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 over 40 years of combined experience. Representing injury victims is all we do. You benefit from our year's of expertise.

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.

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?

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 & Associates, 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 & Associates, 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.