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If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Glendale, you may be entitled to compensation. Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries, meaning you don't need to prove the dog was dangerous or that the owner was negligent. At The Injury Law Firm LLP, we represent dog bite victims throughout Glendale and fight to recover maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, scarring, and emotional trauma.
Call us now at (800) 597-5596 for a FREE consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Dog bites cause serious harm. Every year, approximately 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs, and many of these attacks result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, infections, and psychological trauma. Children are especially vulnerable, accounting for more than half of all dog bite victims.
California has one of the strongest dog bite liability laws in the country. If a dog bit you in Glendale, you have legal rights. We handle every aspect of your claim: investigating the attack, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and demanding full compensation for your injuries. We connect you with medical providers at no upfront cost and ensure you get the treatment you need while we build your case.
We don't dabble in personal injury. That's all we do. Your injury, our fight.
California Civil Code Section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bite injuries. This means:
✔ The dog owner is liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property.
✔ You do not need to prove the dog was dangerous or had bitten anyone before. ✔ You do not need to prove the owner was negligent or failed to control the dog. ✔ The owner is responsible even if the bite was the dog's first aggressive act.
Strict liability applies specifically to bites. If you were injured by a dog but not bitten (for example, if a dog jumped on you and knocked you down, causing a fall), you must prove the owner was negligent. Negligence claims require showing the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable precautions. Most dog bite claims in Glendale fall under strict liability. If the dog's teeth broke your skin, the owner is responsible.
Exception: The law does not protect trespassers or people who provoked the dog. If you were lawfully on the property (visiting a friend, delivering a package, walking on a public sidewalk) and did nothing to provoke the attack, you have a valid claim.
Dog owners are automatically responsible under strict liability. Landlords and property owners may share responsibility when they know a dangerous dog is present and fail to act; this can overlap with premises liability claims. Dog walkers, caretakers, shelters, and rescue organizations can also be liable when their negligence contributes to an attack. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance often provide the primary source of recovery, and we investigate every available policy.
Dog bites cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma. Common injuries we see in Glendale dog bite cases include:
✔ Lacerations and puncture wounds requiring stitches or surgical repair
✔ Infections, including staph, MRSA, and Pasteurella (present in up to 50% of dog bites)
✔ Scarring and permanent disfigurement, especially on the face, hands, and arms
✔ Nerve damage leading to loss of sensation or motor function
✔ Broken bones from the force of the bite or being knocked down
✔ Muscle and tendon damage requiring reconstructive surgery
✔ Rabies exposure (rare but requires immediate post-exposure treatment
✔ Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Glendale
The steps you take immediately after a dog attack can strengthen your legal claim and protect your health. Follow these steps:
1. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic. Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds that trap bacteria beneath the skin. A doctor will clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, administer a tetanus shot if needed, and evaluate you for rabies exposure. Keep all medical records and bills.
2. Report the Bite to Glendale Animal Control
California law requires reporting dog bites. Contact the City of Glendale Animal Control at (818) 548-3966. Animal Control will investigate the attack, document the dog's history, and determine if the dog is up to date on rabies vaccinations. An official report provides critical evidence for your claim.
3. Document the Scene and Your Injuries
Take photos of your injuries immediately and throughout your recovery. Photograph the location of the attack, the dog (if safe to do so), torn clothing, and any visible scars or wounds. Visual evidence is powerful in settlement negotiations.
4. Get the Dog Owner's Information
If possible, get the owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information. Also collect contact information from any witnesses. Witness statements corroborate your account of the attack.
5. Do Not Sign Anything or Give a Recorded Statement
The dog owner's insurance company may contact you quickly and ask you to sign a release or give a recorded statement. Do not sign anything or agree to a settlement without consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or get you to accept blame.
6. Call a Glendale Dog Bite Lawyer
Contact us at (800) 597-5596 for a FREE consultation. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. We investigate the attack, gather evidence, and fight to recover maximum compensation while you focus on healing.
Under California's strict liability law, proving a dog bite claim is straightforward compared to other injury cases. You must show:
✔ The defendant owned the dog
✔ The dog bit you
✔ You were in a public place or lawfully on private property
✔ You suffered injuries as a result of the bite
Evidence that strengthens your claim includes:
Medical records. Emergency room reports, doctor's notes, surgical records, prescription receipts, and photographs of your injuries document the severity of the harm.
Animal Control reports. Glendale Animal Control investigates dog bites and creates an official record. These reports often include the dog's vaccination history, prior complaints, and witness statements.
Photos and videos. Visual documentation of your injuries, the attack location, and the dog provides compelling evidence.
Witness statements. Anyone who saw the attack or can describe the dog's behavior supports your account.
The dog's history. Prior bite incidents, complaints to Animal Control, or aggressive behavior prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. However, under strict liability for bites, you do not need to prove prior incidents. The dog's history becomes more important in negligence claims (non-bite injuries) or in arguing for higher damages.
Homeowner's insurance policy. Most homeowner's and renter's insurance policies cover dog bite liability up to a certain limit, often $100,000 to $300,000. We investigate the owner's insurance coverage to ensure you recover the full compensation you deserve.
We gather this evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case while you recover.
Dog bite victims may recover compensation for all economic and non-economic damages caused by the attack. California law allows recovery for:
Medical Expenses
✔ Emergency room treatment
✔ Surgery and hospital stays
✔ Reconstructive or plastic surgery for scarring
✔ Medications and antibiotics
✔ Physical therapy and rehabilitation
✔ Future medical care for ongoing treatment
Dog bite injuries often require multiple surgeries, especially when facial scars or nerve damage are involved. We demand compensation for all future medical expenses, not just the care you've received so far.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
If your injuries caused you to miss work, you may recover compensation for lost income. Severe injuries that leave permanent disabilities or disfigurement can reduce your future earning capacity. We calculate these losses and fight to recover them.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life are compensable. Dog attacks are traumatic. Many victims, especially children, develop a lasting fear of dogs, nightmares, and PTSD. Pain and suffering damages recognize the non-economic harm you endured.
Scarring and Permanent Disfigurement
Visible scars, especially on the face, hands, or other exposed areas, have a profound impact on your life. Facial scars can affect your self-esteem, social interactions, and career opportunities. California law allows higher damages for permanent disfigurement, particularly for children who will carry the scars for life.
Psychological Counseling
Many dog bite victims require therapy to address PTSD, anxiety, and fear. We include the cost of mental health treatment in your claim.
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the permanence of scarring, the impact on your daily life, and the available insurance coverage. We fight to maximize your compensation and ensure you receive every dollar you are owed.
In most cases, the dog's owner is liable for your injuries. However, other parties may also be responsible:
Dog Owners
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, the person who owns the dog at the time of the bite is strictly liable. Ownership is usually straightforward, but disputes can arise if the dog was being cared for by a friend or family member at the time of the attack.
Property Owners and Landlords
If a landlord knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to take action (such as requiring the tenant to remove the dog or secure it), the landlord may be liable. Landlord liability typically requires proof that:
✔ The landlord knew or should have known the dog was dangerous
✔ The landlord had the authority to remove the dog or require safety measures
✔ The landlord failed to act, and that failure caused your injuries
Landlord claims often arise in apartment complexes where a dangerous dog has a history of complaints but the landlord allowed the tenant to keep the animal.
Homeowner's Insurance
Most homeowner's and renter's insurance policies cover dog bite liability. If the dog owner has insurance, you file a claim against the policy. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by arguing you provoked the dog, you were trespassing, or your injuries are less severe than you claim. We fight these tactics and demand full compensation.
Some insurance policies exclude certain dog breeds (such as pit bulls or Rottweilers) or have prior-bite exclusions. We investigate the policy terms and pursue all available sources of recovery.
What is the statute of limitations for dog bite claims in California?
You have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit in California. If you are filing a claim on behalf of a minor child, the statute of limitations is extended. The child has until their 20th birthday (two years after turning 18) to file. Do not wait. Evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies are less willing to negotiate as time passes. Call us now at (800) 597-5596 to protect your rights.
Can I sue if the dog bit me on the owner's property?
Yes. California's strict liability law applies if you were lawfully on the owner's property. Lawful presence includes:
✔ Social guests invited to the home
✔ Mail carriers, delivery drivers, and other service workers
✔ Salespeople or others with implied permission to approach the door
✔ Children playing in a yard with the owner's knowledge or implied consent
If you were trespassing or entered the property illegally, the strict liability law does not apply. However, you may still have a negligence claim if the owner knew the dog was dangerous and failed to secure it.
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Under California's strict liability law, it does not matter. You do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression or prior bites. If the dog bit you, the owner is liable. The dog's history becomes more relevant in negligence claims (non-bite injuries) or in arguing for higher damages based on the owner's knowledge of the dog's dangerous tendencies.
Will the dog be euthanized if I file a claim?
Not necessarily. Euthanasia is a decision made by Glendale Animal Control based on the severity of the attack, the dog's history, and whether the dog poses a continuing danger to the public. Filing a personal injury claim against the owner's insurance does not automatically result in the dog being euthanized. Your claim seeks financial compensation for your injuries, not a determination about the dog's fate.
If a dog bit you in Glendale, call us now at (800) 597-5596 for a FREE consultation. We represent dog bite victims throughout Glendale and fight to recover maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and emotional trauma.
You pay nothing unless we win. We handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront out-of-pocket costs.
At The Injury Law Firm LLP, we value direct client-attorney communication. You will speak with an attorney, not a paralegal or case manager. We listen to your story, investigate the attack, connect you with doctors at no cost, and demand full payment from the insurance company.
Your consultation is free and confidential. Call (800) 597-5596 or send us a message to get started.
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