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Dog Bite Attorney Los Angeles

Why do you need a dog bie lawyer? Dog Bites are a major public health problem not only for the associated risk of acquiring secondary infections and occasional death due to trauma (which occurs often in children) but also for the possibility of contracting rabies which, if left untreated, is almost invariably fatal.

Dog Owner’s Responsibility

A dog owner has an obligation to restrain his or her animal for public safety. As long as you are on private or public property legally, the dog owner may be held responsible.

Dog with its owner at a public park — California dog bite injury cases at Burg & Brock

Dog Bite – Strict Liability

If you own a dog in California, and that dog bites someone, you are liable or legally responsible for the dog bite, if the person bitten was legally on the premises where the dog bite or dog attack occurred. Under California dog bite law, a dog that bites is the absolute responsibility of its owner. This concept is called strict liability under dog bite law in California. Animal attacks and animal bites are the strict liability of the animals’ owner. In California, if you own a dog, you pay for the dog bite injuries and all subsequent damages related to the dog bites or dog attack. When you have a dog bite case and you file a dog bite lawsuit, your California dog bite lawyers need only prove:
That the victim plaintiff was lawfully on the premises of where the dog attack occurred
That the dog bites caused injury to the plaintiff.
The defendant of the dog bite law suit who owned the dog is then strictly liable for all injuries and damages suffered by the plaintiff victim.

Dog Bite – Homeowners Liability Insurance

If the owner of the dog owns a home, in most cases, liability for dog bites and dog attacks are covered by a homeowners insurance policy.

Dog Bite Inuries – Emotional & Physical

Dog bite injury often extends beyond the physical injury and damage.

There is emotional and psychological trauma associated with dog bites and vicious dog attacks.
Parents who watch their child become a victim of a dog attack may also have suffered an emotional trauma.
Small dog in a park setting — California dog bite attorneys at Burg & Brock

Dog Bite Inuries – Damages

The following damages may be sought in a Dog Bite Lawsuit:

Medical Emergency Room Costs
Hospitalization
Plastic surgery
Psychological & emotional trauma treatment
If the victim of the dog attack was working, lost wages and loss of present and future earning capacity.
Pain & Suffering
Small dog outdoors — California dog bite injury claims at Burg & Brock

Dog Bite Lawyer

The most widely praised dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles is none other than Cameron Brock, the founder of the Law Offices of Burg & Brock, Inc. Under Mr. Brock’s exceptional leadership, we have taken on over 20,000 cases and  earned a formidable 99% success rate. Part of our immense success is due to our selectivity. When you consult with us about the details of your particular case, we are very blunt and straight-forward in our assessment of your chances. We believe in carefully ascertaining the legitimacy of a case before ultimately deciding to take it on. By avoiding frivolous lawsuits, we have developed a strong reputation as credible advocates. So when we do take your case, you’ll have confidence in our ability to win a satisfactory verdict or settlement for you.

An excellent dog bite lawyer must have extensive trial experience. Your case may never make it to trial, but the other side needs to know that if they choose to fight rather than settle, it will represent a significant investment of time and resources. The other side needs to believe that the risk of facing us in court outweighs the cost of a settlement. With over $1 billion won on behalf of our clients, our reputation as an aggressive, take-no-prisoners law firm has translated into real windfalls for so many clients who truly deserved justice for their hardship.

When you choose Burg & Brock, you get the benefit of an experienced dog bite attorney who works for contingency fees. That means you enjoy a top tier advocate, but you don’t pay a dime unless we win for you. That’s the kind of confidence we have in our capabilities.

Related Practice Areas & Locations

Dog-bite cases in California are governed by Civil Code §3342 strict liability. Below are related premises and personal-injury pages plus city-specific intake.

Talk to one of our attorneys: Cameron Yadidi Brock  ·  Artin Fiterz, Esq.  ·  Greg Diarian  ·  Craig D. Rackohn  ·  Lena G. Karaminassian  ·  Isaac Radnia

Other Practice Areas We Handle

Cities We Serve Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

Is California a strict liability state for dog bites?

Yes. Civil Code section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for any bite that occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. The one-bite rule does not apply. The owner is liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.

How much is a dog bite settlement in California?

Settlements depend on injury severity and scarring. Minor bites without scarring settle in the $10,000 to $30,000 range. Cases with surgery, nerve damage, or visible scarring run $50,000 to $250,000. Child victims and facial scarring command higher awards because of the lifetime visibility.

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

Two years from the date of the bite under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If the victim is a minor, the deadline tolls until their 18th birthday under section 352. Government entity claims require a tort claim notice within six months.

Does the owner's homeowner insurance cover dog bites?

Usually yes. Most homeowner and renter policies include personal liability coverage of $100,000 to $300,000 that covers dog bites by default. Some policies exclude certain breeds. We confirm coverage before negotiating.

What if the dog was a service or police dog?

Civil Code section 3342(b) exempts police dogs in performance of duty if the agency has a written policy. Service dog bites are not exempt and fall under the strict liability rule. Other working dog bites have specific defenses we evaluate case by case.

What if I provoked the dog?

Provocation is a defense that can reduce or bar recovery. The provocation must be intentional, not accidental contact like stepping near a sleeping dog or extending a hand. Children under five are typically presumed incapable of provoking a dog.

Can I sue if a dog knocked me down but did not bite?

Section 3342 only covers bites. For knockdown injuries, we file a standard negligence claim. The owner's duty to control their dog is established by Vehicle Code section 27502 (leash laws), local ordinances, and common-law negligence.

What if the dog had no prior bite history?

Section 3342 makes the owner liable regardless of the dog's history. The owner cannot escape liability by claiming the dog had never bitten before. This is the rule that makes California one of the most plaintiff-friendly states for dog bite cases.

What damages can I recover after a dog bite?

Medical bills (including reconstructive surgery), lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress including PTSD. Disfigurement and scarring are valued separately and increase based on visibility, location, and the victim's age.

Should I let animal control quarantine the dog?

Yes. Quarantine is mandatory for rabies observation. It also creates an official report that supports your claim. Cooperate with animal control while protecting your civil claim.