Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?

Answer 6 quick questions to get personalized guidance for your California case

Question 1 of 6

How serious were your injuries?

Severe - hospitalization, surgery, nerve damage, scarring

Moderate - ER visit, stitches, possible infection

Minor - urgent care or doctor visit, antibiotics

Very minor - home treatment only

Question 2 of 6

What are your total medical bills so far?

Over $10,000

$2,500 - $10,000

$500 - $2,500

Under $500

Question 3 of 6

Do you know who owns the dog?

Yes - and they likely have homeowners/renters insurance

Yes - but unsure about insurance

Yes - but they probably have no insurance or assets

No - can't identify the owner

Question 4 of 6

Where did the bite occur?

Public place (park, sidewalk, store)

On the dog owner's property (I was lawfully there)

On my property or a friend's property

I may have been trespassing

Question 5 of 6

Will you have permanent scarring or ongoing effects?

Yes - visible scarring, nerve damage, or disability

Possibly - still healing, unsure of final outcome

No - expect full recovery

Question 6 of 6

Has the dog owner or their insurance offered to pay?

Yes - but offer seems too low

No - they deny responsibility

Insurance claim pending

Yes - they're being cooperative

Haven't contacted them yet

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You Can Likely Handle This Yourself

California's strict liability law makes dog bite claims straightforward. For smaller claims, you can negotiate directly or use Small Claims Court.

Recommended DIY Steps:

Document everything - photos, medical records, bills, receipts
File claim with owner's homeowners/renters insurance
Send demand letter with itemized damages
Report to Animal Control (creates official record)
Consider Small Claims Court if under $12,500

📝 Dog Bite Demand Resources 🔗 Small Claims Info

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You Should Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Your injuries are significant enough that an attorney can maximize your recovery and handle insurance company tactics.

Why You Need an Attorney:

Insurance companies often lowball unrepresented victims
Attorneys know how to value scarring and future damages
Contingency fee = no upfront cost (typically 33%)
Can recover for pain, suffering, emotional distress
Handle all negotiations and paperwork for you

Book $125 Consultation 🕵 Find PI Attorney 📝 Dog Bite Resources

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Get a Consultation First

Your case is in the middle range. A consultation will help you decide if an attorney is worth it.

Recommended Approach:

Get 1-2 consultations from PI attorneys (most work on contingency)
Calculate your total damages (medical bills x 2-3 for pain/suffering)
If settlement offer minus attorney fee > DIY amount, hire one
Report to Animal Control regardless
Start demand letter process while evaluating

📝 Dog Bite Demand Letter 🕵 Consultation

Understanding Dog Bite Law in California

California Civil Code 3342 makes dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries. This means you don't have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous - if their dog bit you while you were lawfully present, they're liable.

California's Strict Liability Advantage

Unlike "one bite rule" states, California doesn't require you to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is liable regardless of the dog's history. This makes California dog bite cases easier to prove than in many other states.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Damage Type	Examples
Medical Expenses	ER, surgery, medications, physical therapy, future treatment
Lost Wages	Time off work, reduced earning capacity
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety around dogs
Scarring/Disfigurement	Permanent scars, especially facial
Property Damage	Torn clothing, damaged items

DIY vs. Attorney: The Math

Simple formula to decide:

Low-value claims (under $5,000): DIY usually makes sense
Medium claims ($5,000-$15,000): Get a consultation, compare offers
High-value claims (over $15,000): Attorney will likely get you more even after fees

Example: $10,000 in medical bills with scarring. Insurance offers you $12,000. Attorney gets $25,000 settlement, takes 33% ($8,250). You net $16,750 - more than the $12,000 DIY offer.

⚠ Statute of Limitations

You have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit in California. Don't wait - evidence fades and witnesses forget.

What to Do Right After a Dog Bite

Seek medical attention immediately (even for minor bites - infection risk)
Report to Animal Control (creates official record)
Get owner's information, including insurance
Take photos of injuries immediately and as they heal
Get witness contact information
Keep all medical records and bills

Related Resources

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