Our firm secured a $255,000 settlement for a South El Monte dog bite victim who was attacked by a business owner’s large dog. The attack caused puncture wounds, a serious skin infection, permanent scarring, and lasting emotional trauma. The defense tried to minimize the injuries, but the case ultimately resolved above both the mediator’s expected range and the defense’s best offer at mediation.
| Case Type | Dog bite injury case |
| Location | South El Monte, California |
| Result | $255,000 settlement |
| Key Injuries | Puncture wounds, skin infection, scarring, right hip impact, and fear of dogs |
| Key Challenge | The defense tried to downplay the injuries and blamed the client for opening the door |
Case Overview
This South El Monte dog bite case involved a client who was visiting a local business when she was suddenly attacked by the owner’s large dog. What may have looked like a simple dog bite claim at first became a serious personal injury claim because of the physical injuries, infection, scarring, and emotional impact that followed.
What Happened in South El Monte
Our client opened a restroom door while visiting the business. The owner’s dog attacked her, bit her multiple times, punctured her left calf, dragged her to the ground, and knocked her onto her right hip. The incident left her needing emergency medical care and follow-up treatment.
Injuries and Long-Term Impact
After the attack, our client was treated in the emergency room. She later developed a serious skin infection and was left with permanent scarring despite undergoing six laser treatments. The injuries affected more than her medical records. She developed a lasting fear of dogs and stopped wearing shorts and skirts because of the visible scars.
The Defense Tried to Minimize the Injuries
The defense did not accept the full impact of the attack. During his deposition, the dog owner described the injuries as “no big deal” and blamed our client for opening the door. This made it important to show the true physical, emotional, and cosmetic impact of the dog bite injuries.
Why the Case Settled Above the Expected Range
At mediation, the mediator said cases like this often settle for around $75,000 to $100,000. The defense later increased its offer to $200,000. We believed the case was worth more because of the severity of the injury, the infection, the permanent scarring, the emotional harm, and the way the defense tried to shift blame onto our client. We recommended that our client reject the offer.
The $255,000 Result
The case ultimately settled for $255,000. This was well above the mediator’s expected range and higher than the defense’s best offer at mediation. The result reflected the seriousness of the attack, the permanent scarring, the emotional impact, and the risk of taking the case further. You can also review more case results from the firm to see examples of past recoveries.
What This Dog Bite Case Shows
Dog bite cases are not always minor injury claims. A dog attack can cause puncture wounds, infection, nerve pain, scarring, fear, anxiety, and lifestyle changes. This case also shows why it matters to push back when an insurance company or defense team tries to minimize the injury or blame the victim.
Injured by a Dog in El Monte or South El Monte?
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in El Monte, South El Monte, or nearby areas of Los Angeles County, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, scarring, pain, emotional distress, and other losses. A free consultation with an El Monte dog bite lawyer can help you understand your options and what steps may be available after a serious dog attack.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different, and the value of a case depends on its specific facts, injuries, insurance coverage, and evidence.
