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Los Angeles Dog Bite Accident Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer

Did you know there were 1,953,795 households with pet dogs in Los Angeles in 2022? Unfortunately, the consequences can be devastating when a dog attack happens. A single bite can leave deep physical wounds, lasting emotional trauma, and financial burdens that no one should have to bear alone. In the worst cases, dog attacks even lead to wrongful death. In 2023, 58 fatalities were recorded resulting from dog bite injuries.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our Los Angeles dog bite attorneys stand up for people whose lives have been changed by a single dog bite. We fight for your rights, holding irresponsible dog owners accountable and ensuring you get the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Why Los Angeles Trusts Us After a Dog Bite

  • We Value YOU – You’re not just another case. You’re a person who has suffered, and your pain is real. We take the time to understand your situation and then build a strong case that fights for the justice and compensation you deserve.
  • We Handle Every Legal Aspect of Your Case – From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we manage your claim. The legal system is complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
  • You Pay Nothing Unless We Win: Are you worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer? You don’t have to be. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. There are no hidden fees and no financial risks.
  • A Track Record of Results: With nearly 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to take on tough cases and WIN.

Should I Get a Lawyer If a Dog Bites Me​?

Many people hesitate to take legal action after a dog bite, believing the process will be too expensive, time-consuming, or stressful. But the reality is that the impact of a serious dog bite goes far beyond the initial injury.

A deep wound or infection can require multiple treatments, leading to overwhelming medical bills. If the injury prevents you from working, lost wages can create severe financial strain, even temporarily. Additionally, many dog bite victims, especially children, suffer from lasting psychological trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and an ongoing fear of dogs.

You deserve compensation that reflects the full scope of your suffering and not just reimbursement for medical expenses. The law is on your side, and with the right legal team, the process doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.

Apart from the overall compensation, there are other reasons why you should work with dog bite law firms:

You’re Overwhelmed by Medical Bills and Treatment Costs

Dog bites often require stitches, surgeries, infection treatment, or even reconstructive procedures. A dog attack lawyer ensures you don’t have to pay out of pocket for someone else’s negligence.

The Dog’s Owner Is Trying to Avoid Responsibility

Many dog owners downplay the severity of an attack or shift the blame. The best dog bite lawyers hold them accountable and ensure they can’t walk away without consequences.

You Are Offered Less than What You Deserve

People often believe that insurance can cover the expenses of the damages, though this is true; insurance companies care more about their profits than your recovery. They may try to offer a quick settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your expenses. Fortunately, your legal team will fight aggressively for the full compensation you deserve.

You’re Suffering Emotional Trauma

Dog attacks can leave lasting psychological wounds, especially in children. Anxiety, PTSD, and a fear of dogs can profoundly affect your daily life. Attorneys for dog bites ensure your claim reflects ALL the damages you’ve suffered.

We know that dealing with a dog attack can be overwhelming and frustrating, especially if the owner is a friend or family. However, you don’t have to go through this battle alone. 

Let The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker fight for your compensation, peace of mind, and future. Call us at 562-573-8875 for a FREE consultation, or fill out our contact form. 

Best Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me

Larry H. Parker – Los Angeles CA Office
Address: 355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450 – PMB# 800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +12139869816

What to Do Right After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles

  • Get to Safety: Put distance between yourself and the dog to prevent further injury. If possible, identify the owner and make sure the dog is secured.
  • Clean the Wound Immediately: Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria into your system. Wash the wound with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and cover it with a clean bandage.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, and even rabies. A doctor can assess the injury and provide the proper treatment to prevent complications.
  • Report the Attack: Contact Los Angeles Animal Services or local law enforcement. Reporting the bite ensures a record is made, which can help your case and protect others from future attacks.
  • Gather Evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack. If anyone witnessed the incident, get their contact information and statements.
  • Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone: The dog owner’s insurance company may try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Let your lawyer handle all communication to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
  • Call a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney: A dog bite can leave lifelong scars, both physical and emotional. A skilled attorney for dog bites can fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Why Do Dogs Attack?

Dog bites don’t happen randomly. Many attacks occur because of negligence, lack of training, or an owner’s failure to control their pet. Understanding these triggers can help victims seek justice and prevent future tragedies.

  • Fear or Feeling Threatened: Even gentle dogs can lash out when they feel scared or cornered. A sudden movement, loud noise, or unfamiliar person can trigger a defensive bite. Unfortunately, children are often caught in these situations simply because they don’t recognize the warning signs.
  • Protecting Their Territory or Loved Ones: Dogs are loyal and protective, but that instinct can turn dangerous. If a dog believes its home, food, or owner is being threatened, even if the threat is an innocent passerby, it may attack to defend what it sees as its own.
  • Pain or Illness: A dog in pain doesn’t always whimper; it may snap instead. Hidden injuries, infections, or neurological issues can make a dog unpredictable, leading to sudden and unprovoked aggression.
  • Lack of Training or Socialization: A well-trained dog understands boundaries. But a dog that’s never been properly socialized may not know how to interact safely with people. Without that foundation, fear and confusion can quickly turn into aggression.
  • Prey Drive and Instincts: Some dogs have an instinct to chase. When a child runs, rides a bike, or even waves their arms, a dog with a strong prey drive may react by attacking, often causing devastating injuries.
  • Owner Negligence: At the heart of most attacks is one undeniable truth: Dogs don’t bite without reason, but owners have a duty to prevent it. Failing to leash, supervise, or properly train a dog puts innocent people at risk. And when a bite happens, the victim, not the negligent owner, suffers the consequences.

No one should have to endure the pain of a dog bite because of someone else’s irresponsibility. California law holds dog owners accountable, and you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Many people think a dog bite is just a simple injury, but in reality, the consequences can be devastating. Here’s what victims often face:

  • Severe Wounds and Infections – Deep bites can damage muscles, nerves, and tendons. Worse, bacteria from the bite can cause dangerous infections like cellulitis, tetanus, or rabies if untreated.
  • Broken Bones and Facial Trauma – Powerful bites can fracture bones in the hands, arms, or face, leading to permanent scarring or the need for reconstructive surgery.
  • Nerve Damage and Loss of Function – Some bites destroy nerves, causing numbness, chronic pain, or even mobility loss.
  • Amputation and Permanent Disability – In extreme cases, severe tissue damage can result in amputation, forever altering a person’s way of life.
  • Emotional Trauma – The psychological impact of a dog attack can be just as severe as the physical injuries. Many victims, especially children, develop anxiety, depression, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, making it hard to feel safe around animals again.

Can I File a Dog Bite Claim in Los Angeles?

California has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. Under California Civil Code 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog bites someone, even if it has never shown aggression before.

To file a successful claim, you need to prove:

  • The individual owns the dog.
  • The dog owner was responsible for controlling the dog.
  • They failed to prevent the attack.
  • The bite caused injuries and financial losses.

Moreover, liability doesn’t always stop with the owner. In some cases, landlords or property managers can also be held accountable if they know about a dangerous dog and fail to take action.

Trying to determine who is responsible after a dog bite can feel overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from your injuries. This is why we ensure our Orange County dog bite attorneys have the experience and expertise to dig deep to uncover the facts, hold the right people accountable, and fight tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

How Much is My Dog Bite Settlement Worth?

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Los Angeles, you deserve full and fair compensation for everything you’ve lost. But what determines how much your case is worth?

How Severe Are Your Injuries? Dog bites can cause deep wounds, infections, nerve damage, and even permanent scarring. The more serious the injury, the higher the medical bills, and the greater the compensation you may be entitled to.

How Has This Attack Changed Your Life? Beyond the physical pain, a dog attack can leave lasting emotional scars. If the trauma prevents you from feeling safe, enjoying life, or even working, your settlement should reflect that.

Who’s Responsible? California has strict liability laws, meaning dog owners are responsible for bites, even if the dog has never been aggressive before. However, in some cases, landlords or property managers may be held accountable if they knew the dog was dangerous and did nothing.

What Medical Evidence Supports Your Case? Strong medical documentation connects your injuries directly to the attack, proving how much treatment you need and how it affects your daily life. This is crucial in securing the compensation you deserve.

Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Claim

  • Economic Damages: Covers financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future healthcare costs.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Accounts for the emotional impact of the incident, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Punitive Damages: If the owner was reckless, such as failing to restrain a known aggressive dog, you may be entitled to additional compensation as punishment.

While things like medical bills and lost wages are straightforward, emotional trauma and long-term suffering are more complicated to put a price on, which is why having an experienced lawyer is so important. We ensure your settlement reflects everything you’ve lost, not just what’s on paper.

California’s Dog Bite Laws Have a Deadline

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a claim.

If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation. That’s why acting fast and working with a legal expert who understands how to strategize, negotiate, and fight for your rights is critical.

Can I Pursue a Case If a Dog Bites My Child?

If a dog has bitten your child, you have every right and every reason to seek justice.

Under California law, you can file a personal injury claim on behalf of your child to ensure they get the medical care, emotional support, and financial recovery they need. 

Most importantly, holding a negligent dog owner accountable can help prevent this from happening to another child. Your child’s safety and well-being matter. Let us fight for the justice they deserve.

What Happens If a Support or Service Dog Bites Me?

If a support or service dog attacks you, you can seek compensation for your injuries.

Under California’s strict liability laws, a dog’s status as a service animal does not exempt its owner from responsibility. Whether the bite happens in a public place or on private property where you’re allowed to be, the owner is still responsible if the dog was “on duty” at the time.

What Happens If the Dog Owner Insists I’m Partly At Fault?

If your actions played a part in causing the dog attack, you might not be able to claim compensation for your injuries, and you could need to rely on your own insurance to cover expenses.

However, if you were only partially responsible for the incident, you may still be able to claim compensation for the portion of the damage caused by the dog owner’s actions. 

For example, imagine you’re walking through a park, and a dog is off-leash, which is against the park’s rules. The dog gets excited and jumps up on you, knocking you down and causing an injury. While the dog owner didn’t follow the rules, you may be partly at fault for being too close. If the court finds you 30% responsible, you could still receive 70% compensation for your injuries.

We know it can be overwhelming to figure out who’s truly at fault, especially when multiple factors are at play. That’s why having an experienced dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles is essential. We’ll help investigate, gather the evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve—no matter how complex the case may seem. You don’t have to face this alone.

The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker: Fighting for Dog Bite Victims in Los Angeles

A dog bite can leave you physically scarred, emotionally shaken, and financially overwhelmed, but you don’t have to go through this alone.

Let our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers manage the legal process while you focus on healing. With nearly 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered, we know how to win tough cases and maximize compensation for our clients.

Call us at 562-573-8875 for a FREE consultation, or fill out our contact form today.

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