Experience You Can Trust
Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
At Abronson Law Offices, we represent clients across California who have suffered dog bite injuries. If your injury affects your ability to work, care for yourself, or live comfortably, we’re here to help.
There are strict legal timeframes to file a claim in California. For most incidents, you have two years from the date of the incident but when a non-federal government agency is involved, that window could be as short as six months. Don’t wait and risk your recovery. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Injury?
A dog bite injury can be physically painful, emotionally traumatic, and legally complex. California has strict liability laws for dog bite cases, but insurance companies still fight to reduce or deny claims. Owners will often try to blame the victim or minimize the injury. GrowLaw (2024) reports 4.5 million Americans are affected by dog bites each year.
Our office knows how to establish the full value of a dog bite case. We work with professionals to evaluate scarring, future treatment, and emotional trauma, especially for young victims. Abronson Law Offices works to take the pressure placed on you by insurance companies off you by handling all negotiations, paperwork, and deadlines, so you or your family member can heal.
Why Choose Abronson Law Offices?
We understand that a dog bite injury is more than a surface wound. It’s a traumatic event that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Our team takes the time to understand what happened, who is responsible, and what support you need to recover from a violent incident.
What sets us apart:
· Successful track record in dog bite and animal attack cases
· Access to top medical experts for evaluation and testimony
· Aggressive negotiations backed by trial experience
· Transparent communication, every step of the way
· You don’t pay unless we win your case
We have recovered compensation for clients suffering from:
· Deep puncture wounds requiring stitches, debridement, or surgery
· Permanent scarring and disfigurement from bites, especially facial injuries to the lips, nose, or cheek
· Nerve damage causing loss of sensation or chronic pain
· Emotional trauma and PTSD, especially in children or repeat attacks
· Infections and complications from untreated or improperly cleaned wounds
· Torn tendons and muscle damage requiring surgical repair
· Bite injuries to the hands, arms, or legs impacting work function
· Scarring that interferes with movement or requires revision surgery
· Psychological injuries in children requiring long-term therapy
· Loss of income and career impact due to disability or visible injury
Types of Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
Puncture Wounds
Deep, narrow wounds that may look small but damage muscle, nerves, and soft tissue. Commonly become infected if not cleaned and treated properly.
Lacerations and Tearing Injuries
Often occur when the dog bites and shakes. These wounds are jagged and can result in severe blood loss, tendon damage, or exposed bone.
Facial Bites
Especially common in children, these are emotionally and socially devastating injuries. Even minor bites can result in major reconstructive surgery needs and permanent scarring.
Nerve Damage and Loss of Function
When a bite affects hands, arms, or legs, it may sever nerves or tendons. This can result in chronic pain or long-term impairment.
Infections and Complications
Dog bites often transmit bacteria like Pasteurella, Staph, or even tetanus. Infections can lead to hospitalization or sepsis if untreated.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Victims, especially children, may develop long-term anxiety, nightmares, or fear of animals. Therapy may be required to recover trust and a sense of safety.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible for:
· Medical expenses (past and future)
· Lost income and reduced earning potential
· Pain and suffering
· Rehabilitation and long-term care
· Emotional distress
· Any other damages unique to your case
We work with medical experts, financial analysts, and crash investigators to build a strong case and address all the impacts this incident has had on your life. Our goal is to make sure your compensation reflects the true cost of how any incident has affected your life, not just what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Common Questions About Dog Bite Injury Cases
Do I Have a Case if the Dog Never Bit Anyone Before?
A: Yes. Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable for bites, even if the dog had no known history of aggression.
What if the Bite Happened on Someone Else’s Property?
A: You may still have a case. Property owners, landlords, and renters can all be liable depending on the circumstances. We’ll investigate all available avenues.
Are Scars or Emotional Trauma Considered “Compensable”?
A: Absolutely. Permanent scars and psychological trauma are major parts of dog bite claims, especially in children or victims who require therapy or surgery.
Who Determines Fault in an Incident?
A: Any decision made by an insurance adjustor is not final. We independently investigate every crash and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. If a case does not settle only the jury or judge gets to decide who is at fault.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
A: You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover money for you.
Can I Sue Even if the Person Responsible wasn’t Criminally Charged?
A: Yes. Civil liability is separate from criminal charges. We can pursue compensation regardless of whether the responsible party was arrested or convicted.
Can I Recover Damages Even if I was Partially at Fault?
A: Yes. California follows comparative negligence. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover for the portion not caused by your actions.
Do I Still have a Claim if I Heal Fully?
A: Yes. Even if you fully heal you are still entitled to the time lost, pain endured, and costs incurred still matter. You’re entitled to compensation for what you went through.
What if I had Delayed Treatment?
A: A delay does not destroy your case, but it may give the insurance company a reason to challenge the seriousness or cause of your injuries. We work with your doctors to clearly connect your treatment to the incident and counter any attempts to downplay your injuries.
Do I Need to Wait Until Treatment is Complete?
A: Sometimes. When possible it is usually best to wait until treatment is complete before settling your claim. Because you can only settle your claim one time you want to know the full extent of your injuries before doing so. Where there is permanent injury, we work with your doctors and life care planners to estimate the full scope of future treatment so your case reflects long-term needs.
Will a Settlement Cover a Lifetime of Care?
A: It can. We build claims that include future medical costs, equipment replacement, caregiver expenses, and lost income through retirement age.
Is Emotional Trauma Considered Part of the Claim?
A: Absolutely. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces are all compensable in civil claims and often a major part of recovery.
Are Scars Considered “Compensable”?
A: Absolutely. Permanent scars can be a major part of claims, especially in children or victims who require further treatment to reduce scarring.
Do I Need Surgery to have a Strong Case?
A: No. Many cases involve long-term physical therapy or non-surgical treatment. However, if surgery is required, we make sure it’s factored into the claim value.
What if I Already had Arthritis or Degeneration?
A: Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify you. If the accident made your condition worse or accelerated the need for treatment, you’re still entitled to compensation under California law.
What if I Already have a Preexisting Condition?
A: Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you. If the accident caused an injury that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred or exacerbated a preexisting condition, you still have a valid claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Made Me an Offer?
A: Always speak to a lawyer first. Early settlement offers are often far below the long-term cost of your recovery and once you accept, you can’t ask for more later.
Will I Have to go to Trial?
A: Most cases settle but we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. Our trial readiness helps us negotiate from a position of strength.
Can I Sue if My Injury Happened at Work?
A: Yes. While workers’ comp may cover medical care, you may also have a separate third-party claim if another entity (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, etc.) caused your injury.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Consultation
You do not have to do this alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and move forward with confidence. We offer fully remote services and free consultations by phone or video. If you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, we’ll meet you where you are.
Settlement
$376,000
Dog Bite Injury Case
Contact Us
If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in an Accident, Speak with Our Legal team Today!
Office Locations
Main Office
332 North 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112
San Francisco Office
1390 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, California 94102
Contact Us
Phone: (408) 687-9155
Fax: (408) 352-5595