You didn’t expect your day to end at the hospital. But now you're dealing with a painful injury, medical bills, and maybe even a dog owner who’s avoiding your calls. That’s where we step in.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help people in Los Angeles who’ve been bitten by dogs understand their rights and get compensated quickly and fairly.
As a trusted personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, Adrianos has helped many locals just like you take the next step with confidence. Whether the dog belonged to a neighbor or a stranger, you don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Imagine this: you're at a friend’s BBQ, and their dog bites your child. You’re shaken, they’re apologetic but now what? Who pays for the ER visit? What if there’s a scar? We’ve handled cases just like this and made sure the family didn’t pay a cent out of pocket.
If you’ve been bitten in LA, talk to a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer who knows the system and knows how to get results.
Bitten by a Dog in Los Angeles? We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you love got bitten by a dog, you probably have a lot of questions. Who’s going to pay the medical bills? Can you hold the owner responsible? What happens if it happened on private property?
The good news, California law is on your side. Under the state’s strict liability rule, the dog’s owner is usually responsible, even if the dog never bit anyone before.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help you understand your rights and make sure you’re treated fairly especially by insurance companies who often try to settle fast and low. Whether you were attacked by a neighbor’s dog or bitten while walking down the street, we’ll help you figure out your next steps.
Dog Bite Statistics in Los Angeles
Dog bites happen more often than most people think. In Los Angeles County alone, over 20,000 people report dog bites each year. That’s just the reported cases many more go unfiled.
Statewide, California leads the nation in dog bite injury claims, with thousands of lawsuits filed each year. It’s also one of the top states where insurance companies pay out the most in dog bite settlements.
Why does this matter? Because it shows you’re not alone. And it shows these cases are taken seriously especially when handled by the right dog bite attorneys in Los Angeles.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even small bites can lead to infection. Some dogs carry bacteria that can cause serious illness if left untreated. If you’re bitten, go to urgent care or the ER even if it looks like “just a scratch.” Getting medical treatment right away not only protects your health but also helps support your legal case with proper documentation.
We’ve seen cases where someone ignored a minor bite and ended up with thousands in medical expenses from an infected wound. Don’t wait.
Report the Incident and Document Everything
Always report the dog attack to Animal Control or local authorities. This creates an official record, which helps later if you decide to file a claim.
Take photos of your injuries, the location, and if possible the dog itself. Get contact info for any witnesses. If the bite happened on private property, make note of that. Every detail helps your case.
In one case we handled, a jogger was bitten by a loose dog near a trail. Because they took photos and got witness names, we were able to prove the owner had let the dog off-leash and got the victim fully compensated.
Contact a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney ASAP
Time matters. Evidence fades, memories change, and insurance companies often try to get ahead of the story. Speaking with a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles early can protect your rights and make sure you don’t accept less than what you deserve.
If the dog was a dangerous breed or had a history of aggression, your case could be even stronger. We’ll walk you through all your options and give you clear, honest advice no pressure.
California Dog Bite Laws and Liability
Strict Liability Rules in California
Under California law, if a dog bites you, the owner is usually responsible even if the dog never showed signs of aggression before. This is known as the strict liability rule.
It doesn’t matter if the dog is a family pet or one of the so-called dangerous dog breeds. If the bite happened in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, the law protects you.
We’ve helped clients who were bitten while delivering packages, walking down their street, or even visiting friends. The law is clear if the dog bit, the dog owner can be held liable.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In most dog bite cases, the dog’s owner is the one legally on the hook. But depending on the situation, others may share responsibility too.
For example, a landlord might be liable if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and didn’t act. A property manager could be on the line if they allowed a known attack dog to stay on the property with no warnings.
If the bite happened in a shared space like an apartment courtyard or in a Beverly Hills home where the dog had bitten before, we look at all angles. Our job as personal injury attorneys is to make sure the right person or people are held accountable.
Time Limits to File a Dog Bite Claim (Statute of Limitations)
If you’ve been bitten in Los Angeles County, you have two years from the date of injury to file your claim. That’s the statute of limitations under California Civil Code.
That sounds like a long time, but evidence disappears fast. Medical records, witness contact info, photos they’re easier to collect early on. And insurance companies move quickly to protect themselves. The sooner you speak with a dog bite lawyer, the better your chances of getting fair compensation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Impact
A dog bite can do more than leave a mark. Some bites cause deep puncture wounds. Others break bones or tear muscle. We’ve handled dog bite injuries with serious nerve damage, infections, and long-term emotional trauma.
One client came to us after being bitten on the hand by a large dog during a walk in Los Angeles, CA. It seemed minor at first. But within days, the wound got infected and required surgery. The medical bills stacked up fast and the emotional toll stayed even longer.
We also see cases where kids suffer emotional distress like post-traumatic stress or fear around animals. These effects are real. And you shouldn’t have to carry the cost emotionally or financially when someone else’s dog caused it.
Whether the injury was physical, psychological, or both, our injury lawyers know how to build a case that reflects the true impact on your life.
Can I Sue the Dog Owner? Understanding Your Legal Rights
Yes, in many cases you can, even if the dog owner is a friend, family member, or neighbor.
This is where people hesitate. You don’t want to create conflict. But here’s the thing: in most dog bite claims, it’s the homeowner’s insurance policy that pays, not the person out of pocket.
We had a client in Los Angeles who was bitten by their sister’s dog during a backyard get-together. The sister felt terrible, of course. But it was the insurance company, not her, that covered the medical bills and a fair settlement for the injury.
Talking to a dog bite attorney doesn’t mean you’re suing someone personally it means you’re making sure your costs are covered and your rights are respected.
Average Settlements in LA Dog Bite Cases
Every dog bite case is different and so is the amount of compensation. Some victims receive a few thousand dollars to cover medical bills, while others get much more, depending on how serious the injury is.
The main factors? The severity of your injuries. Whether the dog had a history of biting. Where the attack happened in public or on private property. And most of all, the insurance coverage available.
If the bite left permanent scars, required surgery, or caused emotional distress like anxiety or PTSD, that raises the value. If you missed work or faced out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment, that’s included too.
We walk you through all of this. As your dog bite accident lawyer, we’ll show you what to expect and what’s fair based on your situation.
Why Choose Us as Your Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer
You’ve got options. But if you’re looking for someone who knows the law, knows Los Angeles, and knows how to deal with tough insurance companies we can help.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’ve built our reputation on results and relationships. We’re not a factory. You’re not a file. You’ll speak directly with your dog bite injury lawyer, not get passed off to an assistant.
We’ve helped people across LA from Beverly Hills to East LA get the care, compensation, and closure they deserve after an animal attack. And we keep it simple. No Win, No Fee. You don’t pay unless we recover money for you.
Clients tell us they felt heard, supported, and informed the entire way through. That’s what matters.
So if you searched for a dog bite lawyer near me or asked friends for the best dog bite lawyer in LA, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk. Let’s make it right.
Frequently Asked Questions (Dog Bite Cases)
Can I still sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Under California’s strict liability dog bite law, the dog’s history doesn’t matter. If the bite happened in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, the owner is still responsible even if the dog had never shown aggression before.
Will the dog be put down?
Not automatically. Animal attacks are taken seriously, but decisions about the dog’s future are handled by local animal control, not the person filing a claim. Most dog bite lawsuits are about getting compensation for the victim, not punishing the animal.
What if the owner is my neighbor or friend?
That’s more common than you might think. The good news is, in most cases, it’s their homeowner’s insurance not them personally that pays for your medical bills, pain, and emotional distress. You can sue for a dog bite without creating personal conflict.
How long do I have to file?
You have two years from the date of the bite to file your claim in California. But don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather evidence, file paperwork, and deal with insurance companies. If you’re not sure where to start, we offer a free case evaluation.
Who pays for my medical bills?
In most cases, the dog owner’s insurance pays. This could include medical treatment, follow-up care, therapy for post-traumatic stress, or even surgery for serious injuries. Our job as your dog bite attorney in Los Angeles is to make sure you’re fully covered not left paying out of pocket.
Get a Free Consultation with a Los Angeles Dog Attack Attorney
If you’ve been bitten, don’t wait. Talk to a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer who understands the system and will fight for what’s fair.
Getting started is easy just call us or fill out the short form on this page. It takes 30 seconds to request your free consultation. No pressure. No hidden fees.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we’ve helped people all over LA from delivery drivers to families and kids after animal attacks changed their lives. Let’s talk about your options, your rights, and how we can help.
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers and a proven record of results.
Call now or click to get your free case review.
