As Los Angeles dog bite lawyers, we have successfully handled claims on behalf of dog bite victims, either through negotiations with the owner’s insurance company or litigation. We are well versed in statutes enacted to protect the rights of our dog bite victims and understand that acting quickly following an animal attack is vital in protecting these rights. An immediate investigation can help establish liability for the bite and determine whether insurance coverage applies.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to contact a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles immediately to learn more about your legal options. In addition to dog bite lawsuits, our attorneys are experienced in other practice areas including dangerous property conditions, car accidents, and more. Contact us for a free, no obligation case review today to learn how we may be able to help. 

How Often Do Dogs Bite People?

There are over 327 million people in the United States who own some 90 million dogs. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites per year. That means that a canine bites 1 out of every 69 people. While most of these incidents don’t result in injuries, 800,000 require medical care annually. According to Insurance Journal, in 2017, insurance companies shelled out nearly $700 million in dog bite-related claims.

Are Dog Bite Cases Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Even if the dog’s owner does not have coverage, the injured party can still bring a legal claim against the owner to collect compensation for their losses. Depending on the details of the case, homeowners insurance may cover damages resulting from dog bites that occur on the owner’s property. Dog bites may also be covered by automobile insurance if the injury is sustained in the owner’s motor vehicle or by animal insurance if the owner elected to purchase such coverage.

Even if the dog’s owner does not have coverage, the injured party can still bring a legal claim against the owner to collect compensation for their losses. To find out whether the dog’s owner is insured, our attorneys will ask to see the declarations page of their homeowners, animal or renters insurance. If the insurance limits seem inadequate, we will determine whether the owner has a supplemental policy that may cover the incident.

If the dog’s owner denies having coverage or is unwilling to provide the details of the plan, these documents can be obtained during the discovery phase of the lawsuit, where attorneys for both parties share information regarding the accident and injury.

 Liability for a Dog Attack

A Los Angeles dog bite attorney is a good source of information regarding who is liable when a dog attacks. The most common defendant is the owner of the dog; however, the degree of the owner’s liability varies between cases. In most cases, the owner is responsible for the dog’s actions regardless of whether they have any prior knowledge of the dog's tendency to bite. In addition to the owner, a landlord that allows a dog with vicious propensities to remain on the property can be held liable if the dog’s dangerousness is known.

 What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims?

The statute of limitations is a law that states the amount of time following an incident the victim has to file a claim. After this time period expires, victims of dog bites may no longer bring their claims. Because of the statute of limitations, dog bite victims should not wait to contact a dog bite attorney in Los Angeles about their claim.  

What Damages Can I Recover if I Am a Victim of a Dog Bite?

Dog bite victims may be entitled to damages including:

• Current and future medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

With years of experience handling dog bite cases, our attorneys have witnessed the devastating physical, emotional, and financial effects these injuries can have on their victims. We have seen clients suffer serious injuries that posed the risk of permanent scarring and costly medical bills for related treatments. At The Pivtorak Law Firm, our attorneys understand the urgency of these matters and work diligently to help dog bite victims recover compensation for their losses.