Dog Bites

A dog bite can cause much more than physical pain. Victims often experience emotional trauma, permanent scarring, and financial strain from medical bills, time off work, or long-term treatment. In California, dog owners are held strictly liable when their pets attack or bite someone. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation under state law—regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before.

At Farzan Law, attorney Alex Farzan represents individuals who have been seriously injured by dog bites and dog attacks. We understand the complexities of California’s dog bite laws, and we’re here to make sure you’re not left dealing with the consequences alone. From negotiating with insurance companies to pursuing litigation when necessary, we are prepared to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured by a dog, call (424) 325-3112 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Understanding California Dog Bite Law

Unlike some states that apply a “one bite rule,” California follows a strict liability standard for dog bites. That means a dog owner is legally responsible for any injuries their dog causes—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner had no reason to suspect the dog was dangerous. This law applies as long as the victim was lawfully on private or public property when the bite occurred.

Strict liability is intended to protect victims by removing the burden of proving negligence. In most cases, the key questions are whether a bite occurred, who owns the dog, and where the incident took place. However, that doesn’t mean insurance companies will pay out easily. Many try to downplay the injury, shift blame, or offer low settlements. That’s why having an experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney like Alex Farzan on your side is so important.

Serious Injuries and Lasting Impact

Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries, from puncture wounds and infections to nerve damage, broken bones, and facial trauma. In more severe cases, particularly those involving large or aggressive dogs, victims may suffer disfigurement, deep lacerations, or even require reconstructive surgery. Children are especially vulnerable to serious harm, as they’re often unable to protect themselves and are more likely to be bitten in the face or neck.

Beyond physical injuries, many victims develop post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or a fear of animals that can last for years. Some struggle to sleep, return to work, or enjoy activities they once loved. When you’ve been seriously harmed, your claim should reflect the full extent of your suffering—not just the immediate medical costs.

At Farzan Law, we take the time to understand the full impact of your injury so we can build a case that truly represents what you’ve endured.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in California?

The dog’s legal owner is typically the primary person held responsible in a dog bite case. However, depending on the circumstances, other parties may share liability as well. For example, if a landlord allowed a known dangerous dog to remain on the property, or if someone else was responsible for supervising the animal at the time of the attack, they may also be held accountable.

In most situations, compensation is pursued through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These companies often have experienced legal teams working to minimize payouts. Alex Farzan knows how to push back against lowball offers and ensure that insurance companies take your claim seriously.

What You Should Do After a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, your first priority should always be your health. Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound doesn’t seem serious at first. Dog bites can easily become infected, and some injuries, such as torn muscles or nerve damage, may not be immediately visible.

Once you’ve received medical care, try to gather as much information as possible about the incident. If you’re able, take photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog involved. Get the dog owner’s contact details and ask if the dog is vaccinated. If there were any witnesses, their statements may help support your case later.

You should also report the bite to local animal control, especially if the dog is aggressive, unvaccinated, or roaming freely. Finally, contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights and begin the claims process.

Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite victims may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, both immediate and ongoing. This can include emergency room care, wound cleaning, stitches, medication, and follow-up visits, as well as costs for physical therapy or plastic surgery if needed. If the injury forced you to miss work, you may also be compensated for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.

In addition to economic damages, California law allows for recovery of pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for permanent disfigurement or scarring. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded, especially if the dog had a history of aggression and the owner failed to take proper precautions.

Alex Farzan evaluates every case individually and works to ensure that all damages—physical, emotional, and financial—are fully accounted for.

Why Choose Farzan Law?

At Farzan Law, we are known for providing compassionate, responsive, and aggressive legal representation for injury victims across Los Angeles. When you work with our firm, you’ll receive direct attention from attorney Alex Farzan, not a case manager or call center. We believe in giving every client the time, strategy, and support they deserve—because your case is personal to us.

We understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate a legal claim while recovering from an injury. That’s why we handle every part of the process for you, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to preparing your case for trial if needed. Most importantly, we don’t charge any upfront fees. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Call a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, don’t wait to seek legal help. California law places time limits on personal injury claims, and the sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Call Farzan Law today at (424) 325-3112 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

At Farzan Law, we stand up for the injured—because justice should never bite the hand that’s been hurt.