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In California, more than 560,000 people are bitten by dogs each year, and around 112,000 need medical care for their injuries. Many suffer painful wounds, infections, or lasting scars and face medical bills that add up fast.
While California holds dog owners liable for bites, getting compensation isn’t always easy. Owners often try to avoid responsibility, and insurance companies may downplay your injuries or pressure you to accept a lowball settlement.
Working with a skilled dog bite injury lawyer in Glendale, California can help you push back against these tactics and move forward with the support you deserve.
At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this can feel and will fight to make sure you’re treated fairly from day one.
California law provides strong protections for dog bite victims. Liability isn’t based on the dog’s past behavior—it depends on what occurred during the incident.
Under the state’s Civil Code (CIV) 3342:
Understanding these rules can help determine if you have a valid dog bite insurance claim to seek financial support for your injuries.
A dog bite often brings immediate pain, but the impact doesn’t stop there. Many victims face infections, scarring, and long recoveries—along with emotional trauma like anxiety or PTSD. One study found that ER treatment costs can reach $1,917 per bite, adding up to nearly $50 million each year in California.
If you or a loved one suffered these injuries, a qualified attorney can help you file a dog attack lawsuit for the following damages:
| Type of Damages | What It Covers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Any treatment related to the injury. |
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| Lost Wages | Income lost while recovering. |
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| Pain and Suffering | Emotional and physical distress from the incident. |
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| Punitive Damages | May be awarded when the dog owner showed reckless or extreme negligence. |
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No two cases are the same, which is why our team at The Shirvanian Law Firm takes the time to understand how the bite has affected your life. We fight to recover the full compensation you deserve.
Knowing what to do after a dog bite can help protect your health and support your legal claim. Here’s what you should know:
Quick action after a bite can make sure you get the medical attention you need and create an official record of what happened.
These steps support your recovery and help create a solid legal foundation when filing an insurance claim or suing for a dog bite injury.
An experienced attorney can handle the legal process and explain what to expect at each step. At The Shirvanian Law Firm, we:
Legal help for dog bite injuries makes it possible to secure the maximum funds needed for recovery.
California law limits how long victims have to take legal action, and waiting too long can result in losing your right to recover damages.
Reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible helps you start building your case, protect important evidence, and preserve your right to file before the deadline passes.
Once liability is established, the next step is determining how your compensation will be paid. In many cases, a dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will cover injuries caused by their pet. Coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, which can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, recovery can be more difficult. Your lawyer may explore other options, such as pursuing the dog owner’s personal assets or checking if another liable party, such as a landlord, shares responsibility.
Your dog bite lawsuit settlement will depend on the injury’s impact on your life. Our attorneys consider:
The average insurance payout in California was $68,125 in 2023. However, your outcome will depend on the specifics of your injuries and how the incident has affected your life.
Choosing the best lawyer for dog bite cases gives you the support and direction you need after an attack. Here’s what you can expect when you work with The Shirvanian Law Firm:
You deserve a legal team that responds quickly, listens closely, and knows how to move your case forward. Our past clients show why we’re a trusted firm for dog bite cases in Glendale:
“When the insurance company made an offer, Greg secured the maximum policy limits for my case. I was very satisfied with the result and the overall excellence of this firm.” –Shawn Hoskins
“Narbeh went above and beyond to help me out with whatever I needed and got me a terrific settlement in the end. I will definitely recommend The Shirvanian Law Firm, to others who need assistance in a lawsuit.” –Jodi Abrams
“Shirvanian not only took care of me, but they were so patient and helped me through each process that needed to take place. They offered for me to come by their office any time to speak with them directly AND they settled my case beyond and above my satisfaction.” –Jennifer Beams
Injured in a dog attack? We understand how stressful and confusing this can feel and will walk you through what comes next. Contact The Shirvanian Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
“Since day one that the Shirvanian law firm took over my case they have shown true professionalism. The quality of service is spectacular. They are kind, they listen, they fight for you. They are in your corner. They give you answers when you need them, Narbeth doesn’t waste any time he gets started on your case right away.” — Rosa M
“The Shirvanian Law Firm was a pleasure to work with during the entire duration. They were very professional, and understanding throughout the entire process. I would recommend them to anyone that need a great Law Firm.” — Lillie Brown
“After a tragic accident in Jan 2022, The Shirvanian Law Firm made me feel like family. I was able to text, call and email anytime and received a response almost immediately. Inez in the office was so easy to talk to and made me feel safe. Greg was easy to talk to, and made me feel secure in my decisions. Anthony was super helpful and made the end process go by smooth with no errors. Thank you again to this Law Firm!” — Christine R.
Start by getting medical care, even for minor injuries. Report the bite to local animal control to create a record. Take photographs of your injuries and the scene if possible. Then, contact a lawyer to discuss your options and protect your right to file a claim.
Yes. California’s strict liability rule applies even if the dog has no biting or aggressive behavior history. The owner remains legally responsible for the injury, and you don’t need to prove that they knew the dog was dangerous.
You can still file a claim; in most cases, it’s covered by the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not their personal funds. A lawyer can handle communication with the insurer, so the process stays respectful and focused on recovery, not personal conflict.
In California, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long may cause you to lose your legal right to recover damages, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes. In addition to physical injuries, you may be able to recover damages for emotional effects like anxiety, PTSD, or fear of animals. These psychological impacts are real and valid, especially if the attack caused lasting changes in your daily life.