Pasadena Dog bite attorney in Los Angeles, California Attorney

California leads the nation in dog bite claims. The state accounts for roughly one out of every five dog bite insurance payouts in the country, and Los Angeles County consistently reports more dog bite incidents than any other county in the state. In 2023 alone, dog bite claims in California averaged over $68,000 per claim — a number that reflects just how serious these injuries can be.

If you or a family member was bitten or attacked by a dog in Los Angeles, you have strong legal protections. California’s strict liability statute means the dog’s owner is responsible for your injuries regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. At McNally Law Offices, our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers have over 30 years of experience helping victims recover full compensation for their injuries.

California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog if the bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property. This applies whether the bite happened on a sidewalk, in a park, at someone’s home during a visit, or at a business.

There are two key points that make this law favorable to victims:

No “one free bite” rule. Unlike some states, California does not require proof that the owner knew their dog was aggressive. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner is liable.

Strict liability, not negligence. You do not need to prove the owner did anything wrong — only that their dog bit you while you were somewhere you had a legal right to be.

Exceptions are narrow. The law does not apply if the victim was trespassing at the time of the bite, or if the dog was a police or military K-9 acting in the line of duty.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites cause more than just puncture wounds. Depending on the size and breed of the dog and the location of the bite, injuries can include:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds — Canine teeth can penetrate muscle, tendons, and even bone. Bites to the hands and forearms frequently damage nerves and tendons, requiring surgical repair.
• Facial injuries — Children are bitten in the face more often than any other body part. These injuries can require reconstructive surgery and leave permanent scarring.
• Infections — Dog mouths carry bacteria including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga. Untreated bite wounds can develop into cellulitis, sepsis, or bone infections (osteomyelitis). Roughly 18% of dog bites become infected.
• Nerve damage — Bites that sever or compress nerves can cause numbness, loss of grip strength, and chronic pain that persists long after the wound heals.
• Fractures — Large, powerful dogs can generate enough bite force to break bones, particularly in the hands, wrists, and forearms.
• Emotional and psychological trauma — Dog attack survivors — especially children — often develop lasting fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms that require therapy.
• Scarring and disfigurement — Even after surgical repair, many dog bite wounds leave visible scars that affect a person’s self-image and confidence.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?

The dog’s owner is the primary liable party under California law. But other parties may share responsibility:

• Landlords — If a landlord knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and took no action (such as requiring the tenant to remove the animal or carry renter’s insurance), they can be held liable.
• Property managers — Property management companies responsible for maintaining common areas may be liable if they allowed a known dangerous dog on the property.
• Dog walkers and pet sitters — If someone other than the owner was handling the dog at the time of the attack, they may share liability, especially if they failed to use a leash or maintain control.
• Parents of minor dog owners — If the dog’s legal owner is a minor, the parents or guardians are typically liable for damages.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

California law allows dog bite victims to recover:

• Medical bills — emergency room treatment, surgery, follow-up care, physical therapy, and future medical needs
• Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery costs
• Lost wages during recovery
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
• Scarring and disfigurement damages
• Property damage — if the dog destroyed clothing, glasses, or personal items during the attack

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a dog bite?

Seek medical attention right away — even minor-looking bites can lead to serious infections. Report the incident to LA County Animal Control, which will investigate and may quarantine the dog. Photograph your injuries and the location where the bite occurred. Get the dog owner’s contact and insurance information. Then call an attorney before speaking with any insurance company.

Can I still recover damages if I was petting the dog when it bit me?

In most cases, yes. California’s strict liability law applies regardless of what you were doing at the time of the bite, as long as you were lawfully present. The only question is whether you provoked the dog. Petting a dog that appeared friendly is not provocation.

What if the dog owner has no insurance?

Many dog bite claims are covered under the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. If the owner has no insurance, we can pursue a claim directly against the owner’s personal assets. We evaluate all available sources of recovery during our initial investigation.

Contact Our Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Los Angeles County, McNally Law Offices will fight for the compensation you deserve. We handle dog bite cases from our offices in Pasadena and Century City.

Call (626) 584-5744 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win your case.