A dog attack can turn your world upside down in an instant. Suddenly you’re facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, time away from work, and the shock of being attacked when you least expected it. You shouldn’t have to carry that burden alone. At Kubota & Craig, we hold negligent dog owners and their insurance companies accountable — so you can focus on healing while we fight to recover every dollar you deserve.
Understanding California Dog Bite Law
California law holds dog owners responsible when their pets bite and injure someone, recognizing the potential danger posed by an uncontrolled dog.
In California, dog owners are held strictly liable if their dog bites someone. California’s dog bite statute (Civil Code § 3342) makes the owner legally responsible for damages whenever their dog bites a person in a public place or lawfully on private property – regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. In other words, there’s no “free bite” rule here. Even if it’s the first time the dog has ever attacked, the owner can still be liable for your injuries. The only exceptions are limited situations like if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, or if the dog was a police or military canine on duty.
Strict liability means you don’t have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog might be dangerous. This greatly simplifies a victim’s case – you simply need to show that you were bitten and injured, and who the owner is. (If a dog injures you without actually biting – for example, knocking you down – you could still pursue a claim, but you may need to prove the owner was negligent in controlling the pet.)
California consistently has one of the highest rates of dog bite incidents in the country. In fact, California leads the nation in the number of dog bite insurance claims, a reflection of how common these attacks can be. Our Orange County dog bite injury attorneys are well-versed in California’s strict dog bite laws and will use these laws to hold the dog’s owner accountable for your injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
Dog attacks can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor punctures to life-altering trauma. Physical wounds are often just the beginning – many victims suffer emotional and psychological scars as well. Children are especially at risk in dog attacks and frequently suffer bites to the face or head, which can be particularly severe. At Kubota & Craig, our dog attack lawyers have experience handling cases involving all types of dog bite injuries, including:
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Deep bite wounds can puncture the skin and tear underlying tissue. These injuries often require immediate medical care, stitches, or even surgery. They also carry a high risk of infection if not properly treated.
Broken Bones and Nerve Damage
The force of a powerful dog’s bite or a knock-down attack can lead to broken wrists, arms, or other fractures. Bites can also damage nerves, muscles, and tendons, causing lasting numbness or weakness in the affected area.
Facial Injuries and Scarring
Dogs often target the face and neck, especially with small children. This can result in severe facial lacerations, eye injuries, or deep bites to the scalp and neck. Such wounds may leave permanent scars or disfigurement, sometimes requiring plastic surgery. (One study found over 60% of dog bites to children involved head or neck injuries.) Beyond the physical damage, facial injuries can be emotionally traumatic, particularly for a child.
Infections and Disease
Any dog bite can introduce bacteria into the wound. Victims may develop serious infections like cellulitis or sepsis if the bite isn’t promptly cleaned and treated. In rare cases, rabies can be a concern if the dog’s vaccination was not up to date. Proper medical care and follow-up are essential to prevent infection.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD
Being attacked by a dog is a frightening experience that can leave mental and emotional scars. Many victims develop anxiety, nightmares, or a lasting fear of dogs. Children might regress in behavior or suffer nightmares after an attack. We recognize these psychological injuries and include pain and suffering and emotional trauma as part of your compensation demand. Therapy or counseling may also be needed to help victims heal emotionally.
Who Pays in a Dog Bite Case?
After a dog bite injury, victims often worry about who will cover the medical bills and other losses. In most cases, the dog owner’s insurance will pay for the damages. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover liability for dog bites. This means if you were bitten by someone else’s dog, their insurance (not your own) is usually responsible for compensating you. Our attorneys will identify all potential sources of insurance coverage – whether it’s the dog owner’s homeowner’s policy, renter’s policy, or even a business liability policy if the attack occurred at a business or through a work-related incident.
Importantly, pursuing a claim is not a personal attack on the dog owner – it’s usually a claim against their insurance. So if you were bitten by a friend or neighbor’s dog, understand that you’re typically seeking compensation from an insurance company, not directly from your friend’s pocket. This is why dog owners buy liability insurance. We handle the entire insurance claim process on your behalf, so you don’t have to go back-and-forth with adjusters or feel guilty for standing up for your rights.
Recoverable Damages
A dog bite can create a financial burden for victims and their families. You shouldn’t have to bear those costs if someone else’s dog hurt you. Our Orange County dog bite injury attorneys will fight to recover all damages you are entitled to, such as:
Medical Bills
This includes emergency room treatment, hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery costs, medications, and any future medical care like plastic surgery or scar revision. Rehabilitation expenses (physical therapy, etc.) and psychological counseling costs after the attack are also covered.
Lost Wages and Income
If your injuries force you to miss work, you can claim lost wages. For more serious injuries causing long-term disability or limitations, we will also seek compensation for reduced earning capacity in the future.
Pain and Suffering
These are damages for the physical pain and emotional anguish you’ve endured. Dog bite victims often experience significant pain during recovery, as well as mental suffering from the trauma. California law allows you to recover monetary compensation for this suffering.
Scarring and Disfigurement
When a dog bite leaves visible scars – especially on the face, arms, or legs – it can impact a person’s self-confidence and quality of life. Victims can receive compensation specifically for permanent scarring or disfigurement. This is particularly important in cases involving children with facial scars.
Emotional Distress
Beyond general pain and suffering, if the attack caused diagnosed psychological conditions (like PTSD, severe anxiety, or depression), those are compensable. The cost of therapy for overcoming fear of dogs or coping with trauma can be included in your claim.
Other Expenses
In some cases, victims incur additional costs, such as damage to personal property (clothing or eyeglasses torn in the attack) or the need to hire help for tasks they cannot do while recovering. We make sure to account for every expense and loss you suffer due to the dog bite.
How Settlements are Negotiated
Most dog bite cases are resolved through an insurance settlement rather than a trial. Our job as your attorneys is to negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that fully compensates you. We gather extensive evidence – medical records, photographs of your injuries, witness statements, animal control reports – to build a strong case. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so we leverage every fact in your favor to push for the maximum value.
Several factors can affect the compensation amount in a dog bite case. These include:
- The severity of your injuries and the amount of medical treatment needed (more severe or permanent injuries generally mean higher compensation).
- Whether the injury has long-term effects, such as permanent scarring, nerve damage, or disability.
- The total medical expenses and other financial losses (high medical bills or significant lost income support a larger settlement).
- The clarity of liability – in a straightforward case where the dog bite law applies and you did nothing to provoke the dog, the claim is stronger.
- Insurance policy limits available – for instance, if the owner has a $300,000 policy, that may set an upper limit on recovery in many cases.
- Your own legal representation – having an experienced dog bite attorney signals to the insurer that you are prepared to fight, even in court. Law firms like Kubota & Craig prepare every case for trial, which often encourages insurers to offer a fair settlement rather than risk a courtroom loss.
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who routinely deal with insurance adjusters in dog bite cases. We will advise you on any settlement offers and whether they are fair. If the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable amount, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and take your case to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Cases Across Orange County
Orange County is known for its dog-loving communities – from the beaches of Newport to the parks of Lake Forest. But no matter how friendly a neighborhood, dog bites can happen anywhere. Our firm has handled dog attack cases all over Orange County. Whether you were bitten by a dog in your local Costa Mesa neighborhood, attacked while jogging on a trail in Lake Forest, or your child was hurt at a playground in the City of Orange, we are here to help.
Each city in Orange County may have its own local leash laws and animal control procedures, and our team is familiar with them. We know the importance of promptly reporting a dog bite to Orange County Animal Care or local authorities (in fact, Orange County law requires that all animal bites be reported). We’ve worked with clients from Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, Orange, and beyond. Our local knowledge and presence in Orange County mean we can quickly investigate the circumstances of your case, talk to witnesses nearby, and even visit the scene if needed
Being based in Irvine, we’re centrally located to serve clients throughout O.C. We understand the local court systems and have built relationships with medical providers and experts in the area. This local expertise can make a difference in efficiently resolving your dog bite injury claim. No matter where your dog attack occurred in Orange County, our attorneys are ready to advocate for you.
Why Clients Choose Kubota & Craig
Kubota & Craig is a top-rated Orange County personal injury firm with a proven track record in helping accident victims – including those bitten by dogs – recover the compensation they deserve. Our clients know they can count on our experience, results, and compassion. Here are a few reasons why injured victims trust us with their dog bite cases:
Decades of Legal Experience
Our partners, Yoshi Kubota and Cynthia Craig, have over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We have successfully handled numerous dog bite and animal attack cases. We know the nuances of California dog bite law and have the litigation skills to stand up to stubborn insurance companies. Yoshi Kubota even served as President of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, showing our deep roots in the local legal community.
Proven Results and Reputation
Our legal team has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across a range of cases. Insurance companies are aware of our reputation for securing top results – we won’t settle for less than you deserve. This firm is recognized among the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” and has earned accolades for excellence in personal injury litigation. We bring that same tenacity to every dog bite case, big or small.
Personalized Attention and Compassion
We understand that a dog attack is traumatic. Our attorneys and staff truly care about your well-being and will treat you like family. From your first call, you’ll speak directly with knowledgeable injury attorneys who listen to your story and answer your questions. Throughout your case, we keep you updated at every step. Our former clients often mention how supported they felt by our team. “Yoshi and Cynthia really care about you… They really fight for what you need after you’ve been injured.” – Jen H., past client. We take pride in not only winning cases, but also in helping our clients heal and feel heard.
No Win, No Fee Promise
When we say it costs nothing upfront to hire us, we mean it. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless and until we win compensation for you. This “no win, no fee” model ensures that everyone can afford top-tier legal representation, regardless of financial situation. We even advance all case costs, so you never pay out-of-pocket.
Trial-Ready Advocacy
While most claims settle, we prepare every dog bite case as if it will go to trial. Our courtroom experience and willingness to litigate gives us a strong bargaining position. Insurance companies know we won’t hesitate to bring a case before a jury if that’s what it takes to get justice. Our aggressive approach often leads to better and faster settlements for our clients.
When you choose Kubota & Craig, you’re choosing a dedicated team that will fight relentlessly for you. We have the knowledge, resources, and commitment to handle complex dog bite injury cases from start to finish, always keeping your best interests in focus.
Orange County Dog Bite Injury FAQs
What should I do after a dog bite?
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, take these important steps right away:
1. Seek medical attention immediately. Wash the wound gently with soap and water, then get professional medical care. Dog bites can cause deep punctures and carry a risk of infection, so it’s critical to have a doctor examine and treat the injury as soon as possible.
2. Identify the dog and its owner. If you can, get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and ask about the dog’s vaccination status (especially rabies). If the dog is a stray or the owner is unknown, try to remember the dog’s appearance and where it went. This information will help animal control officers locate the animal.
3. Report the incident to authorities. In Orange County, you are legally required to report any animal bite to the local health authorities or animal control. Call Orange County Animal Care or the police non-emergency line to report the dog bite. This creates an official record of the attack and may help prevent future incidents (the dog might be quarantined to check for rabies).
4. Document the attack and your injuries. If possible, take photos of your injuries right after the attack and throughout the healing process. Also photograph the location where it happened and anything relevant (such as a broken fence or missing leash). Keep records of all medical treatments and expenses. Write down your own recollection of what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. If there were any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers as well.
5. Consult a dog bite injury attorney before speaking to insurance. Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options, ideally before giving any statements to the dog owner’s insurance company. A lawyer will advise you on protecting your rights and can handle communications with insurers and other parties while you focus on recovery.
Following these steps will help protect your health and strengthen any future claim you may decide to pursue for compensation.
What types of damages can I recover for a dog bite injury?
Victims of dog bites can recover a variety of damages (financial compensation) to address both their economic losses and their pain and suffering. Common damages in a dog bite injury claim include:
- Medical expenses – past and future bills for hospital visits, surgery, doctor appointments, medications, physical therapy, and any required psychological counseling or plastic surgery for scars.
- Lost wages – income you lost because you had to miss work due to your injuries, as well as lost earning potential if the injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering – compensation for the physical pain you endured and the emotional trauma of the experience. Dog attacks can be terrifying, and many victims suffer ongoing anxiety or fear as a result.
- Scarring or disfigurement – if the bite leaves noticeable scars or permanent damage (especially to visible areas like the face or hands), you can receive money to account for the impact on your appearance and quality of life.
- Miscellaneous costs – any other out-of-pocket costs that arose because of the attack, such as damaged personal items, the cost of hiring someone to help around the house during your recovery, or transportation to medical appointments.
Every case is unique, so the exact damages will depend on the circumstances. An experienced Orange County dog bite injury attorney will make sure to identify all possible damages in your case so you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury lawsuit in California?
In California, the general statute of limitations for a dog bite injury (or any personal injury) is two years from the date of the incident. This means you typically have up to two years after the dog attack to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If you fail to file within two years, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
However, there are some exceptions. If the victim is a minor (under 18), California law extends the deadline – the two-year clock doesn’t start until the child turns 18. In other words, a child who is bitten by a dog usually has until their 20th birthday to file a claim. It’s usually best not to wait that long, though, because evidence can disappear and memories can fade. Another exception can be if the defendant is a government entity (for example, if a government-owned dog was involved, which is rare), which can impose a much shorter deadline (often 6 months to file a notice).
Because legal deadlines can vary and are critical, it’s wise to consult a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after an attack. Your attorney can make sure all the proper paperwork is filed on time so your case remains valid.
How can a dog bite lawyer help me with my case?
A skilled dog bite attorney can be your advocate and guide through the entire recovery process. Here are several ways a lawyer can help with a dog bite case:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: An attorney will investigate the circumstances of the attack – obtaining animal control reports, medical records, and any witness statements. They may uncover evidence of the dog’s past aggression or violations of local leash laws to strengthen your case.
- Proving Liability: Your lawyer understands California’s dog bite laws and how to apply them. They will work to clearly establish that the dog’s owner is liable under the strict liability statute (or through negligence, if applicable), even if the owner tries to argue you provoked the dog or were somewhere you shouldn’t be.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly for less than you deserve, or even deny your claim. Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting you from tactics that could hurt your case. They will negotiate aggressively to seek a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
- Maximizing Compensation: An experienced Orange County dog attack lawyer knows what your claim is truly worth. We often work with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries (for example, future surgeries or therapy you might need). By presenting a strong case for every category of damages – medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc. – your lawyer fights to maximize the compensation you receive.
- No Upfront Costs: Hiring a dog bite attorney is typically risk-free for the victim because most work on a contingency fee (no win, no fee) basis. This means you pay nothing out of pocket. Our firm, for instance, only gets paid when we recover money for you. This allows you to get legal help without any financial pressure.
- Peace of Mind: Perhaps most importantly, having a dedicated lawyer allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities. We take care of paperwork, deadlines, and legal strategy. If a lawsuit needs to be filed, we prepare and handle all court proceedings. Knowing that a professional is fighting for your rights can reduce your stress in a difficult time.
Overall, a dog bite lawyer is there to ensure you are treated fairly and to take the burden off your shoulders. From day one through the resolution of your case, your attorney will be in your corner, working to secure justice and the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Speak with an Orange County Dog Bite Attorney Today
A dog attack can turn your life upside down – but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Speak with an Orange County dog bite lawyer at Kubota & Craig today to understand your rights and legal options. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. You’ll get honest advice from experienced attorneys who have helped many dog bite victims before.
There’s no risk in contacting us: no fees upfront, and absolutely no fee at all unless we win for you. Our team will promptly investigate your incident, deal with the insurance companies, and work to get your medical bills paid. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on recovering and moving forward.
Call us at (949) 218-5676 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to listen, help, and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
With Kubota & Craig on your side, you can be confident that your Orange County dog bite case is in capable hands – and that we’ll do everything possible to hold the negligent dog owner accountable and secure the maximum recovery for you.
