
Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney
Need a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles County?
Have you or a loved one been injured by a dog and need a dog bite lawyer? Our Los Angeles County dog bite attorneys have five office locations: Los Angeles, Pasadena, Long Beach and Santa Monica. We can also come to you. Whether you were bitten by a dog or knocked over by a dog, you should speak with an attorney about your right to compensation for your injuries, including any emotional distress that you suffered.
Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Southern California
Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer are a husband and wife team of dog bite attorneys with decades of combined experience. Representing injury victims is all we do. You benefit from our year's of expertise.
Injured by a dog bite? Contact us now for a free consultation at (310) 231-9717. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our No Fee Pledge
We have a no fee guarantee: if you hire our firm, there is no upfront fee, and no fee whatsoever unless we win your case. We are paid at the end of the case, out of the money we collect for you. Our fee is a percentage of what we collect for you.
Dog Bite Law in California
In California, a dog owner is strictly liable to pay full compensation to a dog bite victim. It is no defense that the dog had never shown prior viciousness or that the dog was on a leash.
To prove liability, the victim must prove that the defendant owned the dog and that the dog bit the victim while the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property.
Common Dog Breeds Involved in Bites
Certain dog breeds are more often involved in biting incidents, though it’s important to remember that any dog can bite. Factors like training, environment, and the dog's history play a significant role in aggression. That said, some breeds are more commonly reported in bite statistics, including:
- Pit Bulls: Often in the news for serious attacks due to their strength and aggressive tendencies if not properly trained.
- Rottweilers: Known for their protective instincts, Rottweilers can become territorial and aggressive if they feel threatened.
- German Shepherds: Used for work like police and military, they are protective by nature and can bite when guarding their home or family.
- Chihuahuas: Though smaller, Chihuahuas are known for being feisty and aggressive, often displaying biting behavior when frightened.
- Dachshunds: Another small breed that may bite due to possessiveness or fear.
Understanding these breed tendencies can help prevent incidents and give victims insight into potential claim details.
Preventing Dog Bites
Preventing dog bites is key to ensuring the safety of both people and pets. Here are a few tips for dog owners and the public:
- Train Your Dog: Proper training from an early age helps reduce aggressive tendencies. Socializing your dog with other people and animals is crucial.
- Supervise Interactions: Never leave children alone with dogs, especially unfamiliar ones. Always supervise playtime and teach kids how to approach animals safely.
- Respect Boundaries: Don’t approach a dog that is eating, sleeping, or protecting something (like toys or their territory). Respect their space.
- Leash Your Dog: Always keep dogs on a leash when in public places to avoid sudden outbursts or confrontations with other animals or people.
By following these simple practices, you can help prevent bites and ensure safer interactions.
Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites
In most cases, the dog owner’s insurance will cover the costs associated with a dog bite. Here’s how it works:
- Homeowner's Insurance: Many policies cover dog bite incidents, as the dog is typically considered part of the household. If someone is bitten on your property, your homeowner’s insurance may cover medical bills and legal fees.
- Renter's Insurance: Similar to homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance often includes liability coverage for dog bites, especially if the dog is part of the rental property.
However, if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance or if the policy doesn't cover dog bites, it can complicate the situation. In such cases, the victim might need to seek compensation directly from the dog owner, which can be difficult if they lack financial resources. Consulting an attorney helps ensure the victim explores all possible avenues for compensation.
Understanding Your Rights After a Dog Bite Incident
Experiencing a dog bite can be traumatic, not just physically but also emotionally. Many victims might be unsure about their rights or the steps to take following an incident. Our dedicated team at McGee Lerer Ogrin is here to guide you through the complexities of dog bite laws in California, ensuring you understand your entitlements and the legal process involved.
After a dog bite, here are essential steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and document injuries.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the injury, the location, and the dog if possible.
- Witness Information: Collect contact details of witnesses who saw the incident.
- Report the Incident: Notify local authorities or animal control; this may be necessary for legal claims.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Contact our experienced dog bite attorneys to discuss your case and potential compensation.
Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. We understand that every case is unique, and we're here to provide personalized legal support tailored to your specific situation.
Why Choose McGee Lerer Ogrin for Your Dog Bite Case?
When facing the aftermath of a dog bite incident, having a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney by your side can make all the difference. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we understand the emotional and physical toll that a dog bite can take on victims and their families. Our team of compassionate legal experts is committed to ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Here are several reasons why our firm is the right choice for your dog bite claim:
- Personalized Attention: We treat every case with the individual attention it deserves, developing customized strategies tailored to your unique situation.
- Expert Negotiators: Our skilled negotiators are adept at engaging with insurance companies to secure fair settlements that truly reflect your needs.
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If necessary, we are ready to advocate aggressively for you in front of a judge and jury.
- Community Commitment: As a firm rooted in the Los Angeles area, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights of our community members and making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
- Free Consultations: We offer free initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and understand your options without any financial pressure.
Don't navigate this difficult time alone. Contact McGee Lerer Ogrin today to schedule your consultation and let us fight for your rights and compensation.
Who pays for your injuries?
The dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance company will pay your injury claim.
If it was a relative's or friend's dog, you should not be concerned that the money will be coming out of their own pocket. It will come from their insurance company, if they had insurance.
When you hire our firm, we move quickly to find out if the dog owner had insurance. If they won't voluntarily tell us, we use an insurance tracing company to find out if there is insurance and what the policy limit is. The policy limit is important because if you need surgery or other future treatment, you want to know that there's enough money there.
What Kind Of Compensation Can I Seek For Injuries From A Dog Bite?
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced dog bite lawyers are here to help you get what you deserve.
Here’s what you could be compensated for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and any future treatments like physical therapy or follow-up appointments.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can be reimbursed for lost income, including any future earnings if you can’t return to your job.
- Pain and Suffering: You can receive compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the attack.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: If the bite left permanent scars, you may be entitled to compensation for the impact on your appearance and quality of life.
- Property Damage: If personal items like clothing, glasses, or electronics were damaged in the incident, you may be reimbursed.
- Loss of Consortium: Severe injuries can strain relationships with family or a spouse, and you could be compensated for the emotional impact on your loved ones.
Our team will guide you through every step to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses.
How big is the problem?
The following facts demonstrate how big the problem of dog bite injury is in the country:
- Every year, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog.
- Approximately one in five of those who are bitten will need medical treatment.
- Plastic surgery is often required after a dog bite.
Who’s most at risk for a dog bite?
Children, mostly between the ages of 5 and 9, are at the highest risk for dog bite-related injuries. The majority of dog bite injuries to children are to the face and can result in permanent disfigurement.
The elderly are also at high risk for dog-related injuries. Seniors are more vulnerable because they are less able to defend themselves and can be easily knocked over or fall due to an aggressive or threatening dog, even when there is no physical contact between the dog and the victim.
75% of the time, the dog owner is the victim’s family member, neighbor, or friend.
Do you have a scar as a result of the dog bite?
In order for you to get maximum compensation for your dog bite injuries, it is important that you get evaluated by a plastic surgeon. Even if you have no present intention to go forward with plastic surgery, a report from a plastic surgeon detailing the injuries and the cost of recommended treatment will add significant value to your claim.
At McGee Lerer Ogrin, our attorneys can refer you to a plastic surgeon in your area who will treat you on a lien basis. A lien means that the doctor agrees to wait to be paid until the case resolves.
Dog bite victims often need psychological counseling.
After a dog attack, the victim often suffers psychological harm that can last long after the physical injury has healed. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, a Los Angeles personal injury law firm, our attorneys can refer you to a psychologist in your area who will treat you on a lien basis.
If a member of your immediate family witnessed the dog attack, your family member may have their own claim for emotional distress, and may need psychological counseling.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite?
In California, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t take legal action within this time, you could lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
There are some exceptions that may extend or shorten this time limit. For example, if the dog owner leaves the state before the lawsuit is filed, the clock may stop ticking during their absence.
It's important to act quickly. Consulting with an experienced dog bite lawyer right after the incident ensures all evidence is gathered and your case is filed on time. The sooner you start, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need an Attorney
Without a lawyer, you may struggle to get the compensation you’re entitled to. Insurance adjusters are focused on paying you as little as possible. But with the right attorney, you’ll have someone fighting for you and your best interests.
The physical and emotional effects of a dog bite can last a lifetime. You deserve maximum compensation for your injuries, and the attorneys at McGee Lerer Ogrin know how to get the best results for you.
FAQ – Dog Bite Claims in Los Angeles
- What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
- Seek medical attention right away, even if the bite seems minor.
- Take photos of your injuries and the dog if possible.
- Gather contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses.
- Report the incident to animal control or local authorities.
- Can I file a dog bite claim if the dog was provoked?
Yes. In California, the dog owner is still typically liable for a bite, even if the dog was provoked. However, the circumstances of provocation may impact the amount of compensation you can receive. - Does my homeowner's insurance cover dog bites?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites. However, it's important to check with the dog owner’s insurance provider to confirm the coverage and limits. - What happens if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
If the dog owner lacks insurance, you may have to file a lawsuit directly against them. However, an experienced attorney can help explore other avenues for compensation, such as your own insurance or a third-party claim. - How long does it take to resolve a dog bite case?
The time to resolve a dog bite case can vary. It depends on the complexity of the case, whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Most claims are resolved within a few months to a year. - Can I receive compensation for emotional distress after a dog bite?
Yes. Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is a valid form of compensation in a dog bite claim. Your attorney will work to document the psychological effects to ensure you receive fair compensation. - Is there a possibility of a settlement, or will my case go to trial?
Many dog bite claims settle out of court. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. However, if a fair offer isn’t made, the case may go to trial.
Don’t wait—contact our experienced dog bite attorneys today at (310) 231-9717 for a free case evaluation!


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