Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer
FREE Victim Consultation
- Top Rated Trial Firm
- Over $170 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
FEATURED ON
Dog bites in Los Angeles happen in parks, on sidewalks, at apartment complexes, and in private yards, and children are often the victims. Under Civil Code 3342, a dog owner is generally responsible for a bite that happens in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, even if the dog never bit anyone before.
A Los Angeles dog bite lawyer at Feher Law identifies the owner and the insurance policy that applies, documents the injuries and scarring, and pursues full compensation. You pay nothing unless we win. Reach out for a free case review.
Key Takeaways
- Under Civil Code 3342, a dog owner is liable for a bite in a public place or when the victim was lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of it. You do not need to prove the dog was known to be dangerous.
- You generally have two years to sue under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. For a child, the time limit is generally paused until age 18 under Code of Civil Procedure 352, except for claims against a public entity.
- Most claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
- A biting dog must be reported and usually quarantined, and the report creates an official record.
- You pay nothing unless we win.
Why Dog Bite Victims in Los Angeles Hire Feher Law
Dog bite cases look simple, and the insurers’ tactics are not. What we add:
- We identify the owner, the property, and every insurance policy that may apply, including landlords and renters’ policies.
- We document scarring and long-term effects with plastic surgeons and, when needed, mental health providers.
- We value cases fully when the victim is a child, where facial scars and fear of dogs can last for years.
- We prepare each case as if it will be tried.
Verdicts & Settlements
$170M+ Recovered for California Workers & Injury Victims
Real case outcomes from Feher Law across personal injury and employment matters, resolved under California law.
See what your case could be worth.
Free, confidential case assessment. Available 24/7.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is evaluated on its specific facts under California law. View full results on our Case Results page.
Why Acting Fast Protects Your Case
The general deadline is two years from the bite under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. Some of the proof is available only at the start.
- Injuries and bruising are best photographed in the first days and again as they heal
- The owner can move, sell, or hide the dog
- Animal control records and quarantine results should be requested promptly
- Witnesses to the attack fade, and neighborhood video is overwritten
Free consultations. No fee unless we win.
What Our Clients Say
Why California Clients Choose Feher Law
Super Lawyers 2022-2026 | Avvo 10.0 Superb | Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College Graduate
Meet Our Team
Thomas Feher, Esq.
Founding Attorney
Stephen Wiard, Esq.
Senior Trial Attorney
Sandy Luu, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Alex Ballard, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Karen Parra, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Chase Nielsen, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Betsy Gomez
Managing Paralegal
Erica Feher
Chief of Operations
Austin Wallick, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Samantha Marquez
Legal Secretary
Marcela Guzman
Intake Specialist (Employment)
Alejandro Zelaya
Intake Specialist (Personal Injury)
Daniela Ramirez
Litigation Assistant
Marvin Rodriguez
Paralegal
Cassandra De Vera
Law Clerk
What a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Does
A Los Angeles dog bite lawyer takes over the work that follows a bite: identifying the owner, finding the insurance, collecting medical records, and presenting the claim. We also advise on whether a case should be settled or filed, based on your injuries and the coverage available.
First Steps After a Dog Bite
- Get medical care, because dog bites carry a risk of infection and may need stitches or a rabies assessment.
- Report the bite to animal control or public health so the dog can be identified and quarantined.
- Get the owner’s details and any information about vaccinations.
- Photograph your injuries, the location, and the dog.
- Keep records of every bill, missed day of work, and symptom.
- Hold off on any quick payment or release until you have spoken with a lawyer.
When the Victim Is a Child
Children are bitten more often than adults and are more likely to be bitten on the face and neck. A child’s claim has special features: the time limit is generally paused until the child turns 18 (except against a public entity), and a court must approve a settlement for a minor. We work with pediatric specialists and plastic surgeons to document scarring and its effect as the child grows.
Deadlines for Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite suits must be filed within two years of the bite under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. For a child, the deadline is generally extended until age 18 under Code of Civil Procedure 352, but waiting makes evidence harder to find, so do not delay. A claim against a public entity, for example a bite by a city-owned dog, follows the six-month government claim rules.
Evidence After a Dog Bite
Good evidence includes photos taken the day of the bite and over time, medical records, the owner’s name and contact details, the insurer’s information, witness names, animal control and quarantine records, and any earlier complaints about the dog. We request the animal control file for the dog’s history.
Reporting a Dog Bite in Los Angeles: Animal Control and Quarantine
Report the bite to the agency that handles animal control where it happened: Los Angeles Animal Services in the City, or the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control in many other areas. The agency will ask you for details, check the dog’s vaccination records, and arrange a quarantine, usually about ten days. Ask for a copy of the report for your file.
Which Insurance Pays for a Los Angeles Dog Bite
Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, so we identify the policy early and ask for its limits. A landlord’s insurance may come into play in limited situations, for example when the landlord knew about a dangerous dog and could have removed it. Some policies exclude certain breeds or require notice, which is why we review the policy before any settlement is accepted. Bites to children often cause scarring and emotional harm that can last for years, and we value those losses too.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Dog Bite in Los Angeles
The owner is the main defendant under Civil Code 3342. Others may also be responsible:
- a landlord who knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and could have acted
- a dog walker, sitter, or kennel in control of the dog
- a business that kept the dog on its premises
- a property owner where the bite happened, in some cases
If the dog was used by a government agency in police or military work, special rules apply under the statute.
What a Dog Bite Lawyer Costs
Dog bite clients owe nothing upfront. A fee is due only from a recovery, and the first consultation is free.
What to Expect When You Work With Feher Law
- Free evaluation of the bite, the dog’s history, and the owner.
- Investigation: animal control records, the insurance policy, and witnesses.
- Medical documentation: treatment records and, if needed, scarring evaluations.
- Demand and negotiation with the insurer.
- Filing suit if the insurer will not pay fairly.
How Dog Bite Claims Are Valued in Los Angeles
California is a strict liability state for dog bites under Civil Code §3342 – Los Angeles owners are liable regardless of prior knowledge:
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement | Severe / Catastrophic Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Puncture Wounds | $5,000 – $30,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Significant Lacerations | $20,000 – $100,000 | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Facial Scarring | $50,000 – $300,000 | $500,000 – $1,500,000+ |
| Severe Disfigurement | $200,000 – $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Child Victim (catastrophic) | $300,000 – $2,000,000 | $3,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | $500,000 – $2,500,000 | $5,000,000 – $15,000,000+ |
The ranges in this table are general illustrations and not a prediction of what any case is worth. Every case depends on its own facts, the evidence, the law that applies, and the insurance available. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This is not legal advice.
We help injured people across Los Angeles County.
|
|
|
|
Talk to a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer
After a dog bite, contact Feher Law or call (310) 340-1112 for a free consultation.
Services We Offer
We also help clients with other personal injury matters across Los Angeles County.
Explore the full range of services we offer below.
Notable Recent Settlements
Examples of California cases Feher Law has resolved on behalf of clients in this practice area:
- $22.7M – Elder Abuse, Fraud, Wills & Probate
- $1.55M – Broken Heel
- $1.5M – Broken Femur Injury
- $1.25M – Equine Accident – Fractured Pelvis
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is evaluated on its specific facts under California law.
Estimate your case value: try our facial scarring compensation calculator for a first range, or speak directly with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for a personalized review.
Last reviewed by Thomas Feher, Esq. – October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Los Angeles dog bite claim actually paid?
What does strict liability change about a Los Angeles dog bite case?
What injuries do we see most often in dog attack cases?
What does it cost to bring a Los Angeles dog bite claim?
How long do I have to sue for a dog bite in California?
How much is my Los Angeles dog bite case worth?
Do I have to report a dog bite in Los Angeles?
What if the dog's owner says I provoked the dog?
GET A FREE CONSULTATION
Our team is standing by and ready to assist you. Consultations are completely free and confidential. We will help you determine if you have a case.
- Over $170 Million Recovered For Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- We Fight for Maximum Compensation
- Get The Justice You Deserve
"*" indicates required fields
Other Los Angeles Practice Areas
Feher Law also serves Los Angeles clients in these related practice areas:
- Los Angeles Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Los Angeles Premises Liability Lawyer
- Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Brain Injury Lawyer
- Los Angeles Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
- Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- Los Angeles Wrongful Termination Lawyer
For a general overview of how we represent Los Angeles County clients across all practice areas, see our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer page.