A dog bite isn’t just a scratch or a bad memory it can turn your whole world upside down. The pain, the hospital visits, and the fear of what comes next can be too much to handle alone. If you’re here, chances are you’re not just looking for information. You’re looking for someone who knows what to do and how to help.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help people just like you. People who never thought they’d need a Sherman Oaks dog bite lawyer, but now find themselves worried about medical bills, lost time at work, and how to hold the dog owner responsible.
We’re not just another law firm. We're a personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks who understands the local laws, knows the community, and has helped victims recover what they deserve without making the process harder than it needs to be.
We’ll show you exactly what steps to take, what you can expect, and how we’ll stand by you until your case is resolved.
Why Dog Bite Victims in Sherman Oaks Trust Us
When someone’s been hurt by a dog, it’s not just about bandages and paperwork. It’s about getting real answers, feeling heard, and knowing you’re not alone.
We’ve helped bite victims across Sherman Oaks make sense of what happened and take the right steps forward. As experienced dog bite lawyers, we know how to deal with the insurance company, build a strong bite injury claim, and fight for the fair compensation you’re entitled to without adding more stress to your plate.
We’re local. We know the courts, the neighborhood, and the kinds of cases that come out of it. And yes, we only get paid if you do. So it’s a risk-free way to get legal representation when you need it most.
The Reality of Dog Bites in Sherman Oaks
Most bites don’t come from strays. They happen on private properties, in familiar places from dogs people know. Maybe the dog had a history of aggression that no one talked about. Maybe it wasn’t properly trained or was left alone with children. Whatever the cause, animal attacks often come down to one thing: negligence.
A bite can lead to nerve damage, infections, even loss of limbs. But bite injuries go deeper than that. The shock, the fear around other animals, the emotional distress it sticks.
Then come the bills. Medical treatment, time off work, follow-up care it all adds up. And if someone else’s dog caused the bite accident, you shouldn’t be the one paying for it.
Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite
In California, the law is on your side. Thanks to strict liability, a dog owner is responsible even if their dog never bit anyone before. If you were bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property, you have a right to seek monetary damages without needing to prove negligence.
They’ll try. We’ve seen owners say the victim “provoked” the dog or wasn’t allowed on the property. Sometimes they claim the dog was just defending itself. But these defenses don’t hold up if the facts are clear. As bite attorneys, we know how to uncover those facts.
California also follows comparative fault rules. This means if you’re partly responsible, your personal injury claim might still be valid just reduced. It’s not all-or-nothing. Even if you made a mistake, you could still get fair compensation.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
Your health comes first. Even if the bite looks small, it can lead to serious infections, Puncture wounds, or worse, long-term disability. Medical records from this first visit will also be key later if you decide to make a bite insurance claim. We've seen cases where a minor-looking wound turned out to need months of care. Getting treatment early can spare you more pain and give you the proof you’ll need for your bite lawsuit.
Reporting the Sherman Oaks dog bite is about protecting yourself and others. Local law enforcement and animal control need to know. It helps document the attack and can reveal if the dog has a bite history. A client once found out, only after reporting, that the same dog had bitten a postal worker weeks earlier information that made their case much stronger.
If you can, take photos of visible injuries, the scene, and the dog. Save any torn clothing and get names of witnesses. It’s not just about having “proof”; it’s about making sure your side of the story is clear. We’ve helped clients who thought they had “nothing” to build a successful claim just from phone pictures and a simple witness statement.
How Much is Your Sherman Oaks Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every case is different. Some cases in Sherman Oaks settle for a few thousand, others for much more, depending on the medical costs, non-economic damages, and economic losses involved.
Things that can raise your settlement include:
- Serious injuries like bite injury disfigurement or severe damage
- Permanent scarring or long-term disability
- Proof the pet owner broke leash laws or failed to use reasonable care
Things that might lower it:
- No witnesses
- Partial fault under California's strict liability law
We worked with a client whose medical bills were modest but suffered emotional distress and visible scars. The compensation for pain and emotional toll made up a major part of their final settlement.
In some rare cases, courts may award punitive damages if the owner was reckless like knowingly letting a dangerous dog roam free. This is meant to punish the owner accountable beyond regular compensatory damages.
How We Win Dog Bite Cases
Our legal team digs deep from checking the dog's past to reviewing bite statistics and interviewing witnesses. Was the attack on public property? Did the dog have a history of bites? Every detail helps prove the pet owner was liable.
Most bite settlements come from homeowners insurance. But insurers rarely offer fair deals upfront. We’ve handled enough bite insurance claims to know how to push for what’s right, not just what’s easy.
Sometimes, insurers won’t budge. If they don’t, we don’t just fold. We’re ready to go to court and show a jury the real cost of the bite, both physical and emotional. We’ve helped attack victims in Sherman Oaks walk away with fair results even when the insurer said “take it or leave it.”
When to Hire a Sherman Oaks Dog Bite Lawyer
Not every bite turns into a legal case, but many do. If you’re facing emergency room treatment, chronic pain, or considerable damage like scarring, damage to muscles, or emotional damage, it’s time to talk to a lawyer. Also, if you’re getting calls from the animal owner’s insurance company, you should be careful. They often offer quick settlements to close the case cheaply. A personal injury lawyer helps you understand the real value of your claim before you sign anything.
Without help, you risk getting less than you need to cover future losses, medical bills, and even compensation for property damage. Many injured people find out too late that their case was worth more than they settled for. We’ve seen clients with respect who tried handling their own case but later realized they were stuck with ambulance pain bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses the settlement didn’t touch.
You don’t need to worry about upfront costs. Our dedicated team works on a contingency basis meaning you only pay if we win for you. It’s that simple. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Free Consultation - Talk to a Sherman Oaks Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Your first meeting is a complimentary, obligation-free consultation. We’ll sit down, listen carefully, and go over what happened. We’ll give you honest advice about your rights, the claims process, and how we can help. It’s a conversation, not a sales pitch. Many client recommendations come from this first meeting alone.
You can reach us easily whether by phone or through our simple contact form. We’ll respond fast, and you’ll speak directly with someone who understands these cases inside and out.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, you’re treated like more than just a case file. We see the person behind the injury. With our collective experience and focus on real results, you’ll get personal attention and guidance every step of the way.
