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Dog Bites

Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience, especially when injuries and financial challenges arise.

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Dog Bite Cases

After a dog bite, seek prompt and effective legal representation from Orange Law.

Advocates for Victims of Dog Attacks

Whether or not you are a dog owner, understanding state laws regarding dog ownership is essential. While many owners have a deep affection for their pets, they are responsible for taking preventative measures to avoid accidental injuries caused by their animals.
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, finding the right legal representation may feel overwhelming. Between recovering from injuries and managing daily responsibilities, you shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. At Orange Law, we have the expertise to handle cases ranging from common dog bite injuries to severe attacks, ensuring you receive the legal support you deserve.

Join Over

22,126 Happy Clients

already receiving their maximum compensation

Get Your Case Review today

Advocates for Victims of Dog Attacks

Whether or not you are a dog owner, understanding state laws regarding dog ownership is essential. While many owners have a deep affection for their pets, they are responsible for taking preventative measures to avoid accidental injuries caused by their animals.
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, finding the right legal representation may feel overwhelming. Between recovering from injuries and managing daily responsibilities, you shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. At Orange Law, we have the expertise to handle cases ranging from common dog bite injuries to severe attacks, ensuring you receive the legal support you deserve.

Join Over

22,126 Happy Clients

already receiving their maximum compensation

Get Your Case Review today

How Can a Lawyer Help You?

When dealing with a dog bite injury, consulting a knowledgeable attorney is crucial. California has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, meaning owners are generally responsible for injuries their dogs cause. At Orange Law, we provide clear guidance tailored to your specific case, whether you’re the victim of an attack or a dog owner facing legal action.

Our experienced legal team will help you seek compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, and other damages. We’re committed to achieving the best outcomes for our clients, and we offer:

  • A proven track record of successful cases.
  • Personalized attention and one-on-one client support.
  • A “no fees unless we win” policy.

How Can a Lawyer Help You?

When dealing with a dog bite injury, consulting a knowledgeable attorney is crucial. California has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, meaning owners are generally responsible for injuries their dogs cause. At Orange Law, we provide clear guidance tailored to your specific case, whether you’re the victim of an attack or a dog owner facing legal action.

Our experienced legal team will help you seek compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, and other damages. We’re committed to achieving the best outcomes for our clients, and we offer:

  • A proven track record of successful cases.
  • Personalized attention and one-on-one client support.
  • A “no fees unless we win” policy.

Our Attorneys Can Assist With:

  • Negotiating with insurance companies and involved parties.
  • Collecting evidence, including photos of injuries and the incident scene.
  • Filing all necessary legal documents accurately and promptly.
  • Assessing damages and calculating long-term expenses.
  • Connecting you with trusted medical providers for treatment.
  • Conducting thorough investigations to strengthen your case.

How Can A Lawyer Help You?

There is never a wrong time to look for a personal injury lawyer. If you are getting sued or have been harmfully attacked, you should consider making an appointment with Orange Law. Anna Okhovat, a skilled personal injury attorney and litigator, is experienced in dog bite injuries and can explain how California’s strict law applies to best help your case. If you are a dog owner and are faced with complaints, criminal charges and lawsuits regarding your furry companion, it is best to seek consultation before the court rules on relocation or putting your pet down. As the victim of a dog attack, your circumstances are slightly different. Our attorney aims to help you reach a verdict or settlement that will compensate for treatments, traumas and anything else you may need. This firm is known for putting clients first, with no prominent fees until the case is won. We handle a variety of California personal injury lawsuits, including claims against pet owners for the injuries caused by their animals.

Specific ways in which an attorney
can help include the following:

California is one of many states that enforce a strict civil code. If you have been personally affected or faced with a lawsuit, it is important to know how dog bites are legally determined by the following:
  • Severity
  • Breed or altered breed
In court, dog bite rulings are determined by how severe the wound is – whether mild or life-threatening. If the dog’s teeth puncture or graze without completely breaking the skin, it is still considered a “dog bite.” The second factor in this case depends on the pet’s breed. Dog breeds with a history of being vicious are susceptible to being categorized and cross-referenced with statistical reports and data. Most wounds require medical treatment, which can be costly.

Here for You, Every Step of the Way

We are relentless in advocating for your rights, whether in negotiations or the courtroom.
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Key Information About Dog Bite Cases

Liability for Dog Bites in California

In California, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. However, in certain situations, others may share responsibility, such as a dog sitter aware of the animal’s aggressive tendencies.

Exceptions to Liability

Dog owners may not be held liable if:

  • The victim provoked the dog.
  • The victim was committing a crime.
  • The dog was assisting law enforcement or the military.
  • The victim was a veterinarian treating the dog at the time.
  • The dog was defending its owner from a trespasser.

Proving a Dog Bite Case

To succeed in a dog bite case, your attorney must prove:

  • The dog caused the injury through biting.
  • You were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the attack occurred.
  • The attack caused harm, losses, or suffering.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog attacks can result in severe physical and emotional injuries, including:

  • Puncture wounds and lacerations.
  • Infections, including rabies.
  • Nerve damage.
  • Broken bones.
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement.
  • Psychological trauma, such as PTSD.
  • Loss of function in limbs or other body parts.

Key Information About Dog Bite Cases

Liability for Dog Bites in California

In California, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. However, in certain situations, others may share responsibility, such as a dog sitter aware of the animal’s aggressive tendencies.

Exceptions to Liability

Dog owners may not be held liable if:

  • The victim provoked the dog.
  • The victim was committing a crime.
  • The dog was assisting law enforcement or the military.
  • The victim was a veterinarian treating the dog at the time.
  • The dog was defending its owner from a trespasser.

Proving a Dog Bite Case

To succeed in a dog bite case, your attorney must prove:

  • The dog caused the injury through biting.
  • You were in a public place or lawfully on private property when the attack occurred.
  • The attack caused harm, losses, or suffering.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog attacks can result in severe physical and emotional injuries, including:

  • Puncture wounds and lacerations.
  • Infections, including rabies.
  • Nerve damage.
  • Broken bones.
  • Permanent scarring or disfigurement.
  • Psychological trauma, such as PTSD.
  • Loss of function in limbs or other body parts.

What to Look for in a Personal Injury Case

“Pain and suffering” refers to more than physical injuries—it includes emotional distress and psychological impacts, such as:

  • Anxiety and worry.
  • Depression and grief.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • A diminished quality of life.

At Orange Law, we’ll ensure your settlement reflects the full scope of your losses, helping you recover and move forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions
About Dog Bites

In California, the owner of the dog is strictly liable for any damages caused by a bite, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or has bitten anyone before. If someone else, such as a dog-sitter, was caring for the dog at the time and had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies, they could share liability. Strict liability laws ensure that victims are compensated for injuries caused by dog bites, regardless of the owner’s precautions.

There are limited circumstances where the dog owner may not be held liable for a bite. These include:

  • The victim provoked the dog through actions such as teasing or harming it.
  • The victim was committing a crime or felony at the time of the incident.
  • The dog was working as part of law enforcement or military operations.
  • The victim was a veterinarian or dog handler treating the animal at the time of the bite.
  • The dog was defending its owner or property against a trespasser.

Your attorney will evaluate whether these exceptions apply to your case.

For a dog bite case to succeed, your attorney must prove the following elements:

  1. The dog bit you, resulting in a puncture wound or other injury.
  2. The bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.

The attack caused harm, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses.
Proving these points establishes liability and lays the groundwork for securing compensation.

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers damages resulting from a dog bite. This allows victims to receive compensation without directly burdening the owner financially. If the dog owner is uninsured, they may be personally liable for paying damages. An attorney will investigate the situation to identify potential sources of compensation.
Negligence in a dog bite case refers to the dog owner’s failure to take reasonable precautions to prevent harm. This might include failing to leash the dog in a public area, ignoring prior aggressive behavior, or neglecting to secure the dog on their property. In California, strict liability laws often eliminate the need to prove negligence, but negligence may still play a role in cases involving shared fault or additional claims.

You may be entitled to recover several types of damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses: For treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work.
  • Pain and Suffering: For physical and emotional distress caused by the bite.
  • Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring or injuries.
  • Emotional Distress: For trauma and anxiety caused by the attack.
    Your attorney will calculate and pursue all applicable damages to ensure you are fully compensated.
The value of a dog bite case depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries, the impact on your quality of life, and the available insurance coverage. Compensation typically includes medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and long-term care needs. An experienced attorney will review the details of your case and provide an estimate based on these factors.
The time required to resolve a dog bite case depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the complexity of liability, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while more complex cases, especially those involving significant injuries, may take a year or more. Your attorney will work to expedite the process while ensuring a fair resolution.