Dog Bites

A Dog Owner’s Carelessness Should Not Leave You or Your Child with Lifelong Injuries

Dog bites are traumatic. They cause more than just physical damage. They leave behind scarring, medical expenses, fear, and—often—anger that this never should have happened in the first place. If someone else’s dog attacked you or your child in Los Angeles, and you were left with serious injuries, you have the right to take legal action.

At Need Justice Now, APC, our Dog Bite Attorneys in Los Angeles help victims recover compensation for injuries that should have been prevented. California law holds dog owners strictly liable in many cases. That means you do not have to prove the dog had bitten someone before or was known to be aggressive. You only have to show that you were lawfully on the property and that the bite occurred.

We understand how quickly these incidents escalate and how confusing the aftermath can be. Call 888-998-4000 for a free consultation.

What to Know About California Dog Bite Law

In California, dog bite cases fall under strict liability. This is different from general negligence cases like car accidents or slip and falls. The owner is responsible for the harm caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had shown aggressive behavior in the past.

However, there are exceptions. For example, the law may not apply if:

• You were trespassing at the time of the bite
• The dog was working in a law enforcement capacity
• You provoked the animal intentionally

If none of those situations apply, you likely have a claim. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers will walk you through the requirements, investigate what happened, and explain your options clearly.

Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury?

In many cases, dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy. That means you may not be going after someone’s personal assets. If you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog, a family member’s dog, or someone you know from work or school, you may be worried about damaging the relationship. We understand those concerns.

You are not punishing someone—you are using the insurance system they paid into. Our attorneys handle the process professionally and take care of all communication with the insurance company so that you do not have to.

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Long-Term Consequences

Dog attacks can cause serious damage, especially to young children and smaller adults. Bites often involve tearing, crushing, and deep puncture wounds. Infections are common, especially if the wound is not treated promptly or appropriately. Some clients require emergency surgery or follow-up procedures to prevent long-term complications.

We represent clients dealing with:

• Facial injuries and permanent scarring
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones or torn ligaments
• Rabies exposure or infection
• Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress

We also handle cases involving catastrophic injuries caused by larger breeds or aggressive attacks. These may include disfigurement, loss of use of a limb, or permanent disability.

The Role of Premises Liability in Dog Bite Cases

If you were bitten while on someone else’s property—whether in a yard, at a party, or in a public space controlled by a private owner—you may also have a claim under premises liability. That means the property owner may have failed to secure the dog properly or allowed a known risk to go unaddressed.

In those cases, we look not only at the dog’s behavior, but also at whether the setting made an attack more likely or more dangerous. Unfenced yards, broken gates, and poor lighting are just a few factors that may contribute to liability.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After an animal attack, your health and safety come first. But there are also steps you can take to protect your claim:

• Get immediate medical attention
• Report the bite to Los Angeles Animal Services or local law enforcement
• Take photographs of the injuries and the location where the bite occurred
• Ask for the dog owner’s name and contact information
• Contact a dog bite attorney in Los Angeles before speaking with insurance

Even if the injuries seem minor at first, they may get worse over time. Some clients experience infections, mobility issues, or long-term anxiety around animals. We account for all of that when building your case.

Speak With a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or your child was bitten by a dog, you deserve answers and support. At Need Justice Now, APC, we take your case seriously from the start. Our legal team gathers medical records, consults with healthcare providers, and works to recover full compensation for everything you have endured.

Call 888-998-4000 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You do not pay unless we win your case.