Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs have been considered loving companions for decades. Despite being easily trained, dog attacks still occur for several reasons. Unfortunately, a dog bite can leave you with serious injuries, emotional distress, and medical bills you never planned for. In fact, 800,000 people need hospitalization after a dog bite each year.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we know that a dog attack can become a traumatic experience for anyone as it can affect you physically, financially, and emotionally. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, our dog bite attorneys in Long Beach are here to hold negligent dog owners responsible and help you get the compensation you need to recover.

Why Long Beach Dog Bite Victims Choose Us

We Listen, Investigate, and Fight for You: No two dog bite cases are identical because no two victims are alike. We take the time to hear your story, gather evidence, and build a strong case that fights for your specific needs.
We Handle the overall legal process, from collecting medical records and witness statements to dealing with insurance companies. Your job is to recover, and we’ll handle the rest.
You Don’t Pay Unless We Win: Worried about attorney fees? You won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our contingency-based approach means you get top legal representation without financial risk.
Help When and Where You Need It: We serve clients across Long Beach and the surrounding areas, offering in-person and virtual consultations to make legal help easy and accessible.
A Proven Record of Success: For nearly 50 years, we’ve recovered over $2 billion for injury victims. But we’re not just about numbers; we fight for real people like you to get the justice they deserve.

When to Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite

Many people don’t realize how serious a dog bite can be until it’s too late. Unfortunately, if you miss gathering evidence, such as medical records and photos of the injury, the insurance company may refuse liability, leaving you with all the financial burdens. This can be unfair, especially if the dog bite injury is caused by the owner’s negligence and not yours.

If you work with law firms for dog bites, they will take on your case and handle all the legal intricacies of it, such as gathering evidence, calculating the total damages, and negotiating with the insurance provider. This will allow you to focus on your recovery while seeking justice.

While some dog attacks are minor, there are specific instances where you may need the help of attorneys for dog bites. Here’s how to tell if you should talk to a lawyer:

You Have Serious Injuries: Even small bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. A dog attack lawyer ensures all medical issues are documented so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for future treatments.

The Dog’s Owner Refuses Responsibility: Some owners deny that their dog was aggressive or try to insist that you provoked their pet. A legal expert can collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and ensure the truth is revealed.

The Insurance Company Is Offering Too Little: Insurance companies often lowball settlements, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. A dog bite attorney will calculate ALL of your damages and negotiate for full compensation.
You’re Running Out of Time to File a Claim: California law only gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The sooner you get help from Trustworthy law firms for dog bites, the stronger your case will be.
Contact a Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer: Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma add up fast. A dog bite attorney in Long Beach, CA, can help you hold the owner accountable and secure fair compensation.

We understand that dealing with a dog bite, especially if your child was the one attacked, can be frustrating and stressful. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ll fight for the compensation you need to help recover, ensuring justice is served. Call us today at 866-815-4689 for a free consultation.

Dog Attack Lawyers Near Me

Larry H. Parker – Long Beach CA Office
Address: 350 E San Antonio Dr, Long Beach, CA 90807, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +15624272044

Bitten by a Dog in Long Beach, CA? Here’s What to Do

1. Get to Safety: Move away from the dog to prevent further harm. If possible, find the owner and ensure the dog is secured.
2. Treat the Wound: Wash the bite with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and bandage it. Even minor bites can become infected.
3. See a Doctor: Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and even rabies. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
4. Report the Attack: Call Long Beach Animal Control or local law enforcement. This allows you to have an official record and may prevent future attacks.
5. Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene. If anyone witnessed the attack, get their contact information.
6. Don’t Deal with Insurance Companies Alone: The dog owner’s insurance might try to downplay your injuries or offer a low settlement. A dog bite lawyer can fight for what you truly deserve.

Common Reasons Why Dogs Attack

Dogs don’t bite for no reason, but that doesn’t mean an attack is your fault. Understanding why dogs bite can help strengthen your case.

Fear or Feeling Threatened – Some dogs react aggressively when startled or cornered.
Protecting Their Owner or Territory – Dogs may bite to defend their home, food, or family, even if there’s no real danger.
Pain or Illness – A dog in pain may lash out unexpectedly.
Lack of Training or Socialization – Poorly trained dogs may not know how to behave around people.
High Prey Drive – Some dogs instinctively react to quick movements, leading to attacks.
Negligent Owners – Often, it’s not just the dog but the owner’s failure to leash, train, or control them that causes the bite.

No one should suffer because of a careless pet owner. California law holds them responsible, and you have the right to seek compensation.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites range in severity from minor scratches to life-threatening injuries. Here’s what victims may experience:

Level 1 – The dog growls, lunges, or scratches but doesn’t break the skin. Even without a bite, this kind of aggression can be traumatic, especially for children.

Level 2 – The dog bites but doesn’t puncture the skin. You may see redness or bruising but no deep wounds.

Level 3 – The teeth break the skin, leaving 1 to 4 deep punctures. While the wounds may not seem too deep, infections and nerve damage are possible.

Level 4 –The dog bites down hard and shakes its head, causing torn flesh, deep bruising, and severe wounds. These injuries often require stitches or even surgery.

Level 5 – The dog doesn’t stop at one bite. Victims suffer multiple deep punctures, often leading to severe nerve and muscle damage. This type of attack can cause long-term disabilities and permanent scarring.

Level 6 – At its worst, a dog attack can be fatal. No one should ever have to suffer the loss of a loved one due to a vicious dog. Families of victims deserve justice and accountability.

Who’s Responsible for a Dog Bite in Long Beach, CA?

California law is clear: Dog owners are strictly liable if their dogs bite someone, even if they have no history of aggression. However, in some cases, others may also be responsible.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

The Dog’s Owner – If a dog bites you, their owner is generally responsible.
Landlords or Property Owners – If property owners knew about a dangerous dog and did nothing, they might also be liable.
Businesses or Homeowners – If the attack happened on a private property or business and the property owner failed to warn guests or take precautions, they could share responsibility.

What If I Were on Someone Else’s Property?

Invitee (Customer, Worker, Delivery Driver) – If you are an invitee, such as a customer, the property owner has a duty to keep you safe. If you’re bitten, they may be liable.
Licensee (Social Guest) – If the homeowner knew the dog was aggressive but didn’t warn you as a social guest, they can be held responsible.
Trespasser – Owners usually aren’t liable for the damages of a trespasser unless:
- The trespasser is a child (under 16)
- The trespasser regularly crosses the property, and the owner fails to post warnings.

Figuring out who’s responsible can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. A dog bite lawyer will investigate, build your case, and fight for your rights while you focus on healing.

Should I Report a Dog Bite?

Yes. In California, dog bites must be reported within 48 hours. Reporting a dog bite incident can significantly help you protect your health and rights.

It Creates an Official Record – A report can strengthen your case if you need to take legal action.
It Helps Prevent Future Attacks – Authorities can investigate, check the dog’s vaccination status, and take necessary safety measures.
It Ensures Proper Medical Care – Healthcare professionals can assess infection risks, including rabies and other diseases, and provide the proper treatment.

What Compensation Can I Get After a Dog Bite?

If another individual’s dog attacked you, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

Financial Losses that can be proven through receipts and other physical documents.

Medical Bills – ER visits, surgeries, medications, rehab.
Lost Wages – If you missed work while recovering.
Future Lost Income – If your injury affects your ability to work.
Property Damage – Torn clothing, broken glasses, or other damaged items.
Wrongful Death Expenses – Funeral costs (if a loved one was fatally attacked).

Non-Economic Damages

Emotional or psychological effects of a dog bite, such as:

Pain and Suffering – The physical toll of your injuries.
Emotional Distress – Anxiety, PTSD, or a newfound fear of dogs.
Disfigurement and Scarring – Permanent marks or injuries that affect your confidence.
Loss of Companionship – If you lost a loved one in a fatal dog attack.

While medical bills are easy to add up, emotional trauma is more complicated to calculate. A lawyer for dog bites will fight to make sure you’re fully compensated, not just for what you lost today, but for the lasting impact on your life.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Long Beach, CA?

You only have two years under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to compensation even if you aren’t at fault for the incident.

This is why you must work with the right legal team that strategizes based on your circumstances and negotiates with the insurance EFFECTIVELY.

Our Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyers Got Your Back

No one should have to endure the physical and emotional trauma of a dog bite alone. If you or a loved one has been attacked, getting medical help is just the first step, holding the owner accountable is just as important.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we can fight to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress. Our Long Beach dog bite lawyer makes things simple:

No Confusing Legal Talk – We explain everything in ways you can understand.
We Fight for Every Dollar – We don’t lowball insurance offers.
Your Health Comes First – We connect you with top medical care.
You Don’t Lift a Finger – We handle all the legal work.
Aggressive Representation – If the insurance company doesn’t play fair, we’ll take them to court.

Call us at 866-815-4689 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. You focus on healing, and we’ll handle the rest.

Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker