Expert legal representation for victims of dog attacks and animal bites throughout Los Angeles County. Our experienced attorneys understand California's strict liability laws for dog bites and fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve.
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Our firm stands apart through our dedication to client service and our history of securing substantial settlements for dog bite victims throughout Los Angeles.
With over 25 years of combined experience, our attorneys specialize in dog bite cases and understand California's strict liability laws that protect victims.
We've secured millions in settlements for dog bite victims, including substantial awards for medical expenses, scarring, psychological trauma, and pain and suffering.
We provide sensitive representation for victims and families, especially children who have suffered traumatic dog attacks, ensuring they receive proper medical and psychological care.
My daughter was attacked by a neighbor's pit bull, leaving her with severe facial injuries and emotional trauma. Yarijanian & Associates, PLC secured a settlement that covers her plastic surgery and ongoing therapy. They treated our family with compassion during an incredibly difficult time.
Understanding when and why dog bites occur can help identify owner negligence and strengthen your compensation claim.
Dogs allowed to roam freely without leashes, proper fencing, or supervision, violating leash laws and endangering the public.
Owners of inherently dangerous breeds failing to take proper precautions or obtain adequate insurance coverage for potential attacks.
Children are frequent victims due to their size and behavior around dogs, often resulting in severe facial and emotional injuries.
Attacks on delivery workers, visitors, or neighbors on the owner's property where proper warning signs or restraints were not in place.
Owners failing to properly train or socialize their dogs, leading to unpredictable aggressive behavior toward strangers.
Dog owners failing to supervise their pets around others, especially in public spaces like parks, beaches, and walking trails.
Owners aware of their dog's previous aggressive incidents or biting history but failing to take preventive measures.
Dogs that escape from inadequately secured yards or homes and attack pedestrians, joggers, or other animals in the neighborhood.
If you've been bitten or attacked by a dog in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation under California's strict liability laws. Dog owners are responsible for their pet's actions regardless of the animal's history. Yarijanian & Associates, PLC has extensive experience with dog bite cases and can help you understand your legal rights.
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Dog bite cases in California involve strict liability laws that hold dog owners responsible for their pet's actions, regardless of the animal's history. However, insurance companies often try to minimize settlements or deny claims entirely, making experienced legal representation crucial for securing fair compensation.
At Yarijanian & Associates, PLC, we understand the physical and emotional trauma caused by dog attacks and know how to navigate California's dog bite laws to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
California's strict liability law means dog owners are responsible for bites regardless of the dog's history, but proving damages and owner liability still requires legal expertise.
Homeowner's insurance companies often dispute claims or offer inadequate settlements. We know their tactics and fight for full compensation for your injuries.
Dog bite injuries often require plastic surgery, psychological therapy, and ongoing treatment. We ensure all current and future costs are included in your claim.
We provide compassionate support for victims and families, especially children who have suffered traumatic attacks, while aggressively pursuing their legal rights.
Our experienced dog bite legal team provides comprehensive support throughout every stage of your claim.
We conduct thorough investigations to document the attack and gather evidence to support your claim.
We help ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment and connect you with specialists experienced in treating dog bite injuries.
We handle all communications with homeowner's insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation under their policies.
We calculate the full extent of your losses to ensure you receive fair compensation for all dog bite-related damages.
We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure fair settlements for dog bite victims and their families.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we're prepared to take your dog bite case to trial.
At Yarijanian & Associates, PLC, we understand the physical and emotional trauma caused by dog attacks. Our experienced dog bite attorneys in Los Angeles will handle all legal matters with sensitivity and determination, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Get Your Free Case EvaluationGet answers to common questions about dog bite claims in Los Angeles.
At Yarijanian & Associates, PLC, we handle dog bite cases and advance all costs associated with pursuing your claim, including medical record retrieval, expert witnesses, and investigation expenses. Our fee structure will be clearly explained during your free initial consultation, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle your case.
California has a strict liability dog bite law (Civil Code Section 3342) that holds dog owners responsible for bite injuries regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of aggressive tendencies. This means:
Automatic liability: Dog owners are liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property.
No "one bite" rule: Unlike some states, California doesn't give dogs a "free first bite." Owners are liable even for first-time incidents.
Exceptions: The law doesn't apply if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or the bite occurred during the dog's work (like police or military dogs).
This strict liability makes it easier for victims to recover compensation, but insurance companies still often contest claims.
Dog bite victims in California can recover various types of damages:
Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospital bills, surgery costs, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
Lost wages: Time off work for treatment and recovery, as well as reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress from the attack.
Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scars, especially on visible areas like the face, hands, and arms.
Property damage: Torn clothing, damaged personal items, or other property destroyed during the attack.
Children often receive higher settlements due to the lasting psychological impact and potential for permanent scarring.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are important considerations:
Immediate action recommended: While you have two years, it's crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and document injuries.
Minor children: For children under 18, the statute of limitations may be extended, but it's still best to act promptly.
Insurance deadlines: Homeowner's insurance policies often require notification within a shorter timeframe, sometimes 30-60 days.
Acting quickly also ensures medical evidence is fresh and witness memories are clear, which strengthens your case.
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen your legal case:
Seek medical attention: Get immediate medical care, even for seemingly minor bites, as infections and complications can develop.
Report the incident: Contact animal control and local police to file an official report of the attack.
Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if safely possible. Get contact information from the owner and any witnesses.
Preserve evidence: Keep damaged clothing and any other physical evidence from the attack.
Follow medical advice: Complete all recommended treatments and follow-up appointments to prevent complications and document your recovery.
Contact an attorney: Consult with a dog bite lawyer early to protect your rights and ensure evidence is preserved.
Most homeowner's and renter's insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites, but coverage can be complicated:
Standard coverage: Most policies cover dog bite claims up to the liability limits, often $100,000 to $500,000 or more.
Breed exclusions: Some insurers exclude certain breeds they consider high-risk, like pit bulls, Rottweilers, or German Shepherds.
Prior incidents: Previous bite incidents may result in exclusions or policy cancellations.
Coverage disputes: Insurance companies may dispute whether the incident is covered or try to minimize settlements.
Multiple sources: Compensation may come from the dog owner's homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, or umbrella policies.
Our attorneys investigate all potential sources of coverage and fight to maximize your recovery from available insurance policies.
Don't let insurance companies minimize your dog bite claim. Our experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorneys at Yarijanian & Associates, PLC understand California's strict liability laws and are ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and trauma.
