San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker

San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are beloved companions in San Francisco homes, but one bite can result in medical bills, ongoing trauma, and, in severe cases, a lifelong fear of dogs. In 2023, the county had 760 dog bite incidents. Unfortunately, recent news has mentioned that, with the rise of dog attacks, San Francisco is struggling to hold dog owners accountable for these accidents.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we believe no one should face the consequences of a pet owner’s wrongdoings. Our experienced dog bite attorneys in San Francisco fight to protect your rights, hold careless owners accountable, and secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Why San Francisco Trusts Us After a Dog Bite Incident

We See the Person, Not Just the Case: Dog bite victims endure real pain, fear, and uncertainty. That’s why we take the time to listen, understand your story, and build a case that fights for the justice and compensation you deserve.
You Focus on Healing, We Handle the Rest: From collecting crucial evidence to negotiating with aggressive insurance companies, we take care of every legal detail so you can prioritize your recovery.
No Win, No Fee: You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees on top of your medical expenses. You only pay us if we win your case.
A Proven Track Record of Success: With nearly 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered for our clients, we have the expertise and resources to take on even the most complex dog bite cases—and win.

When to Call a Lawyer After a Dog Bite in San Francisco

Many people don’t realize how serious a dog bite can be until it’s too late. If you don’t act quickly, valuable evidence, such as medical records and photos of your injury, may be lost, giving insurance companies the chance to deny your claim. This can leave you struggling with medical expenses that the responsible party should have covered.

This is straight-up unfair, and you don’t deserve this. Law firms for dog bites can seek justice by proving liability and securing compensation for your losses, which can help your recovery.

Overall, here’s when you should seek legal help:

You Suffered Serious Injuries. Even minor bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. A dog attack lawyer ensures that all medical issues are properly documented so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for future treatments.
The Dog’s Owner Refuses Responsibility. Some owners claim that their dog was only defending them or that you provoked the attack. An attorney for dog bites can gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and ensure the truth is revealed.
The Insurance Company Isn’t Offering Enough. Insurance companies often try to lowball settlements, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. Your legal expert can calculate all your damages to ensure you receive full compensation.
Time Is Running Out to File a Claim. California law only gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is why it is crucial to work with an animal attack attorney who knows the ins and outs of the legal process, ensuring you don’t waste time and resources.

We understand that dealing with a dog bite, especially if your child was the victim, can be overwhelming and traumatic. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we fight relentlessly to get you the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Call us today at 866-815-4689 for a free consultation.

Dog Attack Lawyer Near Me

Larry H. Parker – San Francisco, CA Office
Address: 95 3rd St 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +14156341136

Bitten by a Dog in San Francisco? Here’s What to Do

Get to Safety. Before things get worse, put some distance between you and the dog. Find the owner and, if possible, ensure the dog is restrained.
Treat the Wound. Rinse the bite with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and bandage it. If infected, even minor bites can become big problems.
See a Doctor. Dog bites aren’t just painful; they can lead to severe infections, nerve damage, or even rabies. Don’t wait; instead, get checked out immediately.
Report the Attack: Call San Francisco Animal Control or local law enforcement. Having an official record could help prevent future attacks and protect others.
Gather Evidence. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location. If there were witnesses, you may also get their names and contact information.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Play You. The dog owner’s insurance might downplay your injuries or offer a lowball settlement. A dog bite lawyer can make sure you get what you truly deserve.
Call a California Dog Bite Lawyer. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma add up fast. A skilled attorney for dog bites will hold the negligent owner accountable and fight for your rightful compensation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can become catastrophic, especially to children. If a dog attacked you or your child, here’s what you might be dealing with:

Deep Wounds and Infections – Puncture wounds can disrupt muscles, nerves, and tendons. Worse, bacteria from bites can cause serious infections like cellulitis, tetanus, or even rabies.
Broken Bones and Facial Trauma – A strong bite can fracture bones, especially in the hands, arms, or face, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery.
Nerve Damage and Loss of Function – Some bites permanently damage nerves, leading to numbness, chronic pain, or mobility issues.
Amputation and Permanent Disability – In extreme cases, severe tissue damage may require amputation, forever changing your life.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD – The psychological effects of a dog attack can be just as bad as the physical ones, making it hard to feel safe around dogs again.

A dog bite may seem minor but can eventually become serious or fatal. That’s why getting medical care and legal help right away is crucial.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Here are some common reasons dogs attack individuals:

Fear or Feeling Threatened – A scared dog can quickly act aggressively.
Protecting Their Owner or Territory – Some dogs may attack as they defend their owner of territory, even when there’s no real danger.
Pain or Illness – A sick or injured dog may lash out unexpectedly.
Lack of Training or Socialization – Some dogs are not trained to behave around people, resulting in dog bites when anxious.
High Prey Drive – Quick movements can trigger a dog’s hunting instincts, leading to an attack.
Negligent Owners – Owners who don’t leash, train, or control their dogs properly are the most common reasons dog attacks occur.

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

Who’s Liable for a Dog Bite in San Francisco, CA?

According to California Civil Code 3342, if a dog bites, the owner pays. The owner is still responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. But in some cases, others might share the blame.

Who Could Be Liable?

The Dog’s Owner – If their dog bites you, they’re usually at fault.
Landlords or Property Owners – They could also be responsible if they knew about a dangerous dog but did nothing.
Businesses or Homeowners – If the attack happened on their property and they failed to warn guests or take precautions, they might be held accountable.

What If I Was on Someone Else’s Property?

Invitee (Customer, Worker, Delivery Driver) – If you were there for business, the property owner must keep you safe. If you’re bitten, they owe you compensation.
Licensee (Social Guest) – If the homeowner knew their dog was dangerous but didn’t warn you, they could be held responsible.
Trespasser – Usually, property owners are NOT responsible for trespassers’ injuries. However, there are a few exceptions:
- The trespasser was a child (under 16).
- The owner knew trespassers frequently crossed the property but didn’t put up warnings.

While California law made it easier for victims to file a claim, it can be confusing when several other factors come into play. Was the victim a trespasser? Did the dog bite the victim in a restaurant or other business property? A dog bite lawyer can investigate, build your case, and fight for your rights while you focus on healing.

What Dog Bite Victims in San Francisco, CA, Can Recover

If a dog bites you, you are generally eligible to seek compensation for the following damages:

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, receipts-in-hand losses you’ve incurred:

Medical Bills – ER visits, surgeries, medications, rehab, and other medical expenses.
Lost Wages – If you had to skip work to recover, you can seek compensation for the lost wages.
Future Lost Income – If your injury affects your ability to work long-term, your settlement should reflect that.
Property Damage – The settlement can also include torn clothing, broken glasses, or anything else the dog damaged in the attack.
Wrongful Death Expenses – If you lost a loved one to a dog attack, funeral costs should not be on your shoulders.

Non-Economic Damages

These losses are emotional or psychological and are more challenging to quantify but just as accurate:

Pain and Suffering – The physical agony and discomfort from your injuries.
Emotional Distress – PTSD, anxiety, or suddenly feeling uneasy around dogs.
Disfigurement and Scarring – Permanent marks that affect your confidence and quality of life.
Loss of Companionship – If a fatal attack took away a loved one, you deserve justice.

While medical bills come with a price tag, emotional trauma isn’t easily calculated. That’s where a skilled dog bite lawyer becomes helpful. They will ensure you’re compensated for your losses today and what you’ll continue to endure in the future.

How Long Do I File a Dog Bite Claim in San Francisco?

California law gives you two years under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you will lose your right to compensation, no matter how clear-cut your case is.

That’s why having a legal team that moves fast, strategizes smart, and negotiates fiercely with insurance companies is crucial.

Does Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Generally, yes. A dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance often covers injuries caused by their pet. However, collecting compensation can get trickier if the owner is uninsured or underinsured. That’s where having an aggressive attorney in your corner makes all the difference.

What If the Dog Owner Tries to Blame Me?

Some owners will say anything to avoid responsibility, claiming you provoked the attack, got too close, or even made their dog nervous.

Even if you did play a small role in the incident, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Under California’s comparative negligence rule, your compensation is reduced based on how much you’re found at fault.

For example, if the court finds you 20% responsible, you could still recover 80% of your damages.

Insurance companies love to twist the narrative, but our San Francisco dog bite lawyers know how to fight back. We gather evidence, build your case, and make sure you’re not unfairly blamed.

Can I Sue If a Dog Bites My Child?

Under California law, you can file a personal injury claim on behalf of your child to cover medical expenses, emotional trauma, and future needs. But beyond compensation, holding a negligent dog owner accountable can prevent another child from suffering the incident.

Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite? We’ve Got Your Back.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we know a dog bite case is about your health, finances, and future. Our experienced San Francisco dog bite lawyers will fight to ensure you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

No Legal Jargon, Just Straight Talk – You’re already dealing with enough. We break everything down into simple terms, so you know what’s happening in your case.
We Fight for Every Dollar – Insurance companies love to play defense, but we don’t back down. If they try to lowball you, we push back.
Your Health Comes First – Your well-being matters more than anything. We connect you with top medical professionals to ensure you get the necessary care.
You Don’t Lift a Finger – Legal battles can be exhausting, but that’s why we’re here. From start to finish, we handle everything so you can focus on healing, not headaches.
We Play Hardball When It Counts – If the insurance company doesn’t play fair, we take the fight to court.

Call us today at 866-815-4689 for a free consultation or fill out our contact form. Let us fight for you.

San Francisco Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker