Bite Attorneys at Bisnar Chase for a Free Consultation. We will use our experience, knowledge, and resources to achieve the best possible results for you and your family.

Hire a personal injury attorney with a long history of pursuing dog attack cases in Orange County courts. You don’t pay anything until we win your case. Call 949-203-3814.

Bisnar Chase Gives Back to The Community

We proudly donate to Orange County residents and organizations to help others. We have created several programs to help those in need.

  • Backpacks4life provides backpacks filled with personal care items and given to veterans, students, and the homeless.
  • Crafting for a Cause provides knitted blankets and skull caps for babies in local Orange County NICU wards. All of the blankets and caps are knitted by our own staff.
  • The Branchout Scholarship awards two students yearly a $1,500.00 check to help with their student costs. This is an ongoing scholarship every June and December.
  • Each November, we donate over 1,000 turkeys to those in need, and in 2023 will be having it at Angel Stadium!  This program was created by John Bisnar in 2012 and has been a major success helping Orange County families put a Thanksgiving dinner on the table. 

Dog Bite Attorneys in Orange County

Case Results

  • 1

    $117,500,000

    Consumer Class Action

  • 2

    $38,650,000

    Motor Vehicle Accident

  • 3

    $32,698,073

    Auto Defect – Seat Manufacturers, Johnson Controls

  • 4

    $30,000,000

    Motorcycle Accident

  • 5

    $24,744,764

    Defective Seatback

  • 6

    $16,444,904

    Bicycle Accident

Client Reviews

Bisnar Chase Google Review

It was a pleasure working with such an amazing team. You will definitely feel welcomed and kept in the loop throughout the entire process. They do a great job making you feel like you are a part of their team which is how one should feel. The superb customer experience from finish to end. You can trust they will do all possible to promptly and efficiently handle your case.
Yes! I recommend this team…

Queen V
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 Google Review

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 Reviews

Bisnar Chase has been amazing with me through my lawsuit. I felt real compassion for my case and I was given their very best to make sure I was well taken care of. In addition to the great service given during my case, Bisnar Chase helped me get my son to his invited USA Football Team camp in Texas. They immediately offered to help fund the trip and are so supportive of his journey. I felt Kristi is just as excited for him as I am with this opportunity. Kristi has been an absolute delight to talk with. Bisnar Chase is more than I ever expected I could get in an attorney. I would recommend them to anyone!

Christina Del Real

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP

1301 Dove St. STE 120, Newport Beach, CA 92660

949-203-3814

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