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 whatsover 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.

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, CA, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. As experienced dog bite lawyers, we can help you navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

To begin with, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, which cover not only the immediate costs such as emergency room visits, surgeries, and medications but also any ongoing medical treatments. This encompasses follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and any future medical care necessitated by your injuries. Furthermore, if your injury has led to missed work, you can seek compensation for lost wages. This involves recovering the income lost during your recovery period and accounting for any future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or result in long-term disability.

Another critical component of compensation is pain and suffering. This extends to the physical pain and emotional trauma you endure as a result of the dog bite, which can include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, if the bite leaves you with permanent scars or disfigurement, you are entitled to compensation for the impact these changes have on your appearance and overall quality of life.

You may also qualify for reimbursement for any property damage incurred during the incident, covering items such as clothing, eyewear, or electronic devices. Finally, compensation for loss of consortium acknowledges the strain severe injuries can place on your relationships with your spouse or family members, recognizing the broader emotional and relational impact of your ordeal.

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.

Is There A Time Limit To File A Lawsuit For A Dog Bite Incident?

In California, the law stipulates that you have a two-year window from the date of the dog bite incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations applies specifically to dog bite claims, meaning you must initiate legal action within this period to hold the responsible party accountable. If you do not file your lawsuit within these two years, the court is likely to dismiss your case, effectively forfeiting your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

There are certain exceptions to this rule that may either extend or shorten the filing deadline. For example, if the dog owner leaves the state after the incident and before the lawsuit is filed, the time they are absent might not count towards the two-year limit. Given these nuances, it's essential to consult with knowledgeable dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles as soon as possible after the incident. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case, ensure all necessary evidence is collected, and file your claim within the designated timeframe. By acting promptly, you increase your chances of securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and related damages.

Request a free consultation!

Without the assistance of an attorney, you will never receive the compensation to which you are entitled from an insurance company. The adjuster does not care about you or your injuries. The adjuster's only goal is to pay out as little as possible on your injury claim.

The physical and emotional injuries and scarring from a dog attack can last a lifetime. You want the best dog bite attorney on your side in order to obtain maximum compensation. The lawyers at McGee, Lerer & Associates know the value of dog bite claims and know how to work up a dog bite claim so that we have the medical documentation to get top dollar for our clients.

Let our family help yours.