Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer
Bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or Glendale? In California, a dog’s owner is usually responsible for a bite even if the dog never bit anyone before. Gary Partamian helps victims and families recover compensation for injuries, scarring, and trauma.
Get a Free Case Review
Tell us what happened and we will get back to you. It is free and confidential.
Holding Dog Owners Accountable
We document your injuries, photos, medical treatment, and the bite report.
We identify the owner and their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
We negotiate for full compensation, or file suit if the insurer will not pay fairly.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
- Get medical care. Dog bites can cause serious infections. See a doctor even for a small wound.
- Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and the dog’s vaccination information.
- Report the bite. Report it to local animal control, such as LA County Animal Care and Control or your city’s animal services.
- Photograph your injuries. Take photos right away and as the wound heals.
- Talk to a lawyer before the insurer. The owner’s insurance company may call you. Speak with a lawyer first.
California Dog Bite Law: What Every Victim Should Know
California has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country:
- Strict liability. Under Civil Code 3342, a dog’s owner is liable for a bite that happens in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of whether the dog was ever aggressive before.
- Bites, not knockdowns. Strict liability covers bites. Other dog-caused injuries, like being knocked down, are handled under negligence rules.
- Insurance usually pays. Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies often cover dog bites, so you are usually not collecting from the owner personally.
- Limited exceptions. There are narrow exceptions, such as police and military dogs performing their duties.
Compensation You May Recover
How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
There is no average settlement that applies to every dog bite case. In California, the value of a claim depends on:
- Your injuries and future care. The severity of the injury, surgeries, and treatment you will need going forward.
- Lost income. Wages you missed and any reduced ability to work in the future.
- Pain and life impact. How the injury affects your daily life, relationships, and activities.
- Fault. Under California’s comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by any share of fault assigned to you.
- Available insurance. The policies that apply often set a practical ceiling on recovery, so we look for every source.
Facial injuries, permanent scarring, and bites to children often have higher value. Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
Dog Bites in Los Angeles County
Dog bites happen in parks, apartment complexes, sidewalks, and private homes across Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and Alhambra. Report every bite to local animal control, such as Pasadena Humane, Glendale or Burbank animal services, or LA County Animal Care and Control. As a California dog bite attorney, Gary can help you identify the owner and their insurance.
California Dog Bite Deadlines
To file a dog bite lawsuit in most cases.
Report the bite to animal control and get medical care.
To file a government claim if a public agency’s dog or property was involved.
Evidence like witness memories and photos of fresh wounds fades quickly. For children, special deadline rules may apply, so talk to a lawyer about your specific situation.
Dog Bite FAQs
How much can you sue for a dog bite in California?
It depends on the severity of the injury, scarring, medical costs, and emotional impact. Facial injuries and injuries to children often have higher value.
What proof is needed for a dog bite claim?
Medical records, photos of your injuries, the animal control report, witness information, and the owner’s identity.
Does the dog have to have bitten someone before?
No. California’s strict liability law applies even to a first bite.
What is considered a minor dog bite?
Even bites that seem minor can become infected or leave scars. Get medical care and keep records.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Gary offers a free consultation so you can understand your options before deciding anything. Ask about fee arrangements during your consultation.
Why Work With Gary Partamian?
Areas we serve: Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Alhambra, Los Angeles County, Riverside, and Orange County.
Related practice areas: Personal injury, Slip and fall, Pedestrian accidents.
Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer
Tell us what happened. Gary will review your situation and explain your options at no cost.
About the attorney: Gary Partamian is the founder of Partamian Law Firm. He previously practiced at a leading Los Angeles plaintiffs’ firm and as a Senior Associate at Kabateck LLP, and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2025. Last updated October 2026.
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.