California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Chatsworth

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 lawyers represent injury victims throughout Chatsworth and the San Fernando Valley with dedication and care. We take an aggressive approach when dealing with homeowners’ 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 claim on your behalf.

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 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:

• The defendant owned the dog.
• You were bitten by the dog on public property or while lawfully on private property.
• You were injured as a direct result of the bite.

Dog Attack Liability in California: Beyond the Bite

Even if you were not bitten, an aggressive dog can still cause serious harm. For example, a large dog could knock a pedestrian to the ground, or an unleashed dog could chase a rider into a severe bicycle accident, 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. In some cases, if the attack occurred in a shared residential space, we may also investigate whether a landlord can be held liable under apartment complex injury laws for allowing a known dangerous animal on the premises.

Common Injuries and Lasting Trauma from Dog Attacks

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 in the hands or arms.
• 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.
• Fatal Injuries: Tragically, severe animal attacks can sometimes be fatal, particularly for young children or the elderly. If you lost a family member to a vicious dog attack, our compassionate team can help you pursue a wrongful death claim.

Seeking Full Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Our mission is to pursue a settlement or award that covers the complete scope of your damages. We will advocate for compensation covering:

• 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: 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:

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health: Get to a safe location away from the animal and seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites carry a notoriously high risk of infection.
2. Document Everything: Take clear photos of your injuries as soon as possible. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
3. 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.
4. Report the Bite: Contact your local animal control agency (such as the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control) to create an official record of the incident.
5. 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.

Choosing the right attorney 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. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.