Chatsworth Dog Bite Lawyer

Holding Dog Owners Accountable for Attacks in Chatsworth & the San Fernando Valley

A dog attack is a terrifying and traumatic event. In an instant, a person can be left with severe physical injuries and deep emotional scars. Victims of dog bites in California have strong legal protections, and the law is designed to hold dog owners responsible for the harm their animals cause. At Manoukian Law Firm, our Dog Bite Lawyer in Chatsworth represents injury victims throughout the San Fernando Valley with dedication and care.

If you or your child has been injured by a dog, you are likely facing significant medical bills, pain, and uncertainty. At Manoukian Law Firm, P.C., our team provides determined and compassionate legal representation to dog bite victims in Chatsworth and throughout the San Fernando Valley. We are committed to securing the justice and full financial compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Our Attorney takes an aggressive approach when dealing with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts. From gathering medical records to investigating the circumstances of the attack, we work to build a strong case on your behalf. Clients in Chatsworth and across the San Fernando Valley can rely on us for experienced legal guidance and determined advocacy.

California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

California has one of the strongest dog bite statutes in the country. Under Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is “strictly liable” for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place.

What “strict liability” means is that you do not have to prove the owner was negligent or that they knew their dog was dangerous. Unlike in some states, California does not have a “one-bite rule.” The owner is responsible for the injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never shown any aggression or bitten anyone before.

Our firm uses this powerful law to build a strong case on your behalf, focusing on proving three key elements:

Beyond the Bite: Other Forms of Animal Attack Liability

Even if you were not bitten, an aggressive dog can still cause serious harm. For example, a large dog could knock a person to the ground, causing broken bones or a head injury. In these “non-bite” cases, we can still hold the owner accountable by proving their negligence—for instance, by showing they violated a local leash law or failed to control an obviously aggressive animal.

Common Injuries and Lasting Trauma from Dog Attacks

Choosing the right Lawyer after a dog bite is critical to your recovery. At Manoukian Law Firm, based in Chatsworth and serving the San Fernando Valley, we provide compassionate support while aggressively pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.

A dog bite is much more than just a flesh wound. The physical and psychological consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Our firm represents clients who have suffered:

Deep Puncture Wounds and Lacerations:

Often requiring stitches or surgery and carrying a high risk of infection.

Broken Bones:

The powerful jaws of a large dog can easily crush or fracture bones.

Nerve Damage:

Deep bites can sever nerves, leading to a permanent loss of sensation or function.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma:

Many victims, especially children, develop PTSD, anxiety, and a lifelong fear of dogs after an attack.

Scarring and Disfigurement:

Facial bites, particularly in children, can result in permanent scars that require costly plastic surgery.

Seeking Full Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Our mission is to ensure you receive a settlement or award that covers the complete scope of your damages. We will fight for maximum compensation for:

All Medical Expenses: Including emergency room visits, surgery, hospital stays, plastic surgery for scar revision, and psychological counseling.
Lost Wages: Reimbursement for any income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Significant compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, fear, and disfigurement you have endured.
Future Medical Needs: The projected cost of any future treatments, therapies, or surgeries you may require.

What to Do After a Dog Attack

The steps you take immediately after being bitten are crucial for your health and your legal case:

Prioritize Your Safety and Health:

Get to a safe location away from the animal and seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection.

Document Everything:

Take clear photos of your injuries as soon as possible. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

Identify the Dog and Owner:

If possible and safe to do so, get the name and contact information of the dog's owner. Note the dog's breed and appearance.

Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies:

Do not give a recorded statement to the dog owner's insurance company. They are trained to minimize your claim.

Report the Bite:

Contact your local animal control agency (such as the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control) to file an official report.

Contact Our Chatsworth Dog Bite Law Firm Today

If you were injured in a dog bite incident in Chatsworth or the San Fernando Valley, contact Manoukian Law Firm today to speak directly with an experienced Dog Bite Lawyer.