Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles

Q: Is California a 'strict liability' state for dog bites?

Yes. California Civil Code Section 3342 establishes strict liability for dog owners. This means an owner is responsible if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of any 'viciousness.'

Q: What is the 'one-bite rule' and does it apply in California?

The 'one-bite rule'—which shields owners from liability if the dog has never bitten anyone before—does NOT apply in California. An owner can be held liable for the very first time their dog bites someone, even if the animal had previously shown no aggressive tendencies.

Q: Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

California follows 'pure comparative negligence.' If you were partially responsible—for instance, by provoking the dog—you can still recover compensation, but your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you were trespassing, the owner may not be held liable.

Q: What kind of compensation can I receive for a dog bite injury?

Victims can recover damages for medical expenses (including ambulance fees and ER visits), specialized plastic surgery for scarring, psychological counseling for trauma, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Q: How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?

Generally, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. It is important to consult with an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and identify the dog's owner.

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Award-Winning Dog Bite Lawyers

Mesriani Law Group’s experienced dog bite lawyers help bring justice to victims of dog attacks. We fight to recover damages for the pain and suffering you experienced in addition to any medical expenses and missed pay caused by the dog bite. California has strict dog bite liability laws that protect victims and hold owners responsible for any attacks, regardless of if the dog has a violent history or not. Mesriani La Group has a successful track record of winning dog bite cases, and our team is focused on getting you the settlement you need so you can fully recover.

California’s “Strict Liability” Law

Unlike many other states, California does not follow a “one-bite rule.” Under Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is liable for damages if:

The dog bites a person in a public place or lawfully in a private place.
The owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog has ever been aggressive before.

The only primary exceptions involve the dog defending against a person who is trespassing, committing a violent crime (like assault or burglary), or actively abusing/torturing the animal.

Critical Steps to Take After an Attack

Seek Medical Care Immediately: Dog bites carry a high risk of infections such as Pasteurella, MRSA, Tetanus, or even Rabies. Professional cleaning and a round of antibiotics are often medically necessary.
Report to Animal Control: Filing a formal report creates a paper trail and ensures the dog is checked for vaccinations.
Identify the Owner: Collect the owner’s contact and homeowner’s insurance information.
Document the Injuries: Take high-quality photos of the wounds before and after medical treatment.
Gather Witness Info: If anyone saw the attack, their testimony is vital to proving you did not provoke the animal.
Consult a Lawyer: Do not provide a recorded statement to the owner’s insurance company without legal guidance.

Understanding Injury Severity

Medical and legal experts often classify dog bites into six grades to determine the required level of care and potential claim value:

Grade	Severity	Legal/Medical Implications
Grade 1-2	Scratches or superficial marks.	Minor bruising; typically requires basic first aid.
Grade 3	Single or multiple puncture wounds.	Risk of infection; may require stitches and antibiotics.
Grade 4	Deep wounds with torn soft tissue.	High risk of nerve or muscle damage; often requires surgery.
Grade 5-6	Multiple severe wounds or fatality.	Catastrophic injuries; requires extensive reconstructive surgery.

Compensation You Can Recover

A successful dog bite claim covers both the immediate and long-term impacts of the attack:

Medical Expenses: ER visits, surgeries, and future cosmetic procedures to reduce scarring.
Psychological Care: Compensation for PTSD, anxiety, or a newfound fear of animals.
Lost Wages: Income lost during your recovery period.
Pain and Suffering: General damages for the physical and emotional trauma endured.

Dog Bite Claims: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is California a "strict liability" state for dog bites?

Yes. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are held strictly liable for damages when their dog bites another person in a public place or lawfully in a private place. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent; the mere fact that the bite occurred is often enough to establish liability.

2. What is the "one-bite rule" and does it apply in California?

In some states, an owner isn't liable unless the dog has bitten someone before. California does not follow this rule. An owner is responsible for the very first time their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner believed the dog was "friendly."

3. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

California uses a pure comparative negligence system. If you were partially at fault—for example, if you ignored a warning sign or accidentally provoked the animal—you can still seek maximum compensation, though your recovery will be reduced by your share of the fault. Note that liability usually does not apply if the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack.

4. What kind of compensation can I receive for a dog bite injury?

Victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. This includes all current and future medical bills, reconstructive surgery for scarring, lost income, and damages for emotional trauma or PTSD. We work to ensure that the long-term physical and psychological impacts are fully covered in your settlement.

5. How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?

The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the incident. However, because evidence like witness statements and animal control records can disappear, it is vital to act quickly. If the victim is a child, different rules may apply that extend the deadline, but prompt legal advice is always recommended.

Get Justice for Your Injuries

A dog bite can result in severe physical pain and lasting emotional scars. If you or a loved one has been injured, our Los Angeles legal team is here to hold the owner accountable and fight for the full financial recovery you deserve.

Free Confidential Case Review: 866-500-7070

What Mesriani Law Group Can Do for Dog Bite Victims

If you or a loved one suffered dog bite injuries, you should reach out and get legal help from our experienced dog bite attorneys. Dog bites can cause serious damages, and even wrongful death. Even small dogs have sharp enough teeth and enough strength to cause severe damage to skin, muscle, and nerves. This damage can require a hospital visit, very expensive treatment and even surgery. Under no circumstances, should you be held responsible for any expenses that need to be paid during recovery. Any money spent during recovery is eligible for reimbursement including medical bills, medication costs, out of pocket expenses, wages lost from being unable to work, and even compensation for pain, trauma, and suffering. Our attorneys will build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you need. If a settlement can’t be reached, our team will take the insurance company to court and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Mesriani Law Group?

No Win No Fee Policy

Mesriani Law Group offers a No Win No Fee guarantee to all our clients, meaning if we don’t win your case you don’t have to pay us anything.

Proven Track Record

Established in 1996, Mesriani Law Group is California’s most proven and trusted law firm. We've recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients which proves our approach is successful and our results prove it.

Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Rodney Mesriani along with the competent and seasoned lawyers of Mesriani Law Group has over three decades of experience, top-notch expertise, and sincere dedication in protecting victims of dog bite injuries.

Satisfied Clientele

Mesriani Law Group represents clients from all walks of life regardless of status and the value of your claims. Given the highest rating by our clients as seen in Yelp, Avvo, Google, and so on.

Multilingual Staff

Effective communication and exceptional customer service is what our firm is known for. Our professional and cordial multilingual team speaks Farsi, Spanish, and other languages, and we are more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

Available 24/7

We are available 24/7 and if our clients are unable to meet at our office, we are able to meet you at your convenience.

Contact Us Today at (866) 500-7070 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation

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The Mesriani Law Group Process.

Mesriani Law Group offers No Win, No Fee representation and litigation services. This means our lawyers only get paid if you win.

Step 1:
Get Free Consultation

Submit your claim details and schedule a free consultation with a qualified attorney who will discuss your case.

Step 2:
Sign a Contract

Before a lawsuit is filed, a binding contingency contract will be created and signed by both parties.

Step 3:
Investigation

Our lawyers will investigate your claim to determine negligence, malice, or wrongdoing.

Step 4:
Negotiate a Settlement

An optimal settlement agreement may be negotiated before the claim goes to trial.

Step 5:
Fight in Court

If a settlement isn't reached, our trial attorneys will go fight to protect your rights and recover damages.

What Our Clients Have To Say

“I cannot emphasize enough the level of their professionalism and effectiveness. It was great working with Rodney and the whole team at the Mesriani Law Group. The compensation they got me was more than I expected. I highly recommend them. With the Mesriani Law Group you’ll be in the right hands when you have an accident. They’ll take care of your case like no one else and get the maximum that you deserve.“

Rated 5 out of 5

George Yadegar

“After contacting many different lawyers and law firms to discuss my legal issue, I was lucky enough to come across Mesriani Law Group. They took the time to listen to all the details of my case patiently & kept me updated through out the process on a regular basis. His team was very responsive and accessible both via email and phone. Rodney Mesriani and his team did a fantastic job. Let me add that Cory, Stephan and Brandon were very helpful along the way.
Highly recommend this law firm.“

Rated 5 out of 5

Ali Daneshgar

“My insurance gave me the run around for a horrible car accident I was involved in. I was getting so frustrated until i contacted Rodney and his team. Not only was his staff super professional, they actually cared and followed up with me. My case has been settled and I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully I don’t get into any more accidents but if I do, I know where to go. Thanks for having my back Rodney!!!“

Rated 5 out of 5

Maya R.

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