If a dog bite has turned your life upside down, you’re not aloneand you have legal options. California law protects victims like you through strict liability rules. That means if someone else's dog injured you, the law is already on your side.
As a trusted Toluca Lake personal injury lawyer, the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti helps people hold negligent dog owners accountable. We work to secure the compensation you deserve for your pain, missed work, and the emotional toll an attack can take. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself start with a free consultation and learn what your case might be worth. Many of our clients are surprised by what’s possible.
Bitten by a Dog in Toluca Lake? We’ll Help You Heal and Get Justice
A dog attack can change your day and sometimes your life. If the dog was aggressive or the pet owner failed to keep others safe, California Civil Code 3342 gives you the right to seek compensation. This strict liability law holds the owner responsible, even if the dog never showed signs of danger before.
As a Toluca Lake dog bite attorney, we help bite victims take the next step. Our team knows how to deal with the legal process and push for a fair settlement. If you're facing personal injuries, emotional distress, or medical bills from a bite, you have options. Get legal help from an experienced personal injury law firm and find out what your claim is worth.
What To Do After a Dog Attack in Toluca Lake
Knowing what to do after a dog attack matters. It helps protect your health, your safety, and your legal case. Even if the injury seems small, bite wounds can carry infection and leave long-term damage.
Start by getting medical attention right away. Then, take these steps to help your personal injury attorney prepare your case:
- Report the bite to animal control or the police
- Take photos of your injuries, where it happened, and the dog if possible
- Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind
- Get contact info from any witnesses
- Save your Medical records and receipts
These actions support your bite injury claims and help your bite lawyer prove owner liability. A detailed report also strengthens your chances of securing monetary compensation.
Why Experience Matters in Dog Bite Claims
Dog bite cases are rarely simple. There’s more at play than just who owned the dog. You may be dealing with multiple responsible parties property owners, landlords, or handlers. And every delay in the process could cost you.
Working with experienced dog bite attorneys who know Toluca Lake and LA County law gives you an edge. Our law firm understands how strict liability applies, what local courts expect, and how to present the strongest case. With a solid track record in bite lawsuits and personal injury litigation, we’re focused on securing the maximum compensation for your injuries, missed work, and ongoing pain.
We Take On the Insurance Companies So You Don’t Have To
Insurance companies often reach out quickly, but that doesn’t mean they’re on your side. The dog owner's insurance team will look for ways to reduce what they pay. They may question how the bite happened or try to minimize the emotional and physical injuries you've suffered.
That’s where experienced dog bite lawyers step in. We speak directly to the dog owner's insurance company, using your medical records, witness statements, and legal standards to press for a fair settlement. Whether you're dealing with nerve damage, brain injuries, or emotional distress, we work to get you the compensation you’re entitled to without the added stress of managing negotiations alone.
How Much Is Your Dog Bite Claim Worth?
Every case is different, but in California, the average dog bite settlement is over $68,000. That number can be higher or lower depending on how serious your injuries are and how much the incident has affected your life. For some injured parties, the bite is just the beginning recovery can mean weeks off work, ongoing treatment, and lasting pain.
Your claim value depends on a few key things: the severity of the injuries, how much treatment costs, time lost from work, and the emotional impact. Some bites cause nerve damage or infections that require long-term care. Others leave scars that change your appearance or confidence. If you’re not sure where your case stands, talk to our legal team and get a custom estimate. There’s no charge for the first consultation, and we work on a contingency fee basis no upfront costs to you.
Who's Legally Responsible for Your Dog Bite?
California law is clear: if you’ve been bitten, someone is usually at fault. The hard part is figuring out who. Under California Civil Code §3342, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their pets cause, even if it’s the first time the dog has shown signs of aggression.
But they’re not always the only responsible party. In some cases, responsibility may also fall on:
- Dog owners, who are usually the first and main liable party
- Landlords or property managers, if the bite happened in a private residence they oversee and they knew the dog was dangerous
- Dog walkers, sitters, or handlers, if the pet was under their control at the time
It helps to work with a legal team that knows how to examine these bite scenarios and identify all parties at fault.
How Long Will My Dog Bite Case Take?
Most people want to know when they’ll see results. The truth is, the legal timeline varies. If your injuries are minor and the facts are clear, a case may settle within a few months. More serious injuries or disputed cases can take longer, especially if they go to court.
First, we review your medical reports and gather evidence. This includes investigating who’s liable and documenting the cost of your injury. Then, we present the claim to the party at fault or their insurance. Some cases resolve during negotiations, others may need to go through court. The good news is that during this time, we handle the legal matters while you focus on your recovery. We’re transparent about legal deadlines and next steps at every stage.
Common Injuries From Dog Bites
Dog bites can leave more than bruises. The damage often runs deeper than what you see. Beyond cuts or bleeding, many bite accident victims suffer injuries that affect them physically and emotionally for months, sometimes years.
Here are some of the most common injuries we see:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Infections including rabies and MRSA
- Loss of fingers or mobility
- Broken bones from falls during an attack
- Post-traumatic stress and panic
- Long-term pain or sensitivity
- Sleep disruption and fear of animals
Some of these injuries may also lead to additional damages, like loss of enjoyment or inability to return to work. In serious cases, they may even involve wrongful death or medical malpractice concerns. If you’re unsure about the long-term impact of your injuries, speaking to a medical professional and a lawyer personal to your case can help outline your path to recovery.
Meet Your Toluca Lake Legal Team - No Win, No Fee
You don’t need to worry about paying anything upfront. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay if we win your case. The first consultation is always free, so you can understand your legal options with no pressure.
Our team combines legal skill with a real commitment to the people we help. We’ve handled serious injury matters across Toluca Lake and the greater Los Angeles area, always pushing for fair results. We know how to be aggressive when it counts in negotiations and in court but we’re here to listen too. We’ve earned client recommendations by staying focused on outcomes, not just cases.
Get a Free Consultation With a Toluca Lake Dog Bite Lawyer
Every case starts with a conversation. Reach out to speak with a qualified Toluca Lake dog bite lawyer and get your questions answered. There’s no cost to talk, and no pressure to commit.
You can call, email to reach us anytime. We’ll review your situation, explain how the legal process works, and let you know what to expect. If a dog bite has affected your life, it’s worth knowing your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
California law still holds the owner responsible. It doesn’t matter if the dog had a clean history. Strict liability applies.
Can I sue if I was bitten in a public place?
Yes. If you were legally present and the dog attacked without provocation, you can usually bring a claim.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the bite. But it’s best to start sooner while the evidence is fresh.
Can I get compensation for emotional distress?
Yes. Bites can leave lasting trauma. Claims often include compensation for emotional harm, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
What if the dog owner is a friend or neighbor?
Most claims are handled through the dog owner's insurance, not their personal assets. You can seek help without making it personal.
Proudly Serving Toluca Lake and Surrounding Areas
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti proudly represents injured parties in Toluca Lake and nearby neighborhoods like North Hollywood, Studio City, Burbank, and Sherman Oaks. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, we’re nearby, responsive, and ready to help.
Get in touch today to speak with a qualified Toluca Lake dog bite lawyer. Call, email, or click the button below to set up your free consultation.
