If you or someone you know got bit by a dog, finding a good dog bite lawyer Los Angeles is very important. Dog bites can lead to pain, doctor visits, missed work, and stress. The laws in Los Angeles can be tricky, but the right lawyer can help you get the money you need to recover.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has clear rules when it comes to dog bites. If a dog bites you, and you didn’t do anything to cause it, the dog’s owner is usually the one who’s responsible. This is called “strict liability.” A dog bite lawyer Los Angeles can help you understand if this rule applies to your case.
What Happens If Someone’s Dog Bites You in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, dog owners are usually held responsible right away, even if the dog never bit anyone before. This is because California follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites.
That means:
- You don’t have to prove the dog was dangerous before.
- You don’t have to prove the owner was careless.
- You only need to prove that:
- You were lawfully in the place where the bite happened, and
- The bite caused an injury.
So what can happen to the dog owner?
Here are the consequences for the owner if their dog bites someone:
1. They Can Be Sued
You can hire a dog bite lawyer Los Angeles and sue them in civil court. The lawsuit can ask for:
- Money for medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
2. Their Dog Can Be Quarantined or Declared Dangerous
After a bite, the dog might be:
- Quarantined for 10 days to check for rabies.
- Investigated by Los Angeles Animal Services.
- Labeled a “dangerous dog,” which means the owner has to follow stricter rules.
- In serious cases, the dog might be taken away or even put down, but that usually only happens after repeated attacks.
3. They Might Be Fined or Charged
- If their dog was off-leash (against the Los Angeles dog leash law), they may be fined.
- If the dog was known to be dangerous and still allowed to bite someone, they could face criminal charges, including misdemeanor or felony charges under California’s Penal Code 399.
What Should You Do If a Dog Bites You?
If you or someone you know gets bitten, here’s what you should do right away:
- Get Medical Help – even if the wound seems small.
- Take Photos – of the injury and the location.
- Get the Dog Owner’s Info – name, address, phone number.
- File a Report – with Los Angeles Animal Services.
- Call a Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles – they can tell you your rights and how much your case might be worth.
What Are the Los Angeles Dog Laws About Leashes?
Yes, there are Los Angeles leash law for dogs. Dogs must be on a leash when they’re in public places like parks, sidewalks, and neighborhoods. If a dog is off-leash and bites someone, the owner could be in even more trouble. So if you’re searching “what are the leash laws near me” — just know, in Los Angeles, leashes are the law.
What Are the Los Angeles Dog Barking Laws?
Los Angeles also has rules for noisy dogs. The Los Angeles barking dog ordinance says if a dog barks a lot and bothers neighbors, the owner can get a warning or even a fine. The Los Angeles dog barking laws are there to keep peace in the neighborhood.
Where Do These Laws Apply?
These dog laws apply across all the cities and neighborhoods in Los Angeles County, including:
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Glendale
- Santa Clarita
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Pomona
- Torrance
- Pasadena
- El Monte
- Downey
- Inglewood
- West Covina
- Norwalk
- Burbank
- Compton
- South Gate
- Carson
- Santa Monica
- Whittier
No matter where the bite happens in L.A. County, a dog bite lawyer Los Angeles can help you file a case.
Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles You Can Call
Here are 5 trusted dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles you can reach out to:
1. Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
- 📞 Phone: (888) 952-2952
- 🌐 Website: https://www.calljacob.com
- 📍 Location: 714 W Olympic Blvd Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90015
2. The Barnes Firm
- 📞 Phone: (800) 800-0000
- 🌐 Website: https://www.thebarnesfirm.com
- 📍 Location: 633 West 5th Street #1750, Los Angeles, CA 90071
3. West Coast Trial Lawyers
- 📞 Phone: (888) 573-3619
- 🌐 Website: https://westcoasttriallawyers.com
- 📍 Location: 1147 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
4. Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP
- 📞 Phone: (310) 477-1700
- 🌐 Website: https://www.psbr.law
- 📍 Location: 11111 Santa Monica Blvd #700, Los Angeles, CA 90025
5. Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corp
- 📞 Phone: (866) 465-8792
- 🌐 Website: https://www.walchlaw.com
- 📍 Location: 23801 Calabasas Rd #1019, Calabasas, CA 91302
Why Call a Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles?
Dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles know the law. They can help you:
- Get your medical bills paid
- Receive money for missed work
- Hold the dog owner responsible
- Feel safe again