Santa Ana & Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers

Fighting for Dog Bite Accident Victims in Orange County

Dog attacks cause serious injuries across the United States. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) and State Farm, homeowners insurance companies paid out $675 million in liability claims related to dog bites and related injuries in 2018. California led the nation with the highest number of dog bite claims, reporting 2,166 that year.

If you or someone you love suffered a dog bite, you have the right to pursue compensation from the dog's owner or another responsible party. Our Santa Ana and Riverside dog bite lawyers at KAL Attorneys can help you understand your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries.

To find out how KAL Attorneys can help after a dog bite,
call (714) 881-7300 or contact us online. We can help protect your rights.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident

If you were attacked by a dog, you can take important steps to protect your health and preserve your ability to seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Every case is different, so the following serve as a general guideline.

If you or someone you know was bitten by a dog:

• Seek medical care, even for minor bites, as bites can become infected.
• Try to identify who owns the dog.
• Find out what insurance coverage applies. This includes yours and the responsible party's policies.
• File a complaint with animal control and local law enforcement.
• Preserve evidence, including clothes, photos of your injuries, and the location of the attack.
• Identify any witnesses and collect their contact information.
• Document your recovery by keeping medical reports and a personal journal about your experience.
• Consult with a Santa Ana and Riverside dog biter attorney so you know your options and can protect your interests.

Our team provides guidance on gathering and submitting the details officials need, helping you respond effectively under city protocols.

California Dog Bite Laws

Because California is a “statutory strict liability state,” you do not have to prove negligence or fault to file a lawsuit and recover compensation. All that must be established is that you were bitten in a public place or lawfully in a private place. If you were not trespassing or provoking the dog, the owner is strictly liable for the damages the dog caused.

Common Types of Injuries From Dog Attacks 

Dog attacks can lead to a wide range of serious physical and emotional injuries. Even seemingly minor bites can result in complications if not properly treated. 

Common injuries from dog attacks include:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations 
• Contusions
• Infections 
• Fractured bones
• Head and facial trauma
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of limbs 
• Emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD

If you've suffered any of these injuries in a dog attack, it's important to seek medical attention right away and document everything. Physical and emotional impacts can be long-lasting, and our experienced dog bite lawyer in Santa Ana and Riverside can help you pursue compensation.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Dog Bite Victims?

The compensation available to victims of dog bites covers immediate and long-term impacts. If you suffer injuries from a dog bite, you may recover damages that relate to your physical, emotional, and financial losses. 

Damages commonly available in these cases include:

• Medical expenses: This includes treatment costs, hospital bills, medication, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation for injuries caused by the bite.
• Lost income: If you miss work as a result of your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost wages and missed job opportunities.
• Pain and suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress that often follow traumatic encounters like dog attacks.
• Other damages: In certain cases, victims may also pursue compensation for diminished quality of life or the impact on family relationships.

Working with our Santa Ana and Riverside dog bite attorneys who are experienced with and Orange and Riverside County courts supports your pursuit of fair and comprehensive compensation.

Why Work With a Dog Bite Attorney in Santa Ana & Riverside?

Having a dedicated dog bite attorney in Santa Ana and Riverside can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and peace of mind. The legal process for dog bite claims involves strict state and local rules, many of which require accurate, timely responses and supporting paperwork. Because our team is familiar with Orange and Riverside County courts and local medical providers, we efficiently guide clients through each step and keep you informed about what to expect next.

KAL Attorneys follows a client-centered philosophy and offers clear communication from start to finish. Our approach reduces stress by offering practical guidance at every stage, so you can focus on healing while we address legal matters on your behalf. Working on a contingency fee basis, we make sure our clients never don't upfront legal fees. Lastly, we always tailor our advice to reflect the realities of local laws and agencies, so you gain an advocate invested in your outcome.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in California?

Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim for personal injury. Waiting too long may result in your claim being dismissed by the court, so addressing the issue promptly helps protect your rights.

What Medical Records Are Important for My Claim?

Key medical records include emergency room reports, doctor’s notes, photos of injuries, a record of treatment and medication, and documentation of follow-up care. Keeping these records organized helps support your claim for damages following a dog bite incident.

Will My Claim Go to Trial?

Dog bite claims in Santa Ana and Riverside can settle before reaching trial. However, if settlement is not possible, your claim may proceed to court. We help clients prepare for every possibility, keeping them informed throughout the process.

For your free dog bite case evaluation, call KAL Attorneys at (714) 881-7300! We look forward to seeing how our dog bite lawyers in Santa Ana and Riverside can help.