Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles
California law holds dog owners strictly liable. No proof of negligence required. No one bite rule. The owner is responsible for the first bite. Former insurance defense attorneys at Lederer & Nojima know how homeowner insurers deny dog bite claims anyway.
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California Civil Code section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites and attacks. The owner is liable for the first bite regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. There is no one bite rule in California. If a dog bites you in a public place or while you are lawfully on private property, the owner is automatically liable for your injuries.
David Lederer and John Nojima are former insurance defense attorneys who defended homeowner insurers in dog bite claims. They know how insurers deny strict liability claims: argue the victim was trespassing, argue the victim provoked the dog, argue the injuries are minor or pre-existing. These defenses work when the plaintiff's attorney does not immediately document the bite injuries, preserve the dog's history, and secure witness statements proving the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the attack.
We move immediately. When you call Lederer & Nojima after a dog bite, we photograph your injuries the same day, secure medical records documenting the attack, investigate the dog's history with animal control and the HOA, and send a preservation letter to the homeowner's insurance company. California law is on your side. We make sure the insurer cannot wriggle out of strict liability.
Former Insurance Defense
We defended homeowner insurers in dog bite cases. We know every argument they use to avoid strict liability.
No Fee Unless We Win
Dog bite cases are straightforward under California strict liability. We recover fast. You pay nothing unless we win.
Free Consultation 24/7
Dog bites can cause serious infection and scarring. Photograph the injuries immediately and call us the same day.
How Homeowner Insurers Deny Dog Bite Claims
These are the defenses we used when we represented homeowner insurers. Now we defeat them.
They claim you were trespassing
California strict liability applies only when the victim is in a public place or lawfully on private property. Insurers argue you were trespassing to escape liability. We prove you had permission or were in a public space.
They claim you provoked the dog
Provocation is a defense to strict liability. Insurers argue you teased, hit, or otherwise provoked the dog. We use witness testimony and expert analysis to prove the attack was unprovoked.
They dispute the severity of the bite
Dog bite injuries range from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations requiring surgery. Insurers minimize the severity to reduce the settlement. We photograph the injuries immediately and use medical experts to document permanent scarring and nerve damage.
They deny the claim was timely reported
Homeowner insurance policies require the insured to report claims within a specified time. Insurers deny coverage if the homeowner failed to report. We pursue the homeowner personally if the insurer denies coverage.
How We Handle Dog Bite Cases
Immediate Injury Documentation
We photograph your bite injuries the same day. Dog bite wounds heal and scar. Early photos prove the severity before the insurer can minimize it.
Dog History Investigation
We contact animal control, the HOA, and neighbors to investigate whether the dog had a history of aggression or prior bites. Prior incidents strengthen your claim.
Insurance Claim
We file a claim with the homeowner's insurance company. Most dog bites are covered by homeowner policies. We identify the policy and pursue the maximum coverage.
Medical Treatment Coordination
Dog bites can cause infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. We coordinate with your treating physicians to document all injuries and ensure you receive proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the dog owner automatically liable in California?
What if I was bitten on someone else's property?
Can I sue if the dog bite happened while I was at work?
What if the owner says I provoked the dog?
How much time do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?
Related Practice Areas
Lederer & Nojima, LLP
12100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 480, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 312-1860
Results may vary. Every case is unique. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Bitten by a Dog in Los Angeles? Call Now.
California strict liability. No fee unless we win.
Available 24/7 · No fee unless we win · (310) 312-1860