Dog & Animal Bites
- Lauren Wood
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Bitten by a dog or animal? Consult with L WOOD LAW to see if you have a case.
Dog attacks can be sudden, terrifying, and traumatic. In just a few seconds, a dog bite can cause serious physical injuries, emotional scars, and long-term consequences—especially for children.
At L WOOD LAW, we represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks throughout California. If you or a loved one has been bitten, we’ll fight to hold the dog owner accountable and pursue full compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
California’s Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know
California has one of the strictest dog bite statutes in the country. Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog bites someone—even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
This means:
The victim does not have to prove the dog had a history of violence
The owner is responsible if the bite occurred in a public place or lawfully on private property (including the owner’s home)
Exceptions apply for trespassers, provocation, and certain working dogs (e.g., police dogs in active duty)
At L WOOD LAW, we know how to navigate the legal nuances and ensure you’re treated fairly.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, many of which require emergency treatment or surgery. These may include:
Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
Nerve damage
Infections (such as rabies or cellulitis)
Scarring and disfigurement
Facial injuries
Broken bones
Emotional trauma, PTSD, or fear of animals
Children are especially vulnerable, both physically and psychologically. We work with medical and psychological experts to assess the full scope of injury and future needs.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you were bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses (ER, surgery, medications, follow-ups)
Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
Psychological counseling
Pain and suffering
Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
Permanent scarring or disability
Loss of quality of life
Wrongful death (in fatal attacks)
L WOOD LAW fights for full, fair compensation—because we know how much a dog attack can truly cost you.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury?
Most dog bite claims are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. We handle the insurance negotiations so you don’t have to—and we push back against lowball offers or delays.
If no insurance exists or the policy is insufficient, we explore other paths to recovery, including personal assets or third-party liability.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
After a dog attack:
Seek medical attention immediately
Report the bite to animal control or your local health department
Document everything – photos of injuries, the dog, the scene, and your medical treatment
Get contact info for the dog owner and any witnesses
Call L WOOD LAW to protect your rights and start your claim
We’ll guide you through every step with care and confidence.
Time Limits Matter
In California, dog bite victims typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. If a government entity is involved (e.g., a dog owned by a public agency), you may have as little as six months to file a claim.
The sooner you contact L WOOD LAW, the better we can preserve evidence and build a strong case.
Why Choose L WOOD LAW?
Deep experience handling dog bite and animal attack claims
Compassionate guidance for injured adults and children
Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
No fee unless we win—you pay nothing upfront
Personalized attention and clear, consistent communication
We understand the trauma dog bite victims face—and we’re here to help you heal and move forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured by a dog or animal bite, you don't have to face this alone. Contact L WOOD LAW today for a free consultation.
📞 Call us at 818-302-0008
📍 Or visit our office at 30101 Agoura Court, Suite 240A in Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (by appointment only)
📩 Or contact us online HERE
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