Santa Clarita Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog Bite Claims in California

Were you or a loved one been attacked by or bitten by a dog? Dog bite accidents can lead to serious injuries and, in the most tragic of cases, they can even be fatal. Whether or not the dog responsible for your injuries has bitten anyone before, it is still possible to hold the owner responsible for your injuries under California dog bite laws. This is true for all type of dogs, whether it is a poodle or a pit bull.

At the Law Offices of C. Ray Carlson, our Santa Clarita dog bite attorneys can take proper legal actions against the dog owner in an effort to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your medical bills and other damages. We have over 40 years of experience and a proven record of success, having secured millions of dollars for our clients. Most importantly, we understand the challenges you are going through, and we are here to help. Our team provides caring, personalized support and attentive, effective representation both in and out of the courtroom.

On This Page

• Understanding California’s Dog Bite Laws
• Injuries & Damages in Dog Bite Cases
• We Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies for You
• How an Attorney Can Help

No Free Bites for Dangerous Dogs

You only have two years to file your claim—don’t wait! Contact us online or call (661) 765-8484 today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws

California follows what are known as “strict liability” rules when it comes to dog bites. In contrast to “one-bite” rules in other states, California dog owners are always liable when their dogs bite someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or the owner had no reason to believe the dog might be aggressive.

Essentially, this means that if you were bitten by a dog, you do not necessarily need to prove that the owner was negligent; instead, you need only prove that you were on public property or were lawfully on private property when the bite happened and that you did not provoke the dog. If the owner argues that you were trespassing or that you did something to make the dog bite, you may have a more difficult (though certainly not impossible) time obtaining compensation.

Additionally, if the dog that bit you was protecting its owner or another person, the case could fall under the state’s self-defense laws, and you may be ineligible to file a claim. You are also ineligible to file a claim if the dog that bit you was a police dog or military dog who was “on duty” at the time of the bite or was being used according to the appropriate agency’s policies.

Injuries & Damages in Dog Bite Cases

A dog bite can lead to serious injuries that may require extensive medical care or reconstructive surgery. Even with immediate medical attention, victims may suffer permanent scarring. Dog attacks also often lead to emotional trauma, which may present itself as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a new fear of dogs.

Our Santa Clarita dog bite lawyers can help you seek compensation for the following damages:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospital and ambulance fees
• Ongoing medical care costs
• Future medical expenses
• Lost income/wages
• Lost future earnings
• Lost or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Counseling services
• Disfigurement
• Inconvenience

In the event that your child or loved one died as a result of the attack, we can also help you file a wrongful death claim and seek justice and compensation for your losses.

We Can Negotiate With Insurance Companies for You

With the help of a dog bite attorney, you can take the time you need to heal from the animal attack and allow our legal team to represent you throughout the entire legal process. Our extensive experience has taught us that the biggest challenge isn’t to prove that the dog bite happened but to secure sufficient insurance coverage to get our clients the compensation that they are owed.

We have the legal knowledge needed to get you compensation, and we work diligently throughout the process to better our chances of doing exactly that. In California, the statute of limitations associated with dog bite accidents is two years from the date of the injury. This makes it important to hire legal representation as soon as possible following your attack.

Speak to an Attorney at Our Firm Today

After you seek medical attention and alert the police of the attack, the next most important thing you can do is consult with an experienced dog bite accident attorney, such as C. Ray Carlson or any of the attorneys at our firm. It can be uncomfortable to take legal action, particularly if the dog belongs to a family member, friend, or neighbor. However, most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites and attacks—you are not suing the owner but their insurance provider. Additionally, it is your right under the law to recover compensation for your injuries after a dog bite, and our firm can help.

Reach out to us today to schedule your free initial consultation. During this meeting, which can be held in person or over the phone, we can discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. We have represented individuals throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area since 1980 and are skilled litigators who understand that facts are the most important factor in dog bite claims. We offer services in English as well as Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Tagalog as well.

Call (661) 765-8484 or submit a free online case evaluation form today.