At The Injury Law Firm, we fight for dog bite victims across Burbank and the San Fernando Valley. We investigate every attack, handle all insurance negotiations, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. You pay nothing unless we win.
California Civil Code Section 3342 holds dog owners strictly liable for bites that occur in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property. This means you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that the dog bit someone before. If the dog bit you and you were legally present, the owner is responsible.
California's strict liability rule covers:
Bites that happen on sidewalks, parks, or other public spaces in Burbank
Attacks on private property when you were invited or performing a lawful duty (mail delivery, repair work)
Any injury caused directly by the dog's bite, including infections that develop later
Burbank municipal code also requires all dogs to be leashed in public areas and allows the city to declare certain animals dangerous after an attack. Property owners who violate leash laws may face additional liability beyond the Civil Code.
The law protects you even if:
The dog never bit anyone before
The owner claims the dog is "friendly"
You were petting or playing with the dog when it attacked
Dog bites cause serious physical and psychological harm. The Injury Law Firm represents Burbank victims suffering from:
✔ Severe lacerations and puncture wounds that require stitches, surgical debridement, or wound care
✔ Facial trauma and permanent scarring, especially common in attacks on children
✔ Bone fractures when a large dog knocks a victim down or crushes a limb
✔ Infections including rabies, MRSA, and Pasteurella, which can develop days after the bite
✔ Nerve and muscle damage causing loss of function, numbness, or chronic pain
✔ Psychological injuries and PTSD, particularly in children who develop lasting fear of animals
Even a "minor" bite can lead to serious complications. Emergency room treatment, plastic surgery, and counseling add up quickly. We fight to recover every dollar you are owed.
California's strict liability law applies to dog owners, but other parties may also be responsible depending on the circumstances of your attack.
Potentially liable parties include:
Dog owners. The person who owns the dog is automatically liable under Civil Code 3342, regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of aggression.
Landlords who knew about a dangerous dog. If a landlord was aware that a tenant's dog previously attacked someone and failed to take action, the landlord may share liability.
Property owners in certain circumstances. When a property owner harbors a dangerous dog or negligently allows an attack to occur on their premises, they may be held responsible alongside the owner.
Dog handlers and caretakers. Professional dog walkers, groomers, and kennel operators can be liable if they lose control of an animal in their care.
Our Burbank dog bite lawyers investigate every potential source of compensation to maximize your recovery.
Dog bite victims in Burbank may recover compensation for all losses caused by the attack. California law allows you to pursue both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization immediately after the attack
Reconstructive and plastic surgery to repair facial injuries, close wounds, and minimize scarring
Ongoing therapy and counseling for PTSD and anxiety disorders
Lost wages if you missed work during recovery
Loss of earning capacity if permanent injuries prevent you from returning to your job
Non-economic damages include:
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the attack and recovery process
Scarring and permanent disfigurement, especially when visible injuries affect your appearance and self-confidence
Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries limit your activities
California has no damage caps in dog bite cases. We demand full compensation for every harm you suffered.
The steps you take after a dog attack protect both your health and your legal rights. Follow these actions as soon as possible:
Get medical attention immediately. Even minor bites can cause serious infections. Go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic, and follow all treatment recommendations.
Report the attack to Burbank Animal Control. Call (818) 238-3340 to file a report. Animal Control will investigate the dog's vaccination status, quarantine the animal if necessary, and document the incident.
Take photos of your injuries and the location. Photograph bite wounds, torn clothing, and the area where the attack occurred. Visual evidence strengthens your claim.
Identify the dog owner and witnesses. Get the owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's insurance information. Collect contact details for anyone who saw the attack.
Keep all medical records and bills. Save every document related to your treatment, including emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, prescriptions, and therapy sessions.
Contact a Burbank dog bite lawyer before speaking to insurance. Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim. Let us handle all communication while you focus on healing.
The sooner you call us, the faster we can investigate and preserve evidence.
At The Injury Law Firm, we handle every aspect of your dog bite claim so you can focus on recovery.
We investigate the attack thoroughly. Our team searches for the dog's bite history, prior complaints to Animal Control, and any evidence the owner knew the dog was dangerous. We identify all liable parties and insurance policies.
We handle all insurance claims and negotiations. Dog bite claims are usually covered by homeowner's or renter's insurance. We demand full compensation from the insurer and negotiate aggressively to maximize your settlement.
We pursue maximum compensation for all your injuries. We calculate the full cost of your medical treatment, lost income, and future care needs. We fight to recover every dollar you are owed for pain, suffering, and permanent scarring.
We represent you in court if necessary. Most dog bite cases settle, but if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
You pay nothing unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis. No upfront out-of-pocket costs, no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (800) 597-5596 now for a FREE consultation with a Burbank dog bite lawyer.
We fight exclusively for injury victims—not insurance companies. Our attorneys provide bilingual support for Burbank's diverse community, direct attorney communication, and a no-fee guarantee. We know how to identify coverage, pursue fair settlements, and take cases to trial when an insurer refuses to pay what your claim deserves. Visit our team page to learn more about the lawyers fighting for you.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
California's strict liability law applies even if the dog has no history of aggression. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. As long as you were bitten and you were lawfully present, the owner is responsible.
Can I sue if I was on the owner's property?
Yes. If you were lawfully on the property (invited as a guest, delivering mail, performing repair work), California Civil Code Section 3342 protects you. Trespassers generally cannot recover under the statute, but may still have a claim under negligence theory if the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
What is the deadline to file a dog bite claim in California?
California's statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are filing a claim against a government entity (for example, if a city-owned dog attacked you), you must file an administrative claim within six months. Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to compensation. Contact us immediately to protect your claim.
Will the dog be euthanized?
Euthanasia is rare and depends on the circumstances. Burbank Animal Control may declare a dog dangerous and impose restrictions (muzzling, confinement, liability insurance) after a serious attack. Euthanasia is typically reserved for repeat offenders or dogs that cause severe injuries or death. Your civil lawsuit is separate from any Animal Control action.
If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack in Burbank, call The Injury Law Firm now. We offer a FREE, no-obligation case review. We will explain your rights, answer your questions, and outline the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our dog bite lawyers represent clients across Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale, and the San Fernando Valley. We fight to recover maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.
Call (800) 597-5596 or contact us online to speak with a Burbank dog bite attorney today.
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