If You've Been Injured in a Dog Bite Incident, We're Here to Help.

Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles & Glendale, CA

California has one of the strictest dog bite liability laws in the country, and Los Angeles County consistently reports among the highest numbers of dog bite incidents in the state. Whether you were bitten in a Glendale park, on a sidewalk in Los Feliz, or while visiting a neighbor’s home, California law gives you powerful rights to recover compensation — even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. At L&F Brown, our dog bite attorneys help injured victims hold negligent dog owners fully accountable.

California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

California Civil Code §3342 establishes strict liability for dog owners when their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. This means:

• No “one bite rule”: Unlike many other states, California does not require the victim to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. A first-time bite is enough to establish liability.
• The owner is liable regardless of precautions taken: Even if the owner had the dog on a leash, strict liability still applies in most cases.
• Lawful presence is required: The law protects victims who were bitten in public spaces or who were on private property legally — as a guest, postal worker, utility worker, or delivery driver.

Beyond strict liability, victims may also have claims based on general negligence — for example, when an owner failed to restrain a dog they knew was aggressive, or allowed a dog to roam off-leash in violation of local ordinance.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

Dog bites frequently cause far more serious harm than people expect:

• Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep tissue damage that may require surgery and leave permanent scarring.
• Infections: Dog bites carry a serious risk of bacterial infection, including Pasteurella and MRSA.
• Nerve Damage: Bites to hands, arms, and face can sever nerves, causing permanent loss of sensation or function.
• Facial Injuries: Children are frequently bitten on the face, resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement that may require reconstructive surgery.
• Broken Bones: The force of a large dog’s bite or attack can fracture bones, especially in the hands and arms.
• Psychological Trauma: Dog attacks — especially those involving children — can cause lasting PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs.
• Falls and Knock-Down Injuries: When a large dog knocks a person down during an attack, fall-related injuries such as hip fractures and head injuries are common.

Why Choose L&F Brown?

• California Law Is on Your Side: Our attorneys know how to leverage California’s strict liability statute to build the strongest possible claim.
• No Upfront Fees: Dog bite cases are handled on contingency — you pay nothing unless we recover.
• Compassionate Representation: We understand the physical and emotional toll of a dog attack and handle every case with care.

California Dog Bite Laws You Need to Know

The statute of limitations for dog bite claims in California is generally two years from the date of the bite (CCP §335.1). In cases involving minors, the two-year clock does not begin running until the child turns 18 — meaning a child bitten at age 8 generally has until age 20 to file a claim.

Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies frequently cover dog bite liability, meaning most claims are paid by an insurance company rather than out of the owner’s pocket. Our attorneys identify all applicable coverage and pursue the full value of your claim.

Los Angeles County and the City of Glendale both have leash laws and animal control ordinances that may establish additional liability when a dog was running at large at the time of the bite. Violations of these local ordinances are relevant evidence in your case.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

California dog bite victims may be entitled to recover:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room treatment, wound care, surgery, reconstructive procedures, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack
• Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for visible scars, particularly on the face or hands
• Psychological Trauma: Treatment costs and damages for PTSD, anxiety, and fear resulting from the attack
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If nerve damage or permanent injury affects your ability to work

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles or Glendale

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Dog bites carry serious infection risk. Go to an emergency room or urgent care center right away, even if the wound seems minor.
2. Report the Bite: Report the incident to Los Angeles County Animal Control or Glendale Animal Control. An official report protects you and helps identify the dog’s vaccination history.
3. Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the owner’s name, address, and contact information. Ask about the dog’s vaccination history and registration.
4. Document Your Injuries: Photograph the bite wounds immediately and throughout your recovery to document the healing process and any permanent scarring.
5. Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing that was damaged during the attack. Save all medical records and bills.
6. Contact L&F Brown: We will review your case, identify applicable insurance coverage, and begin building your claim.