San Diego Dog Bite Lawyer

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner

In California, the victim of a dog bite is generally not required to prove negligence. Unlike many other states, California is a strict liability state. The owner of a dog can be held liable for a bite, even if the dog had never bitten anybody in the past.

Attorney Yasmine Djawadian is dedicated to helping those injured by a dog bite in San Diego, CA and throughout the Southern California area including San Diego County and Riverside Counties. Please call our experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer at (858) 449-7154 for a FREE dog bite consultation!

California Dog Bite Laws

The California dog bite statute is found at section 3342 of the California Civil Code. The elements of the statute are simple. The owner of the dog is strictly liable for any bite in any public or private place unless:

• The victim was a trespasser
• He or she provoked the dog and was over 5-years-old
• He or she was injured by the dog while at work
• The victim was being paid compensation for services in connection with the dog

Statutory exceptions from liability are in place for police and military dogs that are engaged their duties. A dog attack isn’t a dog bite. For example, a dog might jump on somebody, knock the person down and cause bodily injury. Although it might be characterized as an attack, the law of negligence would apply rather than the California dog bite statute.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Some dog bites don’t just require a trip to the emergency room. They can result in serious injuries like:

• Puncture wounds with scarring
• Crush fractures
• Facial scarring
• Permanent disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Psychological trauma

Some victims of serious dog bites require multiple orthopedic or plastic surgeries for purposes of treating fractures and scarring. Some victims will live with their wounds for life.

Are Dog Bites Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

Nearly all homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog attacks, but some insurers are starting to exclude certain breeds from coverage. Even if a renter has no insurance, a victim might seek to hold a landlord liable for permitting a dangerous dog to live on the premises.

The law allows victims of dog bite injuries to seek compensation for the damages that they have suffered like:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation
• Lost earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disfigurement and disability

Get Help With Your Case Today

You’ll want experienced, competent and aggressive legal assistance after any dog bite. Yasmin Djawadian is a successful personal injury lawyer with a full understanding of the issues facing victims of dog bites. Contact her for a free consultation and case evaluation on any dog bite case. You can even use our online contact form. There are no fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Victims of dog bites deserve to be fully and fairly compensated