In the quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods of San Gabriel, dog ownership is a cherished part of community life. Neighbors walk their pets down residential streets, visit local parks, and often form friendly bonds over their shared love of animals. But when a dog suddenly turns aggressive and bites someone—especially a neighbor or child—the situation becomes both emotionally charged and legally complex.
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, lasting emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens. When the dog that bites you belongs to someone you know personally, it can add an extra layer of difficulty—how do you pursue a claim without damaging a neighborly relationship? At Tim Wright Law, we understand the sensitivity required in these situations. We provide compassionate yet assertive legal representation to ensure that your medical bills, emotional suffering, and other damages are fairly compensated, while maintaining respect and professionalism in neighborhood-related disputes.
Under California law, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets—even if the dog has never shown aggression before. That means you have rights, and you may be able to recover compensation through the dog owner’s homeowners insurance, not their personal assets.
California’s dog bite statute, Civil Code § 3342, states that a dog owner is automatically liable for injuries their dog causes through biting, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. This is known as strict liability. In other words, the owner doesn’t get a “free bite”—they are responsible even if:
All that must be proven is that:
This law applies whether the bite happened in a public space—such as a sidewalk, street, or park—or on private property, including the dog owner’s yard or even your own. If you were legally on the property (e.g., invited as a guest, delivering a package, or walking past a home), the law still protects you.
Unlike other personal injury cases, you do not need to prove negligence to recover compensation in a dog bite case. The dog owner’s intent, awareness of the risk, or efforts to prevent the bite are not the focus. This legal structure is meant to streamline recovery for victims—especially in residential communities like San Gabriel, where dog bites often occur between neighbors.
Dog bites can puncture deeply, damaging tissue and increasing the risk of infection, nerve damage, or even rabies. Even if the wound seems minor, go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic to get the injury professionally cleaned and evaluated. Quick medical treatment documents the incident and ensures proper healing.
Notify San Gabriel Animal Control or the local Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control about the bite. This report helps track dangerous animals, supports your case with official documentation, and ensures the dog’s vaccinations—particularly for rabies—are current. Failing to report the incident could complicate your legal and medical situation.
Use your phone or camera to take clear photos of:
Visual evidence can be vital in showing the severity and impact of the attack.
Obtain the dog owner’s:
If there were any witnesses, try to get their names and phone numbers as well.
While it may be tempting to confront the dog owner, especially if they are a neighbor or friend, it’s best to avoid emotional discussions or arguments. The situation may already be tense. Instead, allow your attorney at Tim Wright Law to handle all communication. We approach these situations professionally—protecting your claim while minimizing neighborhood conflict.
In most cases, financial recovery after a dog bite comes through the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance, not out of their personal pocket. These policies typically cover:
Our legal team can identify the relevant insurance policy, submit a thorough claim, and handle negotiations to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under the policy.
Many people mistakenly believe that a dog owner isn’t liable if the bite occurred on their property—especially if the victim was a guest. But California Civil Code § 3342 makes it clear: a dog owner is strictly liable for bites that occur on their property if the victim was lawfully present. This includes:
You do not have to prove the owner was negligent. As long as the bite happened and you were not trespassing, the owner can be held legally and financially responsible.
Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites and receive strong legal protections in California. If a child was bitten, additional damages may apply for emotional trauma, scarring, or long-term care. Similarly, delivery drivers and workers who are injured on the job due to a dog bite can often pursue both a personal injury claim and a workers’ compensation case, depending on the circumstances.
Dog bite injuries can range from minor cuts to deep lacerations, torn muscles, and nerve damage. In serious cases, surgery, plastic reconstruction, or infection management may be required. We help clients recover compensation for all related medical expenses, including:
In addition to medical bills, you may be compensated for the physical pain endured as a result of the dog bite. This can include both immediate discomfort and chronic pain that lingers for months or years. Pain and suffering damages aim to acknowledge how the injury has affected your daily life, comfort, and well-being.
Dog attacks are traumatic—especially when the bite comes from a familiar animal or occurs suddenly. Victims, particularly children, may experience anxiety, nightmares, PTSD, or fear of dogs that can last well into adulthood. Compensation for emotional distress helps cover the costs of:
If your injury prevented you from working or caused a temporary or permanent disability, you may be entitled to compensation for:
We work with financial experts, when needed, to accurately value the financial toll your injury has taken—and will continue to take.
Some dog bites leave victims with permanent scarring, disfigurement, or limited mobility. These injuries not only affect appearance but can impact self-esteem and daily function. If ongoing care or accommodations are necessary, we’ll seek compensation for:
At Tim Wright Law, we take the time to understand the full scope of your injuries so that your settlement reflects the true cost of your recovery.
If you or your child has been bitten by a neighbor’s dog in San Gabriel, don’t wait to understand your legal rights. Dog bite injuries can have lasting consequences—physically, emotionally, and financially. At Tim Wright Law, we offer clear guidance and strong representation to help you recover full compensation with care and respect for your situation.
We handle sensitive cases involving neighbors with professionalism and discretion, always prioritizing your health and peace of mind. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
📍 Burbank Office: (323) 379-9995
📍 Van Nuys Office: (818) 428-1080
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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