Do I Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite in Agoura Hills?

Curt Brown, Esq. — Founding Partner

Local Agoura Hills Injury Attorney · UCLA Law

Curt Brown is a founding partner at L&F Brown. He grew up in Thousand Oaks, just east of Agoura Hills along the 101, attended Thousand Oaks High School, graduated from UCLA Law School, and has spent his career representing injured residents throughout the Conejo Valley.

Dog bites happen throughout Agoura Hills, from local parks and hiking trails to neighborhood streets and private properties. California has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country, giving victims a powerful legal tool to hold dog owners accountable. If you or a family member was bitten by a dog in Agoura Hills, here is why you almost certainly need a lawyer.

California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes by biting, regardless of whether the dog had bitten anyone before and regardless of whether the owner had any reason to believe the dog was dangerous. There is no "one free bite" rule in California. If a dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property in Agoura Hills, the owner owes you compensation.

Why Dog Bite Cases Require Legal Help

Even with California's strong strict liability law, dog bite claims are not automatically straightforward. Dog owners and their insurers often raise defenses including:

• The victim was trespassing (which can reduce or eliminate liability)
• The victim provoked the dog
• The victim assumed the risk
• The bite did not cause the injuries alleged

A dog bite lawyer in Agoura Hills knows how to counter these defenses with evidence, including witness statements, photographs of injuries, medical records from Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks or your treating providers, and animal control reports from LA County.

When You Should Definitely Hire a Lawyer

You should strongly consider legal representation if:

• The bite required medical attention, including stitches, surgery, or reconstructive procedures
• You have visible scarring or permanent injury
• The attack was severe and involved multiple bites or injuries from being knocked down
• The victim is a child
• The dog owner's insurer is contesting liability or offering an inadequate amount
• You suffered emotional trauma or anxiety as a result of the attack

Homeowner's and Renter's Insurance Typically Covers Dog Bites

Most homeowner's and renter's insurance policies cover dog bite liability. The dog owner may have coverage that makes meaningful recovery possible even if the owner has limited personal assets. A lawyer will identify the applicable coverage and make a claim against it on your behalf.

Report the Bite to LA County Animal Control

Report all dog bites to LA County Animal Control. This creates an official record of the incident and may result in a quarantine order for the dog. This report is valuable evidence in your legal claim.

Cases from Agoura Hills are handled in LA County through the Chatsworth Courthouse. Visit our Agoura Hills personal injury page to connect with L&F Brown for a free dog bite consultation today.