West Covina Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker

West Covina Dog Bite Lawyer

In 2022, West Covina had nearly 12,946 households with pet dogs. Unfortunately, this significant number of dogs can also mean extreme potential danger. When a dog attack occurs, victims may face deep wounds, emotional scars, and financial burdens. In the worst cases, dog attacks can turn fatal.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our dog bite lawyers in West Covina, CA, don’t just take cases; we fight for victims, hold irresponsible dog owners accountable, and ensure you get the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Why West Covina Trusts Us to Handle Dog Bite Cases

We See You, Not Just Your Case – You’re not another file in a cabinet. You’re a person whose life was disrupted, and your pain matters. We listen, strategize, and build a powerful case to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
We Handle the Legal Headaches – We take care of everything from investigating the attack to negotiating with insurance companies. You focus on healing, while we’ll focus on winning.
No Win, No Fee. – Worried about legal costs? Don’t be. You pay nothing unless we win. There are no hidden fees and no financial risks.
Proven Track Record of Success – With nearly 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered, we have the skill, resources, and reputation to take on tough cases and win.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?

Some people hesitate to seek legal help after a dog bite, thinking it’s too expensive, too stressful, or just not worth it. But the truth is that a serious dog bite can impact your life in ways you don’t expect.

Medical Bills Can Pile Up – Medical treatments after a dog bite can be expensive, from stitches to infection treatment and plastic surgery. Attorneys for dog bites ensure you don’t pay for someone else’s negligence.
Lost Wages Add Up Fast – If your injury forces you to miss work, even temporarily, the financial strain can be overwhelming. Your compensation should cover every lost dollar.
Insurance Companies Play Dirty – They might offer a lowball settlement that barely covers your ER visit. Lawyers specializing in dog bites don’t let them get away with that.
Emotional Trauma is Real – Many victims, especially children, suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and a lifelong fear of dogs. That’s an actual injury, and legal experts fight to ensure it’s recognized.
Dog Owners Try to Shift Blame – Some will insist you provoked the attack or that their dog protected them. An experienced dog attack lawyer cuts through the excuses and holds them accountable.

Dealing with a dog attack is overwhelming, frustrating, and emotional, especially if the dog’s owner is someone you know. But you don’t have to face this battle alone. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we fight for your compensation, peace of mind, and future.

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

Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me

Larry H. Parker – West Covina, CA Office
Address: 2934 E Garvey Ave S Suite #250, West Covina, CA 91791, United States
Get your Free Consultation Today: +16266022047

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Dog Bite in West Covina

Get to Safety. Move away from the dog immediately. Find a safe spot behind a barrier or inside a building to prevent further harm.
Clean the Wound. To reduce the risk of infection, wash the bite with soap and warm water. If bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
Seek Medical Attention. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, or even rabies. A doctor can properly clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and determine if additional treatment is necessary.
Report the Attack. Contact West Covina Animal Control or local authorities. Reporting ensures the dog’s vaccination status is checked and helps prevent future attacks.
Gather Evidence. If possible, document the incident. Take photos of your injuries and the attack location, collect witness statements, and get the dog owner’s contact information.
Call a West Covina Dog Bite Lawyer. Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma shouldn’t be your burden alone. A skilled dog bite attorney can prove liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs don’t bite out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean an attack is your fault. Here’s why bites happen:

Fear or Feeling Threatened – Some dogs panic when startled or cornered.
Protecting Their Territory – Dogs can get defensive over their home, food, or owners.
Pain or Illness – A sick or injured dog may lash out unexpectedly.
Lack of Training – Due to poor socialization, some dogs simply don’t know how to respond to other individuals.
High Prey Drive – Quick movements can trigger a chase or attack instinct.
Negligent Owners – Many bites happen because owners fail to leash, train, or control their dogs.

No one should suffer because of an irresponsible pet owner. California law holds them accountable, and so do we.

How Serious is Your Dog Bite?

Dog bites range from minor to life-threatening:

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

Level 2 – The dog’s teeth touch the skin but don’t puncture it. You may experience redness, bruising, or minor scratches.

Level 3 – A bite that breaks the skin, leaving one to four deep punctures. Infections and nerve damage are possible.

Level 4 – A severe bite with tearing and deep bruising, often requiring stitches or surgery.

Level 5 – Multiple deep bites causing lasting muscle and nerve damage, potentially leading to long-term disabilities.

Level 6 – Fatal attacks. No family should endure such a loss without justice.

Can I File a Dog Bite Claim in West Covina?

California follows a strict liability law under Civil Code 3342. That means the owner is responsible if someone’s dog bites you, even if their dog has never attacked anyone before.

To file a claim, you must prove:

Someone owned the dog.
That dog attacked you or your child.
The owner failed to prevent the attack.
The bite caused injuries and financial losses.

In some cases, landlords or property managers may also be held responsible if they knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act.

Figuring out who’s liable can be frustrating, especially when you’re focused on healing. That’s where we step in. Our dog bite attorneys in West Covina dig deep to find the responsible party and fight relentlessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Common Defenses Dog Owners Use to Avoid Liability

When a dog bites, negligent owners and their insurance providers often strategize and defend themselves to avoid accountability. Here are the most common defenses they use:

You Provoked the Dog – Owners may claim you teased or threatened their pet. However, in many cases, victims simply walked near the dog. When the court agrees you provoked the dog, on the other hand, you will lose your right to compensation.
You Were Trespassing – If you were lawfully on the property, such a defense won’t stand. However, if accurate, you won’t claim compensation for your damages unless the victim is below 16 or you REGULARLY cross their property.
My Dog Has Never Bitten Before – Remember that if their dog bites you, they’re responsible even if they have a prior attack history.
It Was Self-Defense – This rarely applies unless you were actively harming the dog or its owner.

Don’t let excuses stand between you and the compensation you deserve. Work with our dog bite attorneys in West Covina. We will fight back because your pain isn’t your fault.

How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

The value of your settlement depends on several factors, including the following.

The Severity of Your Injuries

Not all dog bites are the same. Some require a Band-Aid, while others need stitches, surgery, or even lead to permanent scarring—the more severe the injury, the higher the medical costs, resulting in increased compensation.

How the Bite Affected Your Life

Physical wounds heal, but emotional scars linger. If you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, or a newfound fear of dogs, your settlement should reflect that trauma.

Who’s Responsible?

California’s strict liability law states that the dog owner is responsible. But if you were partially at fault, your settlement may be reduced. For example, if you’re found 20% liable, you’d still receive 80% of your total compensation.

The Strength of Your Evidence

The more proof you have, the stronger your case. Medical records, photos of your injuries, witness statements, and expert testimony can all help maximize your settlement.

Types of Damages You Can Claim

Medical Expenses – ER visits, surgeries, medications, and therapy.
Lost Wages – If the bite kept you from working, you deserve that income back.
Future Healthcare Costs – Ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or reconstructive procedures.
Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional toll of the attack.
Scarring & Disfigurement – You should be compensated if the attack left lasting marks.
Emotional Trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs can impact your quality of life.
Punitive Damages – If the owner was highly reckless, such as when they failed to warn people of an aggressive dog running loose, you may be entitled to additional compensation as punishment.

The truth is, you deserve more than just a bandage and an apology. The right legal team ensures your settlement covers everything you’ve lost, not just what’s easy to calculate.

Is There a Deadline for a Dog Bite Accident Claim?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is.

This is why it is crucial to work with dog attack lawyers who understand every aspect of your legal claim and know how to act effectively and efficiently, securing compensation without missing the deadline.

Does Insurance Cover Dog Bites in West Covina?

Most of the time, yes. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance often covers dog bite injuries. However, you could be left covering the bill if the owner is uninsured or their policy doesn’t fully cover your damages. That’s where we step in. We fight to ensure you don’t pay for someone else’s negligence.

Can I Sue If a Dog Bites My Child?

Yes. No parent should watch their child suffer because of a reckless pet owner. California law allows you to file a claim on their behalf to cover medical expenses, emotional trauma, and future care. But beyond compensation, holding the owner accountable can prevent another child from getting hurt.

What If a Service Dog Bites Me?

Service animals may have special training, but their owners are still responsible if they bite. Whether in public or on private property, where you had the right to be, if a service dog attacked you, you had the right to seek compensation.

West Covina Dog Bite Lawyers Who Won’t Back Down

Medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost wages after a dog bite incident all add up. But you don’t have to face this alone.

At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our West Covina dog bite attorneys spent nearly 50 years winning tough cases and recovering over $2 billion for injury victims. We know how to take on stubborn insurance companies and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Call us today at 562-573-8875 for a FREE consultation.

West Covina Dog Bite Lawyer Larry H. Parker