Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker

Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are loyal companions, but even the most familiar pet can unexpectedly turn aggressive, leaving victims with painful injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills. According to DogBites.org, about 12,480 individuals are hospitalized yearly due to dog bite injuries.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we understand that a dog attack is more than just a legal case; it’s a deeply personal and often life-altering experience. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, you don’t have to face this alone. Our experienced Sacramento dog bite attorneys are here to fight for your rights, hold negligent dog owners accountable, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Work with Our Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyers

  • Your Story Matters, and We Fight for It: Every dog bite case is different because every victim’s story is unique. We take the time to listen, investigate, and build a strong legal strategy tailored specifically to you.
  • You Focus on Healing; We Handle Everything Else: From gathering medical records and witness statements to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.
  • You Only Pay If We Win: Financial stress should never stand in the way of justice. Our no-win, no-fee policy means you don’t pay a dime unless we secure compensation for you.
  • Expert Legal Help, Right Where You Need It: Our team is available for in-person or virtual consultations in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, or anywhere in California, making expert legal support easily accessible.
  • A Track Record of Success That Speaks for Itself: For nearly 50 years, we’ve recovered over $2 billion for injury victims. But behind every case is a real person, and we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you.

Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me

Larry H. Parker – Sacramento Office
Address: 428 J St 4th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +19167135420

Should I Get a Lawyer if a Dog Bites Me?

Apart from being an injury, a dog big can be a traumatic experience that can leave you physically hurt, emotionally shaken, and financially burdened. One unexpected attack can change everything, whether taking a stroll in your neighborhood, visiting a friend, or simply going about your day.

If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, you might be wondering: Do I really need a lawyer?

Yes. Insurance companies and negligent dog owners will try to minimize your injuries or shift the blame. That’s why you need a lawyer for a dog bite to protect your rights.

A dog bite injury lawyer will:

  • Gather Evidence – We collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos to build a strong case.
  • Calculate Damages – From medical bills to emotional trauma, we ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
  • Handle Legal Deadlines – California law has strict deadlines for filing a claim, and we ensure you never miss one.
  • Negotiate with Insurance Companies – Insurers will try to lowball your settlement. We fight for every dollar you’re owed.
  • Take Your Case to Court (if needed) – If insurance companies refuse to pay what you deserve, we will take them to trial.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case and get you the justice you deserve.

What You Need to Do When a Dog Attacks You

A dog attack can leave you disoriented, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do. Taking the proper steps immediately after a bite is crucial for your health and legal claim.

  1. Get to Safety Immediately: If a dog bites you, remove yourself from the dangerous situation as quickly as possible. Try to put a barrier between yourself and the animal. If you are in a public space, alert others for assistance.
  2. Clean the Wound Right Away: Dog bites can introduce bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to serious infections. Wash the affected area with soap and warm water for at least five minutes to reduce the risk of infection. If the wound is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
  3. Seek Medical Attention: Many people assume that only severe dog bites require medical treatment. However, even a tiny puncture wound can lead to infections like tetanus or rabies. A healthcare professional can properly clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and determine if you need additional treatment, such as a rabies shot.
  4. Report the Attack to Local Authorities: In Sacramento, you should report any dog bite incident to Sacramento Animal Services or local law enforcement. Reporting the attack ensures that the dog’s vaccination history is checked, the incident is documented, and steps are taken to prevent future attacks.
  5. Gather Evidence to Support Your Case: The more evidence you can collect, the stronger your dog bite claim will be. Be sure to take clear photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location of the attack, get witness statements from anyone who saw the incident, and identify the dog and its owner (if known) to help establish liability.
  6. Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Sacramento as Soon as Possible: A lawyer specializing in dog bites will handle the legal process, prove liability, and fight to get you the maximum compensation possible while you focus on healing.

Common Injuries from a Dog Bite

Here are some of the most common and often life-altering injuries that result from a dog bite:

Puncture Wounds and Deep Lacerations

Dog bites can leave deep puncture wounds that look small on the surface but can cause severe internal damage to muscles, tendons, and even nerves. Worse, these wounds are often filled with bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.

Deep lacerations (tears in the skin) can lead to long-term nerve damage, mobility issues, and permanent scarring. Some victims require stitches, surgery, or skin grafts to repair the damage.

Serious Infections 

Many people don’t realize that even a minor dog bite can lead to serious infections, some of which can become life-threatening if untreated.

  • Cellulitis – A painful bacterial infection that spreads through the skin.
  • Rabies – Rare but fatal if not treated immediately.
  • Sepsis – A life-threatening condition when an infection enters the bloodstream.
  • Tetanus – Causes severe muscle stiffness and can be deadly.

Nerve Damage and Loss of Function

Some dog bites are so deep that they damage nerves, muscles, and tendons, leaving victims with:

  • Numbness or tingling in the affected area.
  • Loss of mobility in fingers, hands, or legs.
  • Chronic pain that lasts for months or years.

For some, the damage is permanent. Imagine losing feeling in your hand or struggling to walk because of a single dog attack. The consequences can affect your ability to work, care for yourself, and enjoy daily life.

Broken Bones 

A dog’s powerful bite can fracture or crush bones, especially in the hands, arms, or legs. Children and elderly victims are particularly vulnerable because their bones are more fragile.

Facial Injuries and Eye Damage 

Dog attacks often target the face, neck, and head, leading to:

  • Severe facial lacerations that require reconstructive surgery.
  • Permanent scarring that alters appearance and self-confidence.
  • Vision loss if the eyes are affected by the bite.

For children, facial injuries can be devastating, leading to bullying, self-consciousness, and emotional distress that lasts a lifetime.

Amputation and Permanent Disability

In the most severe cases, a dog bite can cause irreversible damage, leading to amputation of fingers, hands, or limbs. If an infection spreads or the bite destroys too much tissue, doctors may have no choice but to remove the affected area.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we know that a dog bite isn’t just a “minor injury.” It can change your life in an instant. That’s why we fight for victims, ensuring they get the medical care, financial support, and justice they deserve.

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Sacramento?

Under California Civil Code 3342, dog owners are strictly liable if their dogs bite someone, regardless of whether they have shown aggression before.

To file a successful claim, you must prove:

  • The dog owner was responsible for the dog.
  • They failed to prevent the attack.
  • The bite resulted in injuries and financial losses.

In some cases, landlords or property managers may also be held liable if they were aware of a dangerous dog and did nothing to prevent the attack.

Who Is Liable If a Stray Dog Attacks Me in California?

Since California operates under strict liability laws for dog bites, a dog’s owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by their pet. However, if the dog is truly a stray with no known owner, that law doesn’t apply similarly.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Liability may still fall on other parties, including:

    • Local Animal Control or Government Entities: If the city or county was aware of a dangerous stray dog but failed to act, they could be held responsible under certain circumstances. However, you can only do so within six months of the incident date.  
  • A Property Owner or Landlord: If the attack happened on private property, such as an apartment complex or a business parking lot, the property owner may be liable if they knew about the stray dog and failed to remove the risk.
  • A Rescue Group, Shelter, or Former Owner: If a stray dog recently escaped from an animal shelter, rescue organization, or previous owner, they might still hold liability. 

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

If you were attacked, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages – Financial losses with proof. This can include the following:

  • Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation.
  • Property damage – If personal belongings (clothing or glasses) were damaged.
  • Lost wages – Time off work due to recovery.
  • Future lost income – If the injury affects your ability to work.
  • Wrongful death costs – Funeral and burial expenses (if applicable).

Non-Economic Damages – Emotional and psychological trauma from the incident, such as:

  • Pain and suffering – The physical pain caused by the injury.
  • Emotional distress – Anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs after the attack.
  • Disfigurement and scarring – If the bite left permanent marks.
  • Loss of companionship – In wrongful death cases.

While medical bills and lost wages are easy to calculate, non-economic damages require a skilled dog attack lawyer who understands the full impact of your trauma and fights for every penny you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Sacramento?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to compensation forever.

Don’t wait. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. Schedule your free consultation today, and let us fight for you.

We’ve Got Your Back After a Dog Bite Accident in Sacramento

A dog bite isn’t just an injury; it’s a traumatic event that can change your life forever. Medical bills pile up, lost wages add stress, and emotional scars linger long after the physical wounds heal.

At our dog bite law firm, our Sacramento dog bite attorneys fight for injured dog bite victims, ensuring you get the compensation and justice you deserve.

  • Straight Talk, No Jargon – We keep it clear and honest.
  • Maximum Compensation – No lowball offers; we fight for every dollar.
  • Your Recovery First – We connect you with top medical care.
  • We Handle Everything – Evidence, paperwork, negotiations so you can focus on healing.
  • Aggressive Legal Representation – If insurers don’t play fair, we take them to court.

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

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