Dog bites can leave you hurt, scared, and unsure of what to do next. If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury in Burbank, CA, you may have the right to get compensated.
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti helps people hold dog owners responsible when their pets cause harm. Our experienced Burbank personal injury attorneys know the laws in California and how to protect your rights. Call (626) 793-8607 for a free consultation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite in Burbank
After a dog bite, it’s important to act quickly. What you do in the first hours and days can affect both your health and your ability to take legal action.
Taking the right steps also helps your Burbank dog bite lawyer build a strong case later. Here’s what you should do as soon as possible:
- 1Get medical treatment, even if the injury seems small. Dog bites can lead to infection or get worse without care.
- 2Identify the dog and its owner. Get their name, contact info, and ask if the dog is vaccinated.
- 3Report the dog bite to animal control or the Burbank Animal Shelter. This creates a record of the attack.
- 4Take photos of your injuries and the place where it happened. Save torn clothing or damaged items.
- 5Talk to anyone who saw what happened and write down their names and phone numbers.
- 6Keep all medical records and receipts. They can show how serious the injury was and what treatment you received.
Even if you’re unsure what to do, starting with these steps can make a big difference. Need help reporting or documenting your case? Contact our legal team now.
Proving Your Burbank Dog Bite Case
California law makes dog owners responsible when their pets bite someone, even if the dog has never acted aggressive before. This is called strict liability under Civil Code § 3342.
To prove your dog bite injury case, your attorney will look for key details. You don’t need to build the case yourself, but the information you gather early is helpful.
What Helps Your Lawyer
- ✓Photos or videos of your injuries and where the bite occurred
- ✓Medical records that show how serious the injury is
- ✓Details about the dog owner or property owner
- ✓Witness statements from anyone who saw the attack
An experienced Burbank dog bite lawyer uses this information to show what happened, who’s responsible, and how it affected your life.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Burbank?
If you’ve been hurt by a dog, you may be able to get compensation. This can help with the costs of healing and make up for what you’ve lost.
The law allows victims to recover both financial and emotional damages. Your attorney will help calculate what’s fair based on your case. Here are some examples of what you might recover:
- ✓Medical bills, including ER visits, follow-ups, or future treatments
- ✓Lost income if you missed work or can’t return to your job
- ✓Pain and suffering caused by the injury
- ✓Emotional trauma, such as fear, anxiety, or stress after the attack
- ✓Long-term care, like therapy or surgery for scarring or injuries
$65,450
Average paid per dog-related injury claim nationwide in 2025
#1
California had more dog-related claims than any other state
Nationwide, insurers paid an average of $65,450 per dog-related injury claim in 2025, and California had more claims than any other state, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm. Every case is different, but your attorney will fight for a result that reflects what you’ve been through.
Who Pays for My Dog Bite Injury in California?
After a dog bite injury, many people worry about who will pay for their expenses.
1
Homeowners’ or Renters’ Insurance
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance covers the cost. The claim is usually handled by an insurance company, not paid out of pocket by the dog owner. That’s helpful if the owner is someone you know, like a friend or neighbor.
2
Landlords and Property Owners
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, other options may be available. A landlord or property owner who knew about a dangerous dog may also be responsible under premises liability rules.
You don’t have to feel bad about seeking help. Filing a claim doesn’t mean suing someone personally; it’s about using insurance to cover your recovery.
Common Types of Injuries in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite injuries can affect both the body and the mind. Some can heal quickly, while others need long-term care or leave lasting scars.
Physical Injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Bone fractures (hands, arms, ribs)
- Nerve damage
- Facial trauma
- Tissue loss
- Crush injuries
- Infections (rabies, tetanus, MRSA)
- Amputation
- Death (in rare, severe cases)
Emotional Trauma
- PTSD
- Fear of dogs
- Anxiety or depression, especially in children
Some effects show up right away; infections and emotional effects can take days or weeks to appear. For severe scarring or disfigurement, see our catastrophic injury page. If a loved one died after an attack, your family may have a wrongful death claim.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in California?
Yes, you can sue for a dog bite in California, even if the dog never acted aggressively before. The state follows strict liability rules under Civil Code § 3342.
If you were bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property, you may be able to hold the dog owner legally responsible. The law protects your right to seek fair compensation.
There are a few exceptions. If you were trespassing or provoked the dog, your case could be more complex. Still, an attorney can help you understand your rights.
Strict liability applies only to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, or injured you without biting, you can still bring a claim, but you’ll need to show the owner was careless. Special rules also apply to police and military dogs on duty.
Wondering if your case qualifies? Let us review it for free.
Common Defenses in Dog Bite Cases (And How We Respond)
In some dog bite cases, the dog owner may try to avoid blame by saying the victim caused the attack. These claims are meant to reduce or block compensation.
Knowing what to expect helps you stay one step ahead. An experienced dog attack lawyer can handle these arguments and focus the legal process on the facts.
Defenses Dog Owners May Use
- You provoked the dog
- You were trespassing
- The dog was protecting its owner or property
How Your Attorney Can Counter These
- Gathering surveillance footage or witness statements
- Proving lawful presence on the property
- Showing lack of provocation or exaggerated defense
Not every defense holds up in court. With the right evidence, your attorney can help prove you were not at fault and that the dog owner is still responsible under California law.
Dog Bite Claims and the Statute of Limitations in California
There is a deadline to file a dog bite claim in California. You usually have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Most dog bite lawsuits | Two years from the date of the attack. |
| Children | If the victim is under 18, the two-year clock usually doesn’t start until their 18th birthday (CCP § 352). |
| Government-owned dogs or property | If a public agency is involved, such as a city shelter or public park, you must file a government claim within six months under Government Code § 911.2. |
Even if it feels like you have time, start your free consultation as soon as you can. Waiting too long makes it harder to find proof or track down witnesses.
Time is limited. Contact us today before your legal rights expire.
How the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti Can Help After a Dog Bite in Burbank, CA
When you’ve been hurt by a dog, you need a legal team that knows how these cases work. Our firm focuses on personal injury cases and has years of experience helping dog bite victims across California.
We’ve handled many dog bite and animal attack claims, including situations where insurance companies tried to delay or avoid payment. We know how to fight for fair compensation and hold dog owners accountable.
Every case is personal. We listen, stay in touch, and treat every client like a priority, not a number. Our team also knows the local courts in Burbank and what it takes to work with insurance adjusters in this area.
Consultations are free. We advance the costs of your case and are paid only if we recover compensation for you; if there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing. You’ll work directly with an attorney, not a call center.
Recent Feedback from a Client
★★★★★
“Excellent lawyer, compassionate and highly skilled. A. Facchetti took over a case from my original lawyer because it was basically stonewalled by the insurance company we were suing. Even though this was not originally his case I could tell from our first meeting that he was invested in resolving this case for me. He brought his expertise and years of experience and successfully resolved my case in a timely manner. I highly recommend him.”
Burbank Dog Bite FAQs
+How much does a lawyer cost for a dog bite?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, so our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing. Learn more: How much does a lawyer cost for a dog bite?
+Is it worth suing for a dog bite?
Often, yes. Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, not by the owner personally. A claim can cover medical bills, scar treatment, lost wages, and emotional harm that you would otherwise pay for yourself.
+How much can you sue for a dog bite in California?
There’s no set limit. The amount depends on your medical costs, lost income, scarring, and how the injury affects your life. The available insurance coverage often sets a practical ceiling, which is why identifying every policy matters.
+What is the average settlement for a dog bite in California?
There’s no official California average. Nationwide, insurers paid an average of $65,450 per dog-related injury claim in 2025, according to Triple-I and State Farm. Serious bites with scarring or surgery are often worth more; minor bites, less.
+What if a dog bit my child?
Your child can still recover compensation, and children often need scar treatment and counseling as they grow. The two-year deadline usually doesn’t start until your child turns 18, but it’s best to act early while evidence is fresh.
+What if I was bitten while working, such as on a delivery or a Rover walk?
You may have two claims: workers’ compensation through your employer, and a separate injury claim against the dog’s owner. Learn more about dog bites during Rover walks.
Contact Our Experienced Burbank Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you care about has suffered a dog bite injury in Burbank, CA, don’t wait. You may have a strong case, but time limits apply. Talk with one of our experienced Burbank dog bite lawyers today.
We make it easy to get started. Schedule your initial consultation and case evaluation by phone or online, whichever works for you.
There are no upfront fees, and your consultation is private and low-pressure. We’re a top-rated law firm handling dog bite injury claims across Southern California.
Injured by a dog in Burbank? Call (626) 793-8607 today or fill out our short form for a free case review.
Visit Our Burbank Office for Dog Bite Legal Help
Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti
- Address: 4444 W Riverside Dr #308, Burbank, CA 91505
- Phone: (626) 793-8607
- Hours: Open 24/7 for urgent injury consultations
- GeoCoordinates: 34.15197830, -118.34879340
We’re centrally located in Burbank, CA and proudly serve victims of dog bites throughout Los Angeles County. You can easily find us using the map below.
