Dog Bite Lawyers in Encino

Helping Pursue Justice in Dog Bite Injury Cases

Dogs have long been called “man’s best friend” and are considered to be members of our families. We have all heard stories of vicious dog attacks and the severe injuries a dog can inflict—even a trusted family pet. If you or a loved one have suffered a dog bite, you may have many unanswered questions.

Is the owner responsible? Could you receive compensation for emotional trauma? Will it be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit? A dog bite lawyer in Encino, CA, can help you find out how to move forward to seek compensation.

At V&A Law Firm, we’ve seen what can happen when a dangerous dog attacks a human. Even bites that don’t result in permanent damage can disrupt a person’s life. Dog bites can lead to severe emotional trauma. More than 40% of Californians are dog owners. In most cases, these pets do nothing but bring joy. When a dog bites, it is crucial to have help seeking justice. An Encino dog bite attorney can help. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute case evaluation.

Common Types of Injuries in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bites can result in a wide range of physical and emotional injuries, some of which may lead to long-term complications or permanent damage. At V&A Law Firm, we understand the serious nature of these attacks and work to ensure that every aspect of your injury is fully documented and accounted for in your claim.

Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Dog teeth can cause deep puncture wounds and skin tearing, often leading to significant bleeding and the risk of infection. Lacerations may require stitches, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery.
Infections: One of the most common complications from a dog bite is infection. Bacteria from the dog’s mouth can enter the wound, leading to cellulitis or sepsis. Prompt medical attention is crucial, and victims may require antibiotics or hospitalization.
Nerve Damage: A strong bite can sever or damage nerves beneath the skin, causing loss of sensation, chronic pain, or limited mobility in the affected area. Nerve damage may require physical therapy or surgical repair.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Facial bites or injuries to visible areas often result in permanent scarring. In some cases, plastic surgery may be necessary to improve function or appearance, particularly for children or those with bites to the face, hands, or neck.
Broken Bones and Tissue Damage: Larger dogs or particularly aggressive attacks can cause crushed bones, torn ligaments, and damage to muscles or tendons. These injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical harm, many dog bite victims—especially children—suffer from lasting emotional trauma. The trauma could include anxiety, fear of animals, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological care can be an essential part of recovery.

Fatal Dog Attacks and Wrongful Death Claims

In the most severe cases, dog attacks can result in death. Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to fatal injuries, mainly when the attack involves a large or aggressive dog. Fatalities may result from severe blood loss, head trauma, or complications from infection or organ damage.

When a loved one dies due to a dog attack, surviving family members may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim under California law. These claims seek compensation for funeral expenses, companionship loss, future earnings, and other financial and emotional damages. At V&A Law Firm, we approach these cases with compassion and commitment, helping grieving families seek justice and accountability.

At V&A Law Firm, we take all injuries seriously, including those not immediately visible. Our team works closely with medical professionals and mental health experts to ensure your full recovery is supported—physically, emotionally, and financially.

California Law in Dog Bite Cases

In California, the dog owner is responsible for the animal’s actions — even if it is the dog’s first bite. The compensation will not be paid automatically—it is important that the victim has documentation proving the losses suffered. These can be financial (e.g., lost wages, costs for medical attention) or non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering). The dog owner’s insurance company typically offers a settlement, but there’s no guarantee this will be fair. In such cases, a lawsuit may be necessary.

Every case is different, so speaking with a dog bite attorney in Encino is essential if you need to move forward with an injury claim.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims may be entitled to financial compensation for a wide range of physical, emotional, and economic damages. At V&A Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers ensure that every aspect of your injury is accounted for when pursuing a claim.

Available compensation may include the following:

Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, infection treatment, and long-term rehabilitation.
Lost wages – Time missed from work due to injury, treatment, or recovery.
Loss of future earning capacity – For victims who suffer long-term disability or disfigurement.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, or reduced quality of life.
Scarring and disfigurement – Especially for facial injuries or visible scars requiring reconstructive surgery.
Psychological counseling – Therapy or mental health treatment due to anxiety, PTSD, or to address ongoing fear of dogs.

We carefully document your injuries and consult with medical and financial experts to assess the full value of your claim—so you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence.

Is the Dog’s Owner Responsible for a Dog Bite Claim?

While California is a strict liability state for dog bites, it doesn’t mean that the owner will always be responsible for injuries. A few defenses could be used by the dog owner’s defense lawyer when the animal has bitten another individual. Taking the proper steps, including calling animal control and law enforcement and getting a complete medical evaluation, is extremely important.

Dog Bites Involving Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bite attacks—both physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, many severe dog bite cases involve young victims, often bitten in the face or neck due to their height and proximity to dogs. These injuries can leave lasting physical scars and psychological trauma.

Compassion, Sensitivity, and Care: Our Legal Team

At V&A Law Firm, we approach dog bite cases involving children with sensitivity and care. We recognize the unique legal considerations that come into play when minors are involved, including the need for court approval of settlements and long-term medical evaluations to assess future impacts.

We may consult with pediatric specialists and mental health professionals to fully understand how the injury has affected the child’s well-being—today and into adulthood. Our goal is to secure compensation that not only addresses current medical needs but also accounts for emotional recovery, future treatment, and the lasting effects of trauma.

Types of Compensation For Dog Bite Claims

When an individual has suffered a serious injury in a dog attack, the compensation sought in a claim or lawsuit will reflect the impact of the injuries on the victim’s current and future well-being. If the injury was minor and resulted in no lasting issues, litigation will likely be unnecessary as the insurer covers medical bills.

However, cases are not always this straightforward. A puncture wound can lead to a severe infection that requires extensive medical treatment. The injured individual may need to take an extended absence from work while treating the injuries. The types of damages sought, with the help of our dog bite attorney in Encino, include the following:

Economic damages: These are actual monetary losses. A claim or lawsuit will seek the cost of surgeries, medications, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and other actual financial losses.
Non-economic damages: These are more personal losses, including reduced quality of life, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and others.
Punitive damages: If a negligent dog owner had engaged in egregious behavior, the courts may decide they should pay additional compensation as punishment.

Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California

Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are held responsible when a dog bites another person—regardless of the animal’s history or prior behavior. This makes it possible to pursue a claim even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

The legal process is as follows:

Initial consultation – We’ll review the facts of your case, evaluate injuries, and speak with you about your legal options.
Investigation – Our team gathers evidence, including medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, and insurance coverage.
Demand and negotiation – We submit a demand for compensation and attempt to resolve the matter through a settlement.
Filing a lawsuit – If necessary, we will file a formal complaint in civil court.
Discovery and litigation – This phase includes exchanging information, depositions, expert evaluations, and pre-trial motions.
Settlement or trial – Most cases are resolved through negotiation, but we are fully prepared to represent you in court if needed.

Why Choose V&A Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Case?

When you’ve been attacked by a dog, you need a legal team that understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries cause—and knows how to hold the responsible parties accountable.

At V&A Law Firm, we bring:

Decades of combined experience handling serious injury cases across California.
Personalized legal support—you’ll work directly with an attorney, not just a case manager.
Aggressive advocacy to stand up to insurance companies and pursue full compensation.
No upfront costs—we work on contingency, so you don’t pay unless we win.
Compassionate representation for sensitive cases involving children, disfigurement, disability, or loss of life.

We treat every case with the care it deserves because we know what’s at stake—not just your recovery but your future well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if the dog has no history of aggression?

Under California’s strict liability law, the owner is still responsible—even if the dog has never bitten anyone or shown signs of aggression.

Can I sue if I was bitten on private property?

Yes, as long as you were lawfully on the property (e.g., a guest, delivery person, or worker), you may still have a valid claim.

What if the dog belonged to a friend or family member?

These situations can be sensitive, but most dog bite claims are covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance—not the dog owner personally.

Do I need medical treatment to file a claim?

Yes, medical documentation is essential to proving your injury and determining compensation. Always seek treatment, even if the wound seems minor, as serious and difficult-to-treat infections can develop.

What happens if the dog owner refuses to cooperate?

We’ll investigate independently and may involve animal control, eyewitnesses, or surveillance footage to build your case.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?

In California, you generally have two years from the incident date to file a lawsuit. For minors, the timeline may be extended.

Can I file a claim if I am partially at fault?

Possibly. If you provoked the dog or ignored warning signs, your compensation may be reduced, but you may still be eligible to recover damages.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many dog bite cases are resolved through settlement, but we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Encino, CA Today

You and your loved ones have a legal right to live without fear of harm. Unfortunately, the negligence of dog owners who fail to restrain their pets can turn a pleasant day into a nightmare. When this happens, you may have a valid legal claim for financial recovery. California law takes an approach that values the rights of personal injury victims. There’s no need to know a dog’s history to determine if you’re entitled to compensation. Ensuring you have a talented personal injury attorney on your side is vital. The amount of compensation recovered will, in large part, reflect the skills and determination of your lawyer.

We offer legal services in English, Spanish, and Farsi. Call us today at 818-369-3270 for a free 15-minute case evaluation.