Irvine Dog Bite Lawyer

Call Now If Someone’s Dog Bit You

Being bitten or attacked by a dog can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. Beyond the pain of the injury itself, many victims are unsure of what to do next, especially if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member.

At United Attorney Group, we understand that you might hesitate to start a dog bite claim if you know the dog’s owner, or even if you aren’t sure about the legal grounds you have to start a claim. Our job is to protect your rights and seek compensation while handling your case with the care, discretion, and professionalism you deserve. A dog bite claim might not be very straightforward, but if you let us take the lead, you won’t have to worry about any details or surprises.

People in Irvine like to work with our attorneys because we have:

• Decades of combined experience handling serious injury cases.
• Recovered millions of dollars for clients nationwide.
• Skilled negotiators and trial lawyers who stand up to insurance companies.
• Contingency fee agreements (no attorney fees unless we win your case).

Call our Irvine dog bite lawyers at (949) 210-9477 and arrange a free, no-risk consultation.

California’s Dog Bite Law

California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites, which means that if a dog bites someone who is lawfully on public or private property, the dog’s owner is responsible for the resulting injuries, even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Unlike in some states, there is no “one-bite rule” that can excuse an owner from certain forms of liability for the first bite or attack. In short, if you were bitten by a dog in Irvine or anywhere in California, you have the right to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner, regardless of whether the dog was known to be dangerous in the past.

Potential exceptions to California’s strict liability dog bite rule include:

• You were trespassing on private property at the time of the attack.
• You were provoking, teasing, or hurting the dog or its owner.
• You were attacked by a dog that was assisting law enforcement during the performance of police duties.

Our team can review the details of what happened and explain whether your situation qualifies for a claim under California’s dog bite statute.

What You Should Know About Filing a Dog Bite Claim

One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to call a lawyer after a dog bite is fear of harming the dog or financially devastating someone they care about. However, most of these concerns are based on misunderstandings.

The truth about dog bite claims that you should know is:

• Claims are usually filed against insurance, not individuals: In most cases, dog bite claims are covered under homeowners’ insurance, renter’s insurance, or occasionally a pet liability policy. If you secure compensation, it will typically come from an insurance company, not directly from the dog owner’s personal bank account.
• Bringing a claim does not require the dog to be destroyed: Filing a civil claim is not the same as reporting a dangerous animal to animal control. No law in California requires a dog to be destroyed simply because its owner is held financially responsible for a bite.
• The process is private and professional: Our law firm handles communication with insurance companies and legal representatives directly, so you don’t have to confront the dog’s owner yourself. We keep the process respectful and discreet, minimizing personal tension wherever possible.

When You Can File a Claim for a Dog Bite Injury

Even minor dog bites can cause serious health complications. Infections, nerve damage, and deep scarring are all common after a bite. Some attacks can also lead to broken bones, muscle tears, or emotional trauma, especially for children and elderly people. The bottom line is that if you were attacked by someone’s dog or even accidentally injured by an overly excited dog, then you probably have the grounds to file a dog bite claim.

If you required emergency treatment, surgery, stitches, rabies shots, or missed work due to the injury, it’s even more important to explore your legal options. Even seemingly “minor” bites can lead to infections or long-term scarring that justify compensation.

Compensation for a Dog Bite Claim

A dog bite claim can help you recover the financial and emotional costs of the attack.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, and follow-up treatment)
• Reconstructive or plastic surgery for scarring or disfigurement
• Therapy and counseling for emotional trauma
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if you missed work
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Future medical costs, including scar revision or infection treatment

Dog bite injuries can leave lasting physical and psychological scars. Our goal is to seek compensation on your behalf that covers not just what you’ve already lost, but also the long-term impact the attack may have on your health and confidence.

Will the Dog Bite Case Go to Court?

Most successful dog bite cases in California are resolved through insurance settlements and never go to litigation, where a judge or jury decides the case’s outcome. Because liability is often clear under California’s strict liability law, many insurance companies want to first negotiate a settlement rather than risk a larger jury verdict.

However, some cases do go to trial, particularly when the insurance company disputes the severity of the injury or refuses to offer fair compensation. At United Attorney Group, we prepare every claim as if it will go to court, so we are always ready to fight for you if needed.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Irvine

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect your ability to recover compensation.

After a dog bite or attack, try to:

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even small punctures can lead to serious infections.
2. Document your injuries with photos and keep copies of all medical records.
3. Report the incident to local animal control or the Irvine Police Department.
4. Get the owner’s contact information and, if possible, verify their homeowner’s insurance details.
5. Contact an attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster.

The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin investigating, looking for evidence, and protecting your rights.

Call Our Irvine Dog Bite Lawyers Today

Whether the dog that bit you belonged to a stranger or someone you know, you should explore your legal options. Our Irvine dog bite attorneys are here to hear your story and explain everything to you. We’re also available 24/7, so it is always a good time to reach out to our team.

Call (949) 210-9477 and arrange a free case review. Be sure to ask about our contingency fees.