Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorneys

Ehline Law Firm's Michael Ehline is Dog Attack Expert - Below Attorney Michael Explains Your Personal Injury Rights

The dog bite injury lawyers in Los Angeles at Ehline Law Firm have successfully recovered over $100,000,000 for happy clients in California State. So this is excellent news for people in need of legal representation in the Golden State, especially L.A. But beware, Los Angeles is well known for tragic accidents and dog assaults of all types.

Quick Reference:

• Attacks against children and adults.
• Most assaults take place on private premises.
• Important Steps to Take.
• Strict liability, what is it?

But regardless of dog bite dangers in LA, people still flock continuously to this attractive destination. For example, there are a lot of leashed and unleashed dogs at enormous roaming about places like Venice Beach and Santa Monica, California.

Due in part to the high number of loose animals roaming the city, Santa Monica even dedicated its animal control unit. When you get bitten, your case will likely need personal injury lawyer help.

Did You Know Most Dog Attacks are Against Children?

Yes, it's true. Most dog bite injuries happen to children under ten years old. Of those, over 70% of children under ten get dog bites to the face and head area. Recently, we have seen a rash of attacks involving Pit Communication.

Some people buy pits, for example, to look “tough.” But these are animals initially bred to kill fighting bulls in a pit. These dogs require excellent supervision and training to reign in their instincts.

But even attacks by a small dog could cause serious laceration injuries to adults and kids alike. Learn more here about dog attacks against kids.

Did You Know Most Assaults By Dogs Happen at Home?

Dog attacks are frequent in the United States. Statistical data shows:

• Damage estimates of over 2 billion dollars a year.
• At least 61% of these dog attacks happen in the dog owner’s own home or immediate neighborhoods.
• Commonly, even familiar dogs will attack, especially if they are not considered a danger.

Important: Many don’t want to have to sue their friends and neighbors, or understand the law as it relates to dogs in general. But who will pay for your severe injuries and medical bills?  

• The Home Owner's Insurance often covers much of your destruction. But even then, sometimes, this coverage can fall short. 
• A true friend wouldn't leave you stuck with bills from their animal attacking you, right?
• Call Ehline Law Firm if you're fed up and need a resourceful and aggressive lawyer.

California has one great law that helps dog bite victims get compensated for their injuries. 

The Pertinent California Dog-Bite Statute.

California Civil Code Section 3342.

The conventional “one bite” rule does not hold sway in California courts. So in other states, the attack victim must prove the dog was known to be dangerous. Thus, if a dog had bitten another person, only then is the dog deemed hazardous. Only then can the owner be sued by law. But the California legislature felt this one bite rule was unfair.

Thus, the Golden State has a dog bite statute for personal injury cases when canines assault people. When individuals fail to exercise due care in looking after their injury-causing dog, they may be held liable.

The dog bite statute found at California Civil Code Section 3342 is a floor and not a ceiling on what a dog owner should do to safeguard innocent humans. Because of this, the injured person no longer has to show the dog was dangerous. Most importantly, this means almost zero defenses are available to the controller of the attacking dog.

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is almost always liable for injuries when a dog bites a human being.

Are There Exceptions To Dog Bite Strict Liability?

Even though it is “strict” liability, it is not strict in the real sense. The primary exception is when a biting police dog attacks. So long as it was in the performance of official law enforcement duties, they get a pass.

Even then, the cops can exceed the reasonable use of force and be liable to suit. There are other exceptions, such as when a person deliberately taunts or tries to injure the animal.

There are a few more relevant California laws about attacking dogs found here. Most pertinent to this conversation is that when liability attaches, courts and juries are empowered to make the dog's owner pay.

Under the statute, if a person gets bitten while lawfully on private land, or a public place liability will attach. Thus, liability almost always attaches, so long as the injuries were foreseeable.

What About Suing Multiple Defendants?

Another reason to stay away from PI law mills is that they may not track down other parties with money to pay. Other individuals and businesses could be liable to pay a portion of your damages.

Sometimes it was their actions that caused or contributed to the injury. Someone other than the owner may have had control over the animal. Therefore, potential defendants could include a pet store washing a pet that bites an employee. It could even include a dog walking agency. You just don’t know till you investigate.

What is the Dog Bite Statute of Time Limitations?

In California, you generally have to abide by a two-year statute of limitations to sue a private actor. Traditionally you only had one year to sue. But that rule was changed to give a victim additional time.

As mentioned, the statutes can change when a state actor is a defendant. But you may only have six months to sue a police canine unit. If you blow the statute, you give up your rights to get money damages.

But if you do things right, the law often mandates the dog owner to pay. This payment would be in the form of special and general damages to the dog bite victim.

Important Steps to Take – Outcome of Dog Attacks.

A person bitten by a dog should:

• Immediately go to the hospital;
• File a police report;
• Take pictures of the dog bite injury;
• Consult with aggressive counsel shortly after the animal attack.

What About Unleashed Dogs and the Outcomes?

A dog bite by an unleashed dog can cause a severed artery, or even coma or death. A nip or chomp by a loose dog is also a known cause of psychological & emotional distress. We have sued business owners and won for them, allowing dangerous dogs at large on the premises.

So we have held the negligent dog owners liable, and we want to do that for you. No one should get bitten by an unleashed or inherently dangerous dog.

Great lawyers identify the potential insurance coverage that may be available. At the Ehline Law Firm, if necessary, we will get your child the best expert witnesses, if we can’t settle.

Having experts up front strengthens the case for trial. It sends a message that we are ready for battle. We are not afraid to try cases either.

Elderly citizens can be easy victims for a dog attack. Rabid and wild dogs can sense weakness and fear.

Elders are Not Immune from Dog Attacks Either.

Seniors are less able to defend themselves. They may emit the smell of fear upon seeing a scary looking animal. Dogs can detect these smells. Their noses are much more sensitive to olfactory conditions.

Dogs view fear scent as an impending attack on the dog. So dogs often attack humans who are simply scared and no threat to the animal.

You or your child may have suffered severe emotional distress. Most parents also become nervous when their child suffers a dog bite or animal attack. It is important to retain attorneys who can separate emotions. You need calculated counsel who can proceed with calm efficiency.

Communication With Your Lawyer is the Key in a Dog Bite Case?

In any case, even in personal relationships, communication is key. We know it, you know it. With us on your team, you will understand the implications of your injuries to your future. We place a value on that.

So we lay out your case for you, and keep you up to date from beginning to end. Keeping clients in the loop is a significant key to our success. From the moment we meet, we educate our clients. We often find that they can teach us a thing or two about them and their case that will increase its value. Instead of being aloof and ego-maniacal, we try and help reduce your stressful experience.

We make you part of the discussion, and give you some certainty. We will make you confident in the tactics and strategies we will use to get you a win.

Winning Your Dog Bite Case With Elan is the End Result!

The goal is to win. But we win with elan. Carrying this pervasive attitude is everyone within our law firm. What means to clients, is that our staff is personable and friendly. It also means that we are always on the alert for your best interests with pride and courage.

Winning clients' truckloads of money isn’t the only thing that makes your case a success. It also means treating clients with dignity. With Ehline, you get all these excellent, winning traits.

Get Legal Help Now:

Getting hurt is not an uncommon event while at the beach. Have you suffered a shocking impact as the result of a rabid dog? If so, or if another dangerous animal bit you, we can help.

Our law firm helps with attacks by dangerous dogs like pit bulldogs and Rottweilers. We also help with more delicate matters such as when poodles bite a kid in the face.

Let our Los Angeles law firm help you recover for your terrible injuries and property losses. Remember, get help now. Don’t hesitate to call for a free consultation.

We litigate cases everywhere. If you, your children or other family member needs help call now. Our attorney, hotline is (213) 596-9642.