We win 7, 8 and 9-figure settlements and verdicts
Victims of dog attacks have the law on their side. Our leading trial attorney, Brian Chase, as well as our team of top-rated dog bite injury attorneys, will advocate for you to get the compensation you deserve. We have helped thousands of victims get the justice they deserve. If we don't win your case, you will not pay.
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, you should contact an attorney for dog bite injury compensation. An experienced California dog bite lawyer, like those at Bisnar Chase, has won canine attack cases for over 46 years.
Our team of dedicated California injury lawyers, investigators, paralegals, and pre-litigation experts has won more than $900 million for our clients. Our top priority is to support you and provide a superior experience during a very stressful time in your life.
- Almost $1B recovered
- 99% success rate
- Familiar with all California courts
- Top-rated trial lawyers
If a dog has bitten or attacked you, you should speak with a California injury attorney who specializes in animal attacks to find out if you are eligible for financial compensation from the defendant to pay for your medical costs, doctor bills, and damages, and to pursue the at-fault animal owner for compensation as the injured victim.
Tissue damage and scarring are only a few of the effects of dog bites. The emotional trauma of a canine attack can last a lifetime.
The personal injury attorneys at Bisnar Chase have handled many canine attack cases with an outstanding success rate. We have the knowledge and experience to provide superior representation for our clients.
Our team is the right choice for your case, with a 99% success rate. We will fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your losses, injuries, and trauma.
Call (800) 561-4887 for a confidential, free consultation.
California Dog Bite Lawyers
Questions You Should Ask Your Lawyer After a Dog Bite
How many years of experience do you have handling dog bite cases? We have 46 years of experience handling minor and severe dog attack cases.
What is your success rate in dog bite cases? Our success rate is 99%.
What is your fee structure? Our fee structure is on a contingency basis, meaning we only take our cut from what we recover for you. You do not pay us directly, and if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay. In California, the fees for personal injury cases are typically 33 1/3%.
Are you familiar with the specific laws in my state regarding dog bites? Yes. We have been taking on canine injury cases for over four decades in California.
What is your strategy for my case? Interview witnesses, collect evidence, and negotiate with the defense, medical providers, and insurance companies. Go to trial if necessary.
How long do you think it will take to resolve my dog bite case? Most dog bite injury claims take a few months to up to 2 years, depending on how complex the case is. If your California dog bite attorney is quick to settle, they are not fighting for you.
What are the chances of me winning my dog attack case? If you are the plaintiff, you are a no-fault victim, and your odds are very good.
What are the potential damages I could recover in a dog bite lawsuit? Depending on the severity of the injuries, your claim could be anywhere from a few thousand to seven to eight figures.
Are you available to answer my questions and update me on my case? Yes. We will notify you of all updates in your case and keep in continual contact with you.
Do you have any clients in a similar situation to me? We have successfully handled thousands of dog injury cases.
Contact a seasoned California dog bite lawyer for a free case evaluation to determine if you are entitled to compensation or to discuss the parties involved. There is no cost or obligation to discuss your case. Call 800-561-4887.
FAQs About Your Dog Bite Claim
How much time do I have to file a California Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Personal injury lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations in California. This means that you have two years from the date the dog bit you to file your claim. A California dog attack lawyer at Bisnar Chase can help you submit a strong case promptly.
What do I do after being bitten by a dog?
If your injuries require immediate medical attention, that should be your first step. You should also collect the name, address, and contact details of the dog owner if possible, as well as secure contact details for any witnesses. If you cannot identify the dog owner, contact animal control and provide a full description of the animal. Record your location, take pictures of your injuries, and contact a California dog bite lawyer at Bisnar Chase.
How much will a California Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Bisnar Chase is proud to make a ‘No Win, No Fee’ promise. Our law firm advances the costs necessary to win your dog attack case. Contact the law firm of Bisnar Chase to learn more.
How long will my dog bite case take?
The length of a case will depend on a range of factors, such as the severity of your injuries. Your California dog bite attorney will need to know the extent of damage, as well as your rehabilitation progress, in order to secure the maximum compensation possible for you. The length of the lawsuit will also depend on whether an out-of-court compensatory settlement can be agreed upon.
Is it worth suing over a dog attack?
If you have been injured, you deserve to be compensated. No victim should be left counting the costs of medical care and other related expenses. To find out if it is worth filing a lawsuit in your case, contact Bisnar Chase. We offer a free consultation with no obligations, providing expert legal guidance. There is nothing to lose by exploring your options!
What if I am bitten by a service dog?
Service dogs provide a necessary support system to people with disabilities. Many people use service dogs to handle the day-to-day of their lives. But there is risk that you will be bitten by a service dog or emotional support dog because they are extra protective of their owners.
While a service dog requires training and registration, an emotional support dog does not, and therefore the risk of being bitten is higher.
If you’ve been bitten by a service dog or emotional support canine, contact our California dog bite attorney for a free case evaluation.
What if a dog bites my dog. Can I sue?
Unfortunately a dog is considered property so most dog on dog attacks are not personal injury cases. You may be able to work out a financial deal with the owner of the dog that bit your dog to help pay for medical bills.
Financial Compensation in a California Dog Bite Injury Case
It is unfair that dog bite victims pay such a high physical and financial price for a dog bite attack when the incident was not even their fault. Dog owners should be held financially responsible for these unsuspecting victims’ injuries, damages, and losses.
Injured victims can seek compensation in animal attack cases for damages such as:
- Medical expenses, such as hospitalization, emergency room, medications, plastic surgery costs, and physical therapy
- Lost wages and time off work
- Rehabilitation, often long-term
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, psychological counseling
A dog bite law firm is very familiar with the laws in California regarding unwarranted canine attacks and will be able to fight for you against the dog owner. We have handled various dog attacks, including Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and Labrador Retrievers.
Contributory negligence may reduce financial compensation if the victim was partly at fault but cannot completely bar recovery.
Settlement vs. Trial in a Dog Attack Case
If your canine injury claim is serious enough and the defendants aren’t budging, your California dog bite lawyer may decide to take your case to trial. Having a lawyer who goes to trial means you won’t have to worry about transferring your case to another attorney, which can significantly slow down the settlement process.
If your personal injury lawyer rushes to settle your case, he is likely not fighting for your financial recovery.
Some of our most significant dog bite lawsuits have been jury verdicts because the negligence was so clear. This is especially true in cases where the insurance company is playing hardball. A jury will sympathize with the trauma the victim went through.
Going to trial also helps raise awareness because local media often cover the case. This helps spread the word about the importance of responsible dog owners throughout California.
California Dog Bite Compensation Calculator
Disclaimer: This is just an estimate of what you may be entitled to and not a guarantee of the outcome of your specific case. This is based on the level of injury and potential compensation.
Physical & Emotional Toll on Dog Bite Victims
- Industry experts have found nearly 75% of animal bite fatalities are children under 10. Additionally, more than one-third of all adults in the US have experienced a dog bite by adulthood.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Humane Society estimate that around 4.7 million dog bites occur annually in the United States; however, it is thought that this estimate is on the low side.
- On average, a person in the United States suffers a dog bite once every 75 seconds (CDC).
- Almost one thousand people require immediate medical attention due to injuries sustained by dog bites daily (CDC). (Source)
The severe emotional toll of a dog attack
When a canine attacks an individual, regardless of age, physical build, or mental attributes, the incident always leaves a mark. This goes beyond the physical puncture wounds and bite injuries the dog bite victim suffers. In many canine bite cases, the incident will take a heavy emotional and physical toll on the dog attack victim. Whether that person is a six-foot-tall man or a tiny toddler, they may go through a period of intense fear and insecurity due to the attack. A canine attack can be highly traumatic. Dog aggression can result in long-lasting anxiety and the physical wounds you usually associate with canine bites. A family or loved ones could file a wrongful death claim in severe attacks. Injuries that are typically associated with a serious canine attack can include the following:- Deep contusions and cuts
- Fractures
- Serious infection
- Amputations in serious dog bite attacks
- Serious head and face injuries
- Long-term emotional scars, PTSD
Dog Bite Bacteria Dangers
Bacteria are the most common cause of dog bite wounds. A dog bite tends to leave a sore or bruise on the skin and can result in many infections, including cellulitis. Bacteria that can cause dog bites include:- Enterobacteriaceae bacteria (often found in fecal matter)
- Streptococcus bacteria (often found in the mouth)
- Staphylococcus bacteria (often found on the skin)
Dog Bite Fatalities By Breed
There are many breeds of dogs, each with its own unique characteristics. While this can make choosing a new pet exciting, it can also be confusing regarding canine bites and fatality potential, which can put a pet owner at financial risk.
Because of this, it is important to understand the different types of dog breeds and learn how they are likely to act based on breed history.
Large dogs may not be more aggressive than small dogs, but the damage they can do is far worse.
For example, exposed body parts increase the risk of getting more damage if bit by a large dog. This includes the neck, face, head, and hands. When canines bite people in these areas, serious damage can result, even a wrongful death.
Based on current statistics, pit bulls lead the pack in fatal canine attacks. Rottweilers and German Shepherds come in #2 & 3.
The state of California once again leads the nation in dog bite attacks in the US.
Stats via Dogsbite.org
If a Dog Bites You, Do These 7 Things Now
A canine attack can be dangerous and even life-threatening. For this reason, it is important to know what to do in the event of one. The best way to avoid a canine attack is not to provoke the animal in any way. This includes feeding or petting it.
If a dog corners you, don’t run away; stand still and try not to make eye contact with the animal. Protect your neck, abdomen, and head if the animal continues attacking. Keep your body as tight as possible, and try not to excite the animal further. This can be almost impossible when attacked, but it could save your life.
Think of it as a bear attack. You play with a dog, and something happens between a growl and a tail wag. They may bite and even scratch. Alternatively, it is possible to walk down a street when an unknown pet attacks without warning, leaving you with injuries.
- Immediately, make sure the canine is secured.
- Contact the police and seek medical help.
- Take photographs and videos of the area and the animal if possible. Take footage of your injuries while they’re fresh to ensure evidence is preserved.
- Locate the owner of the dog and get their contact information and the pet’s vaccination history.
- If you are not too injured, write down how the attack happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
- Report the attack to your local animal control. It is their responsibility to investigate.
- Contact a law firm specializing in dog bite cases in California
California Leads the Nation in Dangerous Canine Attacks
In the United States, there are approximately 4.7 million canine bites per year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Statistics show California is one of the leading states regarding canine attacks, canine bite injuries, and fatalities.
Figures released by US postal workers attacked by dogs: The United States Postal Service revealed that Los Angeles is consistently at or near the top of the charts regarding the cities with the most canine attacks on postal workers. At the same time, San Diego also made the top 12.
A study examining reported canine bites and criminal charges found that:
- California had the second most dog attack fatalities
- There were 45 deaths in California over the study period
- Every year, canines injure about 4.5 million people in the United States.
According to a report released by State Farm insurance company, California also led the pack regarding the number of dog bite claims (527) and the payout in these cases ($20.3 million). Experts say the state’s high population and the year-round pleasant weather in Southern California could account for the prevalence of animal attacks here.
California Dog Bite Laws
California dog bite law has a “strictly liable statute” regarding dog attacks. This means that dog owners are responsible for their pets’ actions, even if they have shown no previous signs of aggression or violence.
The only exceptions might be when an individual commits a crime and trespasses on private property without being there legally and with permission, or when a dog attacks the person because of cruelty to the animal.
However, a few exceptions exist to California’s strict liability dog bite law. In most cases, animal owners can be held strictly liable in addition to receiving citations or facing other penalties associated with an attack.
Statute of limitations: In California, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a dog bite lawsuit.
Potentially dangerous and vicious dogs: Cities and counties in California can regulate potentially dangerous or vicious dogs, which may include requirements for spaying/neutering, microchipping, or specific enclosures (California Food and Agriculture Code Section 31601-31683).
Leash laws: Many cities and counties in California have leash laws requiring dogs to be on a leash when in public areas. Check with your local authorities to determine if your area has a leash law.
Criminal liability: In some cases, dog owners may face criminal charges if their dog causes severe injury or death if the owner knows of the dog’s dangerous propensities (California Penal Code Section 399).
California Dog Bite Law: California Civil Code Section 3342 states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” – California civil code.
Strict liability in California: There have also been several recent cases in California where courts have upheld personal injury claims against landlords who have allowed a tenant to have a dangerous canine on their premises. Strict liability applies across the entire state of California.
In cases of a serious dog attack, your lawyer should argue that California law holds the dog owner strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog. The dog owner is responsible for the damages, regardless of whether or not they were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Being strictly liable ensures that victims of dog bite attacks can seek compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the incident.
If you have been injured in an animal attack, it’s essential to consult with an experienced California dog bite lawyer who can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
The experienced California dog attack lawyers of Bisnar Chase excel at holding irresponsible canine owners accountable and ensuring that dog attack victims are adequately compensated and supported.
California canine euthanasia law: California law allows a dog to be euthanized after a bite incident in three circumstances. This includes the following:
If it is the second time the dog has attacked a person if the owner trained the dog to attack, or if the owner knew the dog’s danger or trained it to do violence,
Furthermore, the American Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) recognizes that level four or five biters can potentially be trained to correct their behavior but still recommends euthanasia for dogs that carry out severe attacks.
California’s canine bite law quarantines: A fear of rabies is the driving force behind the quarantine requirement in California following a dog bite attack. The quarantine process under California dog bite law begins with a report that must be made after the dog bites someone.
These bites must legally be reported to a local health official. All dog attacks must be reported, even if the dog attacked a trespasser or was defending its owner.
The officer can quarantine the dog at the owner’s home or elsewhere. Dogs at high risk for rabies are quarantined elsewhere, such as the veterinarian’s office, an animal shelter or impound, or a kennel under contract with the animal control office.
Dogs deemed low-risk for rabies can be quarantined at their owners’ homes for ten days. If the dog has rabies, the quarantine period ends with the animal’s release or euthanasia.
If the dog owner does not comply with the quarantine procedure, he or she can face a criminal charge. Officers could move the dog to another location if the quarantine were being performed in the owner’s home.
Injuries and Treatment in Canine Bite Cases
The victim of a canine attack is often left with scars and a fear of dogs. They may also experience long-term physical or emotional problems.
Dog bites happen when people are unaware of the dog’s behavior or cannot control their own behavior. It can happen if the dog is not properly trained, if the person has an allergy to dogs, or if the person is drunk or on drugs.
The severity of canine bites can range from minor bruising and puncture marks to life-threatening wounds and long-term damage. Even if an animal bite victim has injuries that are not severe, it does not mean that they cannot file a dog bite lawsuit. Any attack can result in a financial burden and lasting psychological scars.
Dog bite injuries can be divided into different grades of severity:
- Grade 1: Scratches and bruising
- Grade 2: Bite marks but no punctures
- Grade 3: Puncture wounds that break the skin
- Grade 4: Deep piercing wounds, ripped flesh and possible nerve damage
- Grade 5: Many different piercing bite wounds from a sustained attack
- Grade 6: Fatality
Typical injuries from a dog bite attack
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations and cuts
- Crush injuries
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Emotional trauma (PTSD)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Torn ligaments
Treating a dog bite attack
A dog bite attack can be traumatic for victims of dog bites. If you are bitten, knowing how to treat the wound and minimize the risk of infection is important.
If a dog bites you, you should do the following:
- Immediately clean the wound with water or peroxide.
- Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
- Seek medical attention if you have any symptoms, such as fever, chills, or increased pain in the injured area.
The severity of the bite wounds will dictate the kind of medical treatment victims of dog bites will require. Every year there are about 900,000 dog bite injuries in the United States, resulting in some form of medical treatment, with many also requiring hospital care.
Physical therapy treatment for a dog bite injury
Types of physical therapy treatments for a dog bite victim include a range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, massage, heat/cold therapy, and electrical stimulation.
These treatments can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and reduce swelling. They can also help restore function to the affected area of the body and promote healing.
Often, dog bite victims or their families spend thousands of dollars on therapy so that their lives can return to normalcy. Most victims fear dogs long-term, while some require cosmetic surgery to treat bite marks and scars.
Some patients pay out of pocket for these procedures and psychological therapy sessions to combat issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This is where a California dog bite lawyer can help. By filing a dog bite case, you may be able to recover expenses and compensation relating to your treatment.
Dog Bite Attacks and Homeowners Insurance Information
Homeowners’ insurance policies usually cover dog attacks. Most of the insurance companies provide liability coverage between $100,000 and $300,000.
However, if the dog owner is a renter or lacks insurance, the victim can try to hold the property owner liable for allowing a dangerous dog to live on the premises.
In a recent development, Farmers Group Insurance Company notified its policyholders that it would no longer cover bites by pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf hybrids under homeowners’ insurance policies.
Despite sharp criticism from pit bull advocates, insurers say bites from pit bulls and other breeds have risen significantly in recent years, along with the cost of settling a dog bite claim.
Farmers’ insurance company said the three breeds they listed accounted for more than 25 percent of their animal bite claim filings. Farmers’ officials also said these breeds caused more harm than any other breed when attacked.
In cases involving dog bites, seeking recovery for damages is crucial. Victims deserve fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Dog bite settlements often depend on establishing negligence by pet owners or property owners.
Negligence could include failure to control or adequately restrain the dog, allowing a dangerous situation to occur, or disregarding public safety. Holding negligent parties accountable helps victims recover their rightful compensation and promotes responsible ownership and safer communities.
It is important for pet owners and property owners to understand their responsibilities in preventing dog bite incidents, taking appropriate measures, and contacting their insurance carriers immediately.
Liability in Pet Sitting Service Apps
We’ve recently seen an uptick in cases involving apps like Rover where a dog bite has occurred. Naturally, victims wonder who is responsible in a dog attack case involving a business specifically designed for pet sitting.
- Pet sitters working through apps like Rover are usually independent contractors, not company employees. This means the liability generally falls on the individual sitter, not Rover.
- However, Rover does carry some liability insurance that covers damages up to $25,000 if a sitter’s dog bites a client or client’s pet while in the sitter’s care.
- Rover requires sitters to pass a background check and recommends sitters carry their own business insurance policy for additional coverage beyond Rover’s. But not all do.
- If a client’s dog bites a Rover sitter, the liability would typically fall on the client as the dog owner, especially on the owner’s property. The sitter could sue the client for damages if the bite was severe. Rover’s insurance does not cover sitter injuries caused by a client’s dog.
- Local laws may impose strict liability on dog owners, regardless of the circumstances, if their dog bites someone. So, both owners and sitters face potential liability.
- Sitters should follow safety procedures like meeting client dogs first before accepting jobs to assess temperament. Documenting any aggressive incidents is also advised.
- Clients should also inform sitters of any prior biting incidents or aggressive behavior from their dogs before hiring.
Reach out to our California dog bite lawyers if you’ve been attacked. Call 800-561-4887 for a free consultation and legal advice.
Dog Bite Statistics for the United States
Here are some recent statistics on dog bites in the United States from credible sources:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S. Dogs bite over 4.7 million people annually, with 800,000 resulting in medical care. (Source: CDC)
- A child is the most common victim of dog bites. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), children under 15 accounted for 60% of dog bite fatalities in a 13-year review period. (Source: AVMA, 2022)
- Pit bull-type dogs were responsible for the highest percentage of reported bites (65.6%) and the majority of fatal attacks on humans (72%), according to a 2022 literature review by Veterinary Medicine and Science. (Source: Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2022)
- Dog bites cost the US insurance industry approximately $1 billion annually in claims. The average cost per claim increased by about 90% from 2003 to 2019 due to increased medical costs. (Source: Insurance Information Institute, 2021)
- An estimated 30–50 fatal dog bites occur each year in the US. Pit bulls and Rottweilers were responsible for over 75% of these fatalities. (Source: DogsBite.org, 2020)
The most common breeds involved in dog bite injuries in California are:
- Pit bull terriers
- German shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Mixed breeds
- American bulldogs
Award-Winning No Win No Fee California Dog Bite Lawyers
California Dog bite injury attorneys are experienced in defending people whose dogs have attacked others and caused considerable damage or death. Injury lawyers specializing in dog bite attacks can help victims get the compensation they deserve.
Many different types of cases can be brought against a dog owner. Canine bite cases generally involve damage to property, injuries, or death. Dog owners may face charges for negligent control of their animals as well as for violations of leash laws that are in place in the area where the attack occurred.
Some states also have laws against exposing an animal to danger, so additional charges may be filed against the owner if the animal was not properly cared for or restrained before the incident occurred.
Legal expertise, awards, and industry recognitions
- Recognized year after year as one of the premiere personal injury law firms in California
- Awarded the top 1% in the nation by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Named Best Law Firm in America 2015–2024 by Best Lawyers
- Named Best of the Best Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms for 2024
- Awarded one of the biggest verdicts in California for a premises negligence case
- Named Top Plaintiff Lawyers 2020–2023 in a Peer Review by the Daily Journal
An experienced California dog bite lawyer can advise you about all the legal options available and explain your possible outcome based on the circumstances at each case stage. Experienced and seasoned California dog bite attorneys will differentiate between winning and losing your case.
By working with Bisnar Chase, you get injury lawyers with more than 46 years of experience and a law firm specializing in dog attacks in California who understand what a loss of safety you’ve endured.
Our legal representatives and staff team have a 99% success rate and have won over $900 million representing our clients. Lawyers specializing in dog bites routinely study these cases and understand the laws, courts, and local statutes.
Some of Our Dog Attack Case Results
| Award Amount | Type of Case |
|---|---|
| $3,000,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $2,100,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $1,400,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $1,000,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $875,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $500,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $300,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $125,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
| $100,000.00 | Dog Bite / Premises Liability |
Satisfied Clients of Bisnar Chase
If you have been injured or experienced a traumatic canine attack, contact a California dog bite lawyer at Bisnar Chase now. Call (800) 561-4887 to arrange a free, no-hassle, confidential, and no-obligation dog attack consultation.
Tom is the most compassionate man, with a natural talent for listening and pulling facts from all the details to build an excellent case for me. I received three and a half times the amount of money the insurance company had originally offered. I'm still completing rehab for my hand, but my case is closed, and Tom still checks in on me!
Our Commitment to Our Neighborhoods
We Provide for Our Communities
For over four decades, Bisnar Chase has been giving back in many ways to help lift people up when they need it most.
Our team members created Backpacks4Life to provide veterans, children, and the homeless with personal care items.
We have donated over 12,000 backpacks and care items to people in Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire.
We also created Crafting for a Cause to provide knitted blankets and caps for babies in local NICU wards. It’s a big part of who we are.
