Dog Bites · Los Angeles
California holds dog owners strictly liable. You do not have to prove the dog was dangerous. You have to prove it bit you.
Bites happen on sidewalks, in apartment courtyards, at friends’ homes. Most are covered by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
- No fee unless we win
- Handled by Meline Mailyan
- English · Հայերեն · Русский
How we handle it
What we do in the first ten days.
Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is liable for a bite in a public place or wherever you were lawfully present, regardless of the dog’s history. The fight is usually over the extent of injury, scarring, and psychological harm, especially for children. We document all of it.
Strict liability
No need to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was aggressive.
Insurance coverage
Most homeowner’s and renter’s policies cover dog bites. We find the policy even when the owner says there is none.
Scarring and children
Facial injuries and future revision surgery are valued separately. Children’s cases require court approval, which we handle.
Landlords and others
Property owners and dog walkers may share liability in the right circumstances.
Value
What decides what your case is worth.
We give you an honest range after reviewing your file. These are the factors that move it.
- Severity of the wound and infection
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Psychological injury
- Available homeowner’s or renter’s coverage
- Whether the victim was lawfully on the property
Dog Bites · Your attorney
Your case goes to Meline Mailyan.
Not a case manager, not an intake service. The attorney who reviews your case is the attorney who handles it.
- 12+Years of legal experience
- 3Languages: English, Armenian, Russian
Questions
Dog Bites questions.
The dog belongs to a friend. Do I have to sue them?
You make a claim against their insurance policy, not against them personally. Most friendships survive it.
Do I need to report the bite?
Yes. Report to LA County Animal Care and Control and seek medical care immediately. Both create records that support your claim.
Related
Free case review
Hurt in a dog bites? Talk to Meline directly.
Three short questions, or one phone call. We tell you honestly whether you have a case and what it is likely worth. No fee unless we win.