North Hollywood is known for its vibrant arts district, family-friendly neighborhoods, and bustling dog parks. With more residents and pet owners enjoying outdoor spaces, sidewalks, and apartment complexes, interactions between people and pets are on the rise—and unfortunately, so are dog bites.
While most dogs are well-behaved and loved family companions, even a single moment of aggression can lead to serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, scarring, and in severe cases, long-term disability. For children, the trauma is especially devastating—both physically and emotionally. These are not minor incidents; they deserve serious legal attention.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the pain and confusion that follows a dog bite, especially when it happens in your own community. Whether the attack occurred in a local dog park, on a neighborhood sidewalk, or in an apartment courtyard, you have the right to seek justice—and we’re here to help you get it. Our legal team is deeply experienced in California dog bite law and committed to representing victims across North Hollywood and the greater Los Angeles area.
Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of the dog’s history. This is known as strict liability—meaning the owner does not have to be negligent, nor does the dog have to have bitten anyone before, for a victim to file a claim.
Unlike in some other states, California law does not give dog owners a "free pass" if it's their pet’s first incident. Even if the dog was previously friendly and never showed signs of aggression, the law still holds the owner accountable. This is critical in helping victims receive swift compensation without the burden of proving the dog was dangerous.
The statute applies when a bite occurs in:
This ensures that people lawfully in a space where a dog is present are protected under the law.
One of the strongest aspects of California’s dog bite law is that you do not have to prove negligence. Unlike other personal injury cases, there’s no need to show that the owner failed to leash the dog, warn you, or take reasonable precautions. The fact that the bite occurred is enough to establish liability.
At Tim Wright Law, we use this statute to fight for full compensation for victims—without unnecessary delays or legal hurdles. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in North Hollywood, you likely have a strong claim, and we’re here to help you assert it.
Dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, or scarring—even when the injury looks minor at first. Visit an emergency room or urgent care provider as soon as possible for:
All dog bites in North Hollywood should be reported to:
Reporting the incident creates an official record and may help identify if the dog has a history of aggression, which can support your legal case.
Use your phone or camera to capture:
These photos serve as visual evidence and can be pivotal when negotiating with insurers or presenting your case in court.
Politely request the dog owner’s:
If there are any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers as well.
Dog owners and their insurers may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame. Before accepting a settlement offer or giving a statement to insurance adjusters, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
California’s strict liability law (Civil Code § 3342) holds dog owners directly responsible for injuries caused by their dogs—regardless of whether the dog has shown previous signs of aggression. If the dog bites someone in a public place or on private property where the victim had a lawful right to be, the owner is automatically liable for the harm caused.
In certain circumstances, landlords or property managers may also be held liable—especially if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others. This is common in apartment complexes or rental properties in North Hollywood where a landlord permitted a known aggressive dog to stay on the premises.
If the bite occurred at a business, such as a pet grooming service, dog daycare, or a veterinary clinic, and the business or its employees failed to restrain or supervise the dog properly, they could be found negligent and therefore liable. This is particularly relevant if the dog was under their care at the time of the attack.
There are situations where someone other than the owner was in control of the dog when the bite occurred—like a dog walker, pet sitter, or friend watching the dog. If these individuals were careless or failed to control the animal, they may share legal responsibility under negligence claims.
At Tim Wright Law, we thoroughly assess the facts of your case to identify every party who may have contributed to the incident. Holding the right people accountable helps maximize your chances of recovering the full financial support you need after a dog bite injury.
Medical care after a dog bite can be extensive. We pursue compensation for:
Our team works with your providers to document all current and anticipated future care needs tied to the injury.
Dog bites can cause intense physical pain—often lasting well beyond the initial injury. You may be entitled to damages for:
Dog attacks can leave victims with deep emotional scars, especially when the victim is a child. Psychological impacts may include:
If the injury caused you to miss work or impacted your ability to return to your previous job, you may be eligible for:
We’ll calculate your wage loss using pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records.
Severe bites often result in disfigurement, nerve damage, or mobility limitations. In these cases, you may require:
These costs can add up significantly, and we ensure they are fully accounted for in your settlement demand.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in North Hollywood, don’t wait to understand your legal rights. Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, long-term emotional distress, and unexpected expenses—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Tim Wright Law, we offer trusted, compassionate legal representation for dog bite victims throughout Los Angeles County. We take your case seriously and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve, handling everything from insurance negotiations to litigation when necessary.
No fees unless we win—you can speak with an experienced attorney risk-free.
📍 Burbank Office: (323) 379-9995
📍 Van Nuys Office: (818) 428-1080
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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