Long Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bite Attorney in Long Beach, CA

When most people think of dogs, they think of loving, caring pets that become part of their families. But at the end of the day, dogs are still potentially dangerous. Even well-trained dogs can attack someone. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog and suffered serious injuries, you may have legal options to pursue compensation. Turn to a Long Beach dog bite lawyer to help you file a claim and recover damages for your losses.

Liability for a Dog Bite Accident

In most cases, a dog owner or a person responsible for the dog can be held liable for a dog bite. However, liability can extend to property owners if their premises contributed to the attack, such as having a poorly maintained fence or failing to properly warn visitors of the animal.

In some cases, liability can be shared between multiple parties. Your Long Beach dog bite attorney can help you determine who is liable for your accident and collect evidence to prove their negligence.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Following a dog bite, injury victims are entitled to compensation for all of their related losses. Economic damages can include easily calculated losses, such as:

If your case goes to trial, a judge may award you punitive damages, which serve to punish the liable party for egregious acts. If a defendant was particularly reckless or deliberately caused harm, the court may order them to pay injury victims, aiming to prevent similar actions in the future. Only a judge can award punitive damages, so don’t expect them to be calculated in a settlement offer.

California’s Dog Bite Laws

California has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the U.S., heavily favoring injury victims. The primary law that affects these cases is the state’s strict liability law for dog bites.

California Civil Code § 3342 states that a dog owner is responsible if their dog attacks someone else, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggressiveness. This makes California different from many other states, which often follow a “one bite” rule that protects owners from liability in many cases if their dog has never been aggressive.

There are some exceptions to the strict liability rule. For example, if you were trespassing or provoked the dog, the state’s strict liability laws may not apply. Still, you may have legal options in these cases. It’s important to work with your dog bite attorney to learn how California’s laws impact your case.

How Shaffer Law Can Help After a Dog Bite

For over three decades, Shaffer Law has been providing dedicated legal services to the people of California. We work closely with injury victims to investigate the accident, collect evidence of liability, and create a solid strategy for pursuing compensation. Whether in settlement negotiations or in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, we’re fierce advocates for our clients, working hard to recover damages.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite in California?

In California, the average dog bite injury settlement was $69,272 in 2024. What’s more, California was tied with Texas and Florida as having the most claims.

It’s important to remember that the average settlement amount does not inform how much your case could be worth. Work with your attorney to calculate the full value of your economic and non-economic damages to determine how much compensation you could be entitled to.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault for the Dog Bite?

Yes, you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for your dog bite accident. California follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you can still pursue damages if you share liability. Still, your compensation reward is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you accidentally provoked a dog, you may be partially to blame, and your compensation is reduced accordingly.

Is It Worth Filing a Claim for a Dog Bite?

Yes, it is absolutely worth filing a claim for a dog bite. For one, you need compensation for your injuries caused by a dog, whether the owner was directly negligent or not.

What’s more, filing a claim is a way to hold a dog owner accountable, and it can encourage them to take further precautions in the future to prevent an attack. Your claim could end up saving another potential victim from harm down the road.

How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a dog bite lawyer varies from case to case. This is because many attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning their payment is a percentage of the compensation you recover. If you don’t recover compensation, the attorney receives nothing.

When you meet with your dog bite lawyer, be sure to discuss their fee terms. You can expect an experienced lawyer to charge a higher contingency-fee percentage.

Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer from Shaffer Law

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog bite accident, it’s important to file a claim to hold the dog owner accountable and help prevent another attack in the future. Hire a dog bite lawyer to help you prove liability, collect evidence of the attack and your losses, and represent you in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.

Your lawyer can be your trusted ally throughout the process, working hard to protect your rights and pursue the damages you’re entitled to.

Contact Shaffer Law today to schedule a case review. We’ll discuss your legal options and work with you to create an effective strategy to pursue compensation. Nothing is more important than your health after suffering a dog bite. Focus on your recovery while our team focuses on your case.