Millions of people are injured in dog bite incidents across the United States. A vast majority of these are unprovoked dog attacks, and a number of incidents also involve young children.

A dog bite has the potential to result in painful injuries that can be costly to treat. In addition to physical injuries, dog attacks can also result in emotional pain and psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you were injured in a dog attack in California, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.

At Vaziri Law, we fight for each dog bite victim. Learn more about dog bite settlements below. Then, contact our personal injury lawyer for help with your dog bite case.

Injuries We See From Dog Bites in Los Angeles

Puncture Wounds

Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds, especially if the dog's teeth penetrate the skin. These injuries can lead to infections if not treated promptly and may require medical intervention.

Lacerations and Cuts

Bites can cause severe lacerations that tear the skin and underlying tissues. These cuts may need stitches and can result in significant scarring.

Broken Bones

In some cases, especially with larger dogs, bites or attacks can lead to broken bones. Children are particularly vulnerable to these injuries due to their smaller size.

Nerve Damage

Dog bites can damage nerves, leading to numbness or loss of movement in the affected area. Severe nerve damage may require surgery or long-term therapy for recovery.

Infections

Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to serious infections such as cellulitis or sepsis. Quick medical treatment and antibiotics are often necessary to prevent complications.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Bites on visible areas, like the face or hands, can leave permanent scars and cause disfigurement. Plastic surgery may be needed to repair these injuries, especially in severe cases.

Emotional Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause lasting emotional trauma, particularly for children. Victims may experience fear of dogs or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an attack.

Steps You Should Take After a Dog Bite in LA

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Dog bites can lead to serious infections, so it's important to see a healthcare provider promptly. Even if the wound seems minor, medical care can prevent complications.

2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
   Try to find out if the dog has an owner and ask for their contact information. Knowing the dog's vaccination history, particularly for rabies, can be crucial.

3. Report the Bite to Animal Control
   Reporting the incident to Los Angeles Animal Control helps track dangerous animals and prevent future attacks. They will investigate and document the bite incident.

4. Take Photos of Your Injuries
   Documenting your injuries with photos can provide valuable evidence. Capture images from different angles to show the extent of the damage.

5. Gather Witness Information
   If anyone witnessed the dog bite, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can provide statements that may support your case if you pursue legal action.

6. Follow Up on Medical Treatment
   Ensure you attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor's instructions. Proper treatment and documentation can strengthen your case for compensation.

7. Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer
   Speaking to an experienced dog bite attorney in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights. A lawyer can assist in gathering evidence, handling legal procedures, and pursuing compensation.

How is a Dog Bite Settlement Calculated?

A dog bite settlement is calculated by including all economic and non-economic damages incurred by the victim. Economic damages are relatively easier to calculate because they are simpler to quantify.

Examples of economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, reconstructive surgery, psychological therapy, and rehabilitation costs. On the other hand, non-economic damages are much more complicated.

For example, it can be challenging to put a price tag on the physical pain and mental suffering you endured as a result of the dog attack.

The amount of money awarded for pain and suffering could depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the injuries, if there is scarring and disfigurement, the age of the victim, and so on.

For example, a person who has lost an arm as the result of a dog attack could be entitled to much more compensation in their dog bite lawsuit than someone who has suffered scratches and bruises in an attack. We can help you maximize the value of your dog bite claim.

How Much Can I Get from a Dog Bite Settlement?

Settlements for dog bites could vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the injuries. In 2021, California ranked first in the nation with the most dog bite claims (2,026) and the highest average dog bite settlement -- $59,561. It is important to remember that this is only the average settlement. In California, dog bite victims are entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

What is My Dog Bite Settlement Worth?

Some factors could increase the value of your dog bite settlement. Here are some of those factors:

Injury severity

Severe injuries typically result in higher medical bills. Dog bite injuries may require cosmetic surgery to repair scarring, which could prove very expensive and may not be covered by medical insurance.

Physical injuries

Some dog attacks have the potential to cause permanent disfigurement, which could also result in severe psychological repercussions. Victims may also lose a body part such as a limb, which could disable them for life.

The location of the scars could also increase the value of your settlement. For example, if your face is permanently scarred, you could receive a higher settlement.

Emotional trauma

Dog attacks can leave victims with severe emotional trauma. Children especially could show symptoms such as fear of dogs. They may need counseling and therapy to heal from the trauma they suffered in the attack.

At the same time, a victim's compensation may be diminished if the dog owner does not have a policy that covers dog bite incidents.

In such cases, victims' compensation may be limited to the dog owner's financial resources. An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to explore all possible avenues of compensation to maximize your dog bite settlement.

How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

If you did not suffer any serious injuries in the dog attack, you may not require the services of a dog bite lawyer.

However, if you did suffer serious injuries that required you to get medical attention, surgery, or hospitalization, an experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney can help you gather evidence to substantiate your claim and show that the dog owner's negligence led to the attack and your injuries. A vast majority of dog bite cases are settled out of court.

But, some cases do go to trial. So, you must seek the counsel of an experienced trial lawyer who is well-versed in California dog bite laws.

In order to claim compensation for a dog attack, you should take several steps. Get medical attention for your injuries and report the attack to the police or local animal control officials.

Keep copies of the police reports and your medical reports, which show what injuries you suffered and what treatment you received. It is important to obtain the dog owner's contact information and insurance details as well.

Contact an experienced dog bite attorney who will help you through a complex legal process and ensure you receive maximum compensation.

FAQs

Is the dog owner automatically liable for a bite in Los Angeles?

California has a strict liability rule for dog bites, which means owners are typically held liable for bites, even if the dog has no history of aggression. However, certain exceptions may apply, so it's best to consult an attorney.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a dog bite?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Consulting a lawyer promptly is important to meet this deadline.

Can I get compensation for emotional trauma from a dog bite?

Yes, victims may be compensated for emotional trauma, such as PTSD, resulting from a dog bite. A lawyer can help document these non-economic damages as part of your claim.

What should I do if the dog that bit me was a stray?

If a stray dog bites you, seek medical attention and report the incident to animal control. Your lawyer can advise you on possible compensation options, such as homeowners' insurance, if applicable.

Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?

Many dog bite cases settle out of court through negotiations. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial.

Contact Our Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have suffered injuries in a dog attack, the knowledgeable Los Angeles dog bite attorneys at the Vaziri Law will help you fight for your rights. Our legal team has significant experience and a successful track record regarding dog bite cases.

Call us to schedule a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.