Dog Bite Attorney in California
Strategy | Tenacity | Results
Protecting the Rights of Dog Bite Victims Statewide
Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Novian & Novian, our experienced California dog bite attorneys are committed to helping victims and their families recover the full compensation they deserve, including medical expenses, emotional suffering, lost income, and more. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, we’re ready to hold the responsible party accountable.
Personal Injury Attorneys
We are Personal Injury Attorneys providing profound legal knowledge and expertise for our clients in California.
Experts
Novian Law has been helping businesses in California achieve their legal objectives for more than 30 years.
California
Our mission is to provide quality service, attention and care leading to just resolutions of our clients’ legal matters in California.
Full-Service Dog Bite Attorney
How Does California Law Protect Victims of Dog Bites?
California has some of the strongest protections for dog bite victims in the country. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, the state follows a strict liability standard, which holds a dog owner legally responsible for a dog bite attack even if the dog has never shown signs of aggressive behavior before.
Unlike states (like Nevada, Oregon, Mississippi, etc.) that follow the “one bite rule,” California law doesn’t give a dog a “free pass.” If a dog bites someone in a public place or in a private place where the victim had a legal right to be, the animal’s owner is liable. This means the victim does not have to prove negligence or prior knowledge of vicious tendencies to file a personal injury claim.
This strict liability statute covers a wide range of dog bite cases, including those involving unleashed dogs, dog walkers, or situations where the dog was improperly restrained. Whether it’s a minor dog bite or a severe injury, California dog bite law is designed to ensure that dog attack victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and other damages.
Dog Bite Attorneys
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury, it’s essential to consult an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. The consequences of a dog attack can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Victims often suffer from deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, broken bones, and long-term trauma that may require plastic surgery, rehabilitation, and mental health support.
Infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, animal bites transmitting rabies, or tetanus are also common and can lead to serious complications without prompt medical treatment. These injuries may leave victims with lasting emotional trauma and mental anguish, especially children who are particularly vulnerable to animal attacks.
At Novian & Novian, we have the legal expertise and resources to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you need. We understand how to investigate dog bite claims, negotiate with insurance companies, and present a strong case in personal injury cases across California, including Los Angeles, San Jose, and more.
How Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help You
At Novian & Novian, we understand how traumatic and overwhelming it can be to suffer from a dog bite injury. As a trusted dog bite law firm in California, we take your case seriously and are committed to guiding you with experience, compassion, and strategic legal action. Here’s how we will help you
We Take Care of the Legal Process From Start to Finish
From the moment you contact us for your free consultation, our team begins managing the complexities of your personal injury claim so you can focus on your recovery. We handle all paperwork, court filings, and strict legal deadlines, ensuring every requirement is met under California law.
Our attorneys coordinate with medical professionals, animal control, and other experts to document your injuries and provide detailed records. You won’t have to worry about navigating the system on your own; we make sure your case moves forward smoothly and efficiently.
We Investigate Every Detail to Build a Strong Case for You
Our dog bite attorneys in California know that success begins with a thorough investigation. We collect key evidence, including photos of the injuries, witness statements, medical reports, and documentation from animal control or other authorities.
In dog bite cases, it’s crucial to identify every responsible party — not just the dog owner, but potentially negligent dog walkers, landlords, or property owners, especially if the attack occurred on private property. We examine the circumstances in detail to support your personal injury claim and prove the animal’s owner should be held strictly liable.
We Handle All Negotiations So You Don’t Have To
Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating parts of any dog bite claim. Adjusters may use tactics to delay, deny, or undervalue your injuries, especially if they believe the incident involved a “bite rule” state or try to argue about aggressive behavior.
As a skilled California dog bite law group, we step in to handle all communication and negotiation on your behalf. We push back on lowball offers and refuse to settle for anything less than what you deserve for your medical expenses, emotional trauma, and long-term impact.
We Keep You Informed and Supported Throughout Your Case
Dog attacks can lead to a confusing legal process filled with unfamiliar terms and paperwork. That’s why our experienced dog bite attorneys are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. We’ll explain your rights under California’s strict liability statute, clarify how laws differ from the one bite rule in other states, and walk you through your available legal options.
We Maximize Your Compensation and Protect Your Rights
A serious dog bite injury can impact every part of your life — physically, financially, and emotionally. We work to recover all your damages, including past and future medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any necessary psychological care for ongoing mental anguish or emotional trauma.
We Stand By You Whether Settling Out of Court or Going to Trial
Every dog bite case is different, and we tailor our strategy to your needs. If a fair settlement can be reached outside the courtroom, we’ll help you resolve your injury claim quickly and effectively.
But if the other side refuses to offer what you’re owed, we will prepare a strong case for trial and stand by you every step of the way. With experience in both settlement and litigation, our law firm ensures that you’re protected and supported, no matter how your case unfolds.
Our Dog Bite Attorneys in California
Farid Novian
Farid Novian has over 30 years of experience representing a wide variety of clients in the California area.
Learn more about Farid.
Farhad Novian
Farhad Novian has advised, counseled and represented California businesses and individuals in a broad range of transactions.
Learn more about Farhad.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Like other forms of catastrophic injury, the consequences of a dog bite can be severe, long-lasting, and life-altering. Dog bite victims often suffer a combination of physical wounds, emotional trauma, and long-term health complications, many of which require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, or even surgery.
Physical Harm
The most immediate consequence of a dog bite attack is often physical injury. Victims may sustain deep cuts and puncture wounds, which can damage muscles, ligaments, and skin.
Many dog bites also cause significant bruising and tissue damage, especially when the attack is forceful or prolonged. In some cases, the bite can lead to broken bones or fractures, particularly in children or elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to impact injuries.
Damage to nerves is also common, resulting in numbness, tingling, or even loss of function in the affected area. Sadly, some attacks leave behind permanent scarring or disfigurement, which may require plastic surgery and lead to lasting emotional suffering.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Beyond physical wounds, dog bite victims often experience serious emotional trauma. It’s not uncommon for individuals to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a dog attack.
Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, or a deep fear of dogs and social settings that make everyday life difficult. Many report sleep disturbances, nightmares, and a constant sense of fear or unease, particularly if the attack occurred in what was supposed to be a safe environment, like a home or private place. These emotional injuries are just as real as the physical ones and are a critical part of any personal injury claim.
Long-Term Health Issues
Some dog bite injuries don’t heal quickly or ever fully resolve. Victims may face chronic infections due to animal bites that weren’t treated properly, particularly when dealing with aggressive breeds like pit bulls.
Persistent pain or nerve impairment can become part of daily life, requiring pain management or specialist care. In more serious cases, victims may need ongoing surgeries, physical therapy, or mobility aids just to maintain basic function.
These long-term health consequences can lead to partial disability, job loss, and steep medical expenses, all of which should be accounted for when seeking to recover compensation. An experienced dog bite lawyer will work to ensure these impacts are fully considered when negotiating with insurance companies or arguing your case in court.
What Compensation Can You Expect in Dog Bite Injury Cases?
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury in California, you may be entitled to a wide range of compensation under personal injury law.
They include:
Medical Expenses
The costs associated with medical treatment after a dog bite attack can be substantial. Victims often require emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, and medications to address wounds, infections, or complications like nerve damage. In more severe dog bite cases, long-term care such as rehabilitation or physical therapy may be necessary, especially when the injury involves broken bones, deep puncture wounds, or permanent scarring. All of these medical expenses are typically recoverable in a personal injury claim.
Lost Wages
Many victims must take time off work to recover from dog bite injuries, leading to significant lost wages. If the injuries are serious, they can impact your ability to return to work at all or perform the same duties as before. In those cases, compensation may also cover loss of future earning capacity, ensuring that your long-term financial stability is considered during settlement negotiations or trial.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond the physical damage, dog attacks often leave victims with intense pain and emotional trauma. California law allows injured parties to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, which may include persistent physical discomfort, mental anguish, and emotional distress. Victims may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or an ongoing fear of dogs and public spaces.
Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Punitive Damages (if applicable)
Legal Fees and Costs
FAQs About Dog Bite Cases
How Long Do I Have to File?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. Failing to file within this deadline may result in losing your right to seek compensation.
How Much Is a Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth in California?
The value of a dog bite lawsuit depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Settlements can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially in cases involving permanent scarring or long-term trauma.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in California?
Yes, under California’s strict liability law, you can sue the dog’s owner even if the animal had no history of aggressive behavior. You do not need to prove negligence, only that the bite occurred in a public space or where you had a legal right to be.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Most dog bite lawyers in California, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis of 30%-40%. This means you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite?
Key evidence includes medical records, photographs of the injury, witness statements, and any reports from animal control. Proving the dog owner’s liability under California law also involves showing where the attack happened and that you had a legal right to be there.
Top Rated Personal Injury Law Firm Serving California
Full-Service Dog Bite Attorney
Other Legal Defense Services We Offer in California
Employment Contracts
Wage & Hour Disputes
Workplace Harassment Law
Discrimination Allegations
Wrongful Termination
Unfair Labor Practices
Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys in California
This website does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a personal injury lawyer in California. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please contact us:
CALL: