DOG BITE CASE REVIEW

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BITTEN OR ATTACKED BY A DOG?

Pasadena Dog Bite Lawyers Helping Injured Victims

A dog attack can cause painful wounds, infection, scarring, emotional trauma, and significant medical expenses. Tedford & Associates helps injured adults, children, and families understand their rights and pursue compensation from responsible parties and available insurance coverage.

Tell Us What Happened

No obligation. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS

California Law Can Hold a Dog Owner Responsible for a Bite

Under California Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner can generally be held responsible when a dog bites someone in a public place or while that person is lawfully on private property. A victim does not ordinarily have to prove that the dog had previously bitten someone or that the owner already knew the dog was dangerous. Exceptions and defenses may apply, so each incident must be evaluated individually.

Where did the attack occur?
Was the dog restrained?
Did the owner or property manager know of previous aggressive behavior?
Were local animal-control or police reports created?
Was law enforcement, animal services, and/or fire department personnel called to the scene?
Did you have any conversations with the owner of the dog?
Do you have photographs and/or video of the location, dog, dog owner, and injuries sustained?
Are you aware of any liability insurance coverage?

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY REPRESENTATION

Experience Handling Significant Injury Claims

$ 20 .00

South El Monte Dog Bite Case

$ 20 .00

North Hollywood Dog Bite Case

$ 20 .00

(jury verdict)

Los Angeles Dog Bite Case

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts.

HOW WE CAN HELP

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY REPRESENTATION

Free Consultation

We're available 24/7 to discuss your situation and gather key details about your dog bite claim.

Handle Negotiations

Our team can handle all negotiations with the dog owner and connect you with top medical professionals to treat your injuries.

Pursue Maximum Compensation

Whether through a settlement or trial, we'll fight to get you the financial recovery you're owed.

The investigative questions you ask

Where did the dog bite occur specifically (ie. Address);

Who owns the dog?

Was the dog on a leash?

What breed was the dog?

What injuries were sustained?

Was law enforcement, animal services, and/or fire department personnel called to the scene?

Did you have any conversations with the owner of the dog?

Do you have photographs and/or video of the location, dog, dog owner, and injuries sustained?

Are you aware of any liability insurance coverage?

HOW WE CAN HELP

SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY REPRESENTATION

Conduct a thorough investigation of the facts surrounding the dog bite.

Determine whether or not there is insurance coverage for the injury claim caused by the dog bite.

Aid client with respect to seeking appropriate medical treatment, consultation and whether or not scar revision is necessary.

MEET YOUR ATTORNEY

James R. Tedford II

Dog bite victims deserve an attorney who recognizes the physical pain, fear, scarring, and disruption an attack can cause.

James R. Tedford II and the Tedford & Associates team help injured clients understand their options, preserve important evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue appropriate compensation from responsible parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dog allowed one free bite in California?

No, a dog is not allowed one free bite in California. Under California Civil Code § 3342, the state enforces strict liability for dog owners. This means an owner is legally responsible for financial damages the very first time their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

What if the bite happened at the owner’s home?

If a dog bite happens at the owner’s home, the owner is generally liable for damages if the victim was lawfully on the property. However, the exact outcome depends on local laws and the specific circumstances of the visit.

What if the dog belonged to a friend, relative, or neighbor?

When a dog belongs to a friend, relative, or neighbor, the legal rules of liability remain exactly the same, but the situation becomes emotionally and socially complicated. You are generally making a claim against their insurance company, not demanding money directly from your friend or relative.

Can I bring a claim if the dog knocked me down but did not bite me?

Yes, you can absolutely bring a legal claim if a dog knocked you down but did not bite you. While many people associate dog-related legal cases strictly with bites, a dog owner can still be held financially responsible for physical injuries, medical bills, and lost wages resulting from a “knockdown”.

What if my child was bitten?

If your child was bitten by a dog, you can absolutely bring a legal claim on their behalf. In fact, because children are minor victims, the law often provides specific protections, and dog owners are held to a very high standard of financial responsibility.

What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?

If the dog owner claims you provoked the dog, it is a very common defense tactic, but the burden of proof is entirely on them. An owner cannot simply state that you provoked the dog to escape liability; they must provide concrete evidence that your behavior directly caused the attack.

What IS Provocation: Striking, kicking, throwing objects at the dog, teasing it while it is eating, or intentionally cornering and threatening the animal.
What IS NOT Provocation: Walking toward the dog, making eye contact, stretching out a hand to let it sniff you, speaking to it, or accidentally stepping on its paw or tail.

Who pays for a dog bite claim?

The dog owner’s insurance policy almost always pays for a dog bite claim, not the owner out of their own pocket. In the vast majority of cases, these claims are filed against a specific liability policy that the owner already carries.

How long do I have to file?

In California, the standard timeframe to file a lawsuit for a dog bite or a dog-inflicted injury is two years from the date of the incident. If you do not file a formal lawsuit in court within this two-year window, you will permanently lose your right to seek financial compensation, regardless of how severe your injuries are.

Does Tedford & Associates provide pro bono or free legal services?

No, Tedford & Associates does not provide “pro bono” (completely free charity) legal services, but they do handle all personal injury and dog bite cases with zero upfront costs. Like most private injury firms, they structure their fees so that victims can access legal representation regardless of their current financial situation.

What is my dog bite case worth?

There is no universal average when it comes to dog bite settlements. Each case will vary depending on its unique factors and circumstances. Because of this, a settlement award could range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands based on severity. Insurance policies, such as homeowner’s coverage, cover most dog bite cases. Thus, it is also essential to understand the significant role insurance companies play in determining a final payout. Additionally, the negotiation skills of your attorney will impact how much compensation you recover for your injuries.

DO NOT LET THE INSURANCE COMPANY MINIMIZE THE ATTACK

Bitten or Injured by a Dog? Get Answers Today.

Tell Tedford & Associates what happened and learn what legal options may be available. The consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.

Request Your Free Dog Bite Case Review

Disclaimer:
Attorney advertising. The information on this landing page is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Viewing this page or submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every legal matter depends on its individual facts and circumstances.