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Dog bites are more common than most people realize—especially in busy urban neighborhoods like North Hollywood, where people, pets, and pedestrians often share crowded sidewalks, parks, and apartment buildings. Whether you're walking through a residential complex, visiting a friend, or simply passing a dog on the street, an unexpected bite can leave you physically and emotionally shaken.
In California, dog owners are strictly liable for most bite injuries. That means if you’ve been bitten, you may be entitled to compensation—even if the dog has never acted aggressively before. But many victims don’t know where to begin. Should you report it? Who pays your medical bills? Can you still file a claim if the dog’s owner is a neighbor or friend?
Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities after a dog bite is critical. A bite that seems minor at first can lead to infection, permanent scarring, or even trauma that affects your ability to work or feel safe in your daily life. Acting quickly and following the right steps can make a big difference in your recovery—both medically and financially.
Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and even small punctures can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. If you’re bleeding, in pain, or unsure about the severity of the injury, go to an emergency room or urgent care right away.
Early treatment also helps:
If possible, get the following details from the dog’s owner:
This information is not only crucial for medical care (e.g., rabies risk assessment), but it will also help your attorney locate the responsible party and determine whether a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy might apply.
Photos serve as powerful evidence in a dog bite case. If you’re able (or someone can help), take pictures of:
These images can help show the severity of the bite and the conditions surrounding the attack.
In North Hollywood, all dog bites should be reported to Los Angeles Animal Services, even if the injury seems minor. You can:
This step helps protect the public and creates an official report that supports your injury claim.
You may be contacted by the dog owner’s insurance company shortly after the incident. Be cautious. Do not:
Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be used to challenge or deny your claim. Before speaking with them, consult an experienced dog bite attorney who can protect your rights and communicate on your behalf.
Under California Civil Code §3342, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog’s bite, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. In simple terms, the owner is legally responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if they took reasonable steps to restrain it.
This law applies as long as:
You do not need to prove that the dog was known to be dangerous, that the owner acted carelessly, or that the dog had a previous history of attacks.
This strict liability rule makes it much easier for bite victims to recover damages for:
Whether the dog was a stranger’s pet at a park or a neighbor’s dog inside their own home, as long as you were not trespassing or provoking the animal, you likely have a valid claim under California law.
It’s important to note that this law specifically applies to bites. If you were injured in another way—such as being knocked down by a dog—that would fall under a general negligence claim, which is different and requires additional proof. However, even if the bite seems minor, it still qualifies under the statute if the dog’s teeth made contact and caused injury.
Start by informing the dog’s owner—or, if they have one, their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company—that you intend to file a claim. This step may feel uncomfortable, especially if the dog belongs to a neighbor or friend, but it’s necessary to protect your rights.
Avoid detailed conversations about the incident; simply notify them that you are seeking compensation for your injuries and will be following up with documentation.
Your demand letter is a crucial part of the claim process. It should include:
This letter sets the tone for settlement negotiations and may lead to a resolution without court involvement—especially when supported by strong evidence.
To support your claim, gather and organize the following:
If the dog owner or their insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement—or if they deny liability altogether—you may need to take the next step: filing a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. But it’s best to act sooner, as evidence can fade and witness memories can weaken.
Dog bites can be traumatic, painful, and expensive—but you don’t have to handle it alone. If you were bitten in North Hollywood, you are protected under California’s strict liability dog bite law, which holds dog owners accountable regardless of the animal’s prior behavior.
Taking prompt action—seeking medical care, documenting the incident, filing a report, and consulting with a trusted legal professional—can be the difference between a denied claim and full, fair compensation. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence and protect your right to recovery.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take. Our team is here to walk you through every step of the claims process, advocate on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
📍 Burbank Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📍 Van Nuys Workers’ Comp Office
16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2
Van Nuys, CA 91406
📞 Call: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
✅ No upfront fees — we don’t get paid unless we win
🗣️ Multilingual service available
🐾 Serving injured victims across North Hollywood and surrounding SoCal communities
