Car Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
Bus Accidents
Dog Bites
Slip and Falls
Premises Liability
Product Liability
Construction Accidents
Assault & Battery
Wrongful Death
Truck Accidents
Wrongful Termination
Discrimination
Sexual Harassment
Civil Rights
WildfiresSanta Monica Dog Bite Attorney
A relaxing walk with your family in Palisades Park or a morning jog along Ocean Avenue is part of what makes life in Santa Monica so special. Our local parks and neighborhoods are places where we should feel safe. Unfortunately, a sudden and unexpected dog attack can turn a pleasant day into a traumatic experience, leaving you with serious injuries and emotional distress.
When an irresponsible dog owner’s negligence causes you harm, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. A dedicated Santa Monica dog bite attorney from Olan Law can help you understand your rights and guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and determination.
Key Takeaways for Santa Monica Dog Bite Lawyer
- California law generally holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dog causes, regardless of the animal’s past behavior.
- Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Other parties besides the dog’s owner, such as landlords or property managers, could potentially be held responsible for the injuries.
- Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for less than their full value, making it important to understand the potential long-term costs of an injury.
- Specific local ordinances in Santa Monica may apply to a dog bite case, in addition to state laws.
- There is a limited time to file a personal injury claim in California, so taking prompt action is important.
Why Choose Olan Law for Your Santa Monica, CA Dog Bite Claim
When you are recovering from a dog bite, choosing the right legal team is a critical decision. You need a firm that not only understands California law but also understands what you and your family are going through. At Olan Law, we have been advocating for the injured in Southern California for over 25 years. We are a boutique firm, which means we provide the direct and personal attention your case deserves. You are not just a case number to us; you are a neighbor.
Our approach is built on a foundation of clear communication and unwavering advocacy. We believe you should be involved in every key decision, and while we offer guidance based on decades of experience, the final choice is always yours. Our team is committed to being responsive and supportive throughout your entire case.
Here is what sets Olan Law apart:
- Direct Attorney Access: We prioritize communication, ensuring our attorneys and staff respond to your calls and emails promptly to keep you informed.
- Results-Focused Representation: Our history of securing significant settlements, including multi-million dollar results for accident victims, reflects the skill and strategy we bring to every case.
- Compassionate Guidance: We understand the physical and emotional toll of a dog attack and provide the compassionate support you need during this difficult time.
We are trial lawyers prepared to stand strong for your interests, whether we are negotiating a settlement or representing you before a jury. Our goal is to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Past Case Results
SETTLEMENT
$1.1 Million
SETTLEMENT for serious personal injuries for a young girl who suffered a severe dog bite to the face.
California and Santa Monica Dog Bite Laws & Regulations
Understanding the laws that govern dog bite incidents is the first step toward protecting your rights. California has specific rules that are generally favorable to victims. The most important of these is the principle of “strict liability.”
Strict liability means that a dog owner is responsible for the damages caused by their dog, even if the owner was not negligent and even if the dog had never shown any aggressive behavior before. For this rule to apply, the injury must have occurred while you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place, such as being an invited guest at someone’s home.
While strict liability is the primary rule, a case can also be based on negligence. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care to prevent harm. A dog owner could be found negligent if they violated a local leash law or another animal control ordinance.
In our community, specific local rules also apply. For instance, the City of Santa Monica has its own regulations regarding animal control, which can be relevant to your case.
- An owner can be held negligent for not having effective control over their dog.
- Allowing a dog to roam free or violating leash laws can be a basis for a negligence claim.
- An owner could be considered negligent for putting their dog in a situation where they should have known an injury could occur.
These state and local laws can be complex, and determining which apply to your situation is a key part of building a strong claim. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney in Santa Monica can analyze the specifics of your incident to determine the strongest path forward.
Do I Have a Dog Bite Case?
After a frightening dog attack, it is common to wonder if you have a valid legal claim. Many people are hesitant to take action, especially if the dog belongs to a neighbor or friend. However, holding the responsible party accountable is about ensuring you have the resources you need to recover fully. In most cases, a claim is made against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not against the individual’s personal assets.
To determine if you have a case, we generally look at a few key factors. You do not need to have all the answers, but thinking about these questions can be helpful. The strongest cases typically involve clear evidence of the incident and the injuries that resulted from it.
You may have a strong dog bite case if:
- You were bitten or injured by a dog. The injury does not have to be a bite. If a large dog jumped on you and knocked you down, causing a broken bone, the owner can still be held responsible.
- You suffered damages. This includes physical injuries requiring medical treatment, lost income from being unable to work, and emotional trauma from the attack.
- You were on public property or lawfully on private property. This means you were not trespassing at the time of the incident. For example, you were at a public place like Tongva Park, on a public sidewalk, or were an invited guest or service person (like a mail carrier) at a private residence.
It is important to remember that every situation is unique. Even if you think your case might be complicated, it is always worth discussing the details with a Santa Monica dog bite attorney. We can help you evaluate the strength of your claim and explain your legal options in a clear and honest way.
Hear From Our Clients
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Dog Owner or Their Insurance Company?
Shortly after a dog bite incident, you might be contacted by the dog owner’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster may seem friendly and concerned, and they might make a quick offer to settle your claim. While it can be tempting to accept this money and put the incident behind you, the first offer is rarely the best offer.
Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. The initial offer they make is often calculated to cover only your immediate medical expenses. It may not account for the full scope of your injuries and losses, which can be difficult to assess in the early days after an attack.
A comprehensive settlement should consider all the ways this injury has impacted your life.
- Future Medical Treatment: Some injuries, like deep puncture wounds or nerve damage, may require ongoing care, physical therapy, or even future surgeries to address scarring.
- Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work in the future, you should be compensated for that loss of income.
- Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is common after a violent animal attack.
Accepting a quick settlement means you give up your right to seek any further compensation for this incident. If your injuries turn out to be more severe than you initially thought, you will be left to cover those costs on your own. Before you sign any documents or agree to any offer, it is crucial to speak with a Santa Monica dog bite attorney who can help you understand the true value of your claim.
What Compensation Is Available to Dog Bite Victims in Santa Monica?
If you have been injured by a dog, you may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. The goal of a personal injury claim is to make the victim “whole” again, at least from a financial perspective. This means calculating all of the past, present, and future costs associated with the attack.
This compensation is known as damages and may include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the initial emergency room visit and ambulance ride to surgery, hospital stays, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If you missed work while recovering, you can be compensated for the income you lost during that time.
- Future Lost Earnings: If the injury results in a long term or permanent disability that affects your ability to earn a living, you can seek damages for this loss.
- Pain and Suffering: This compensates for the physical pain of the injuries themselves.
- Emotional Distress: This can include compensation for anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and PTSD resulting from the traumatic event.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation may be available for permanent scarring, especially on the face or other visible areas of the body.
Our team at Olan Law works diligently to document all of your losses to build a comprehensive claim that reflects the true impact the dog attack has had on your life. We fight to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Our Trusted Santa Monica Dog Bite Attorneys Today
A dog attack can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. You are likely facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. During this challenging time, you deserve an advocate who will stand by your side and fight for your best interests. At Olan Law, we provide the professional, compassionate, and results-focused representation you need to navigate this difficult journey.
When you work with our firm, we handle all the details of your case so you can focus on healing.
We will help you by:
- Thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the attack to gather evidence.
- Identifying all responsible parties and sources of insurance coverage.
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including future needs.
- Negotiating forcefully with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Preparing to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
You do not have to bear this burden alone. Contact Olan Law today at (310) 566-0010 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with one of our experienced Santa Monica dog bite lawyers. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
SETTLEMENT
$1.1 Million
SETTLEMENT for serious personal injuries for a young girl who suffered a severe dog bite to the face.
Get a free consultation
Fill out the form below for a free consultation.
Santa Monica Dog Bite Attorney FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions we receive from people who have been injured in a dog attack.
What if the dog did not have a history of aggression?
In California, it does not matter. The strict liability law means the owner is responsible for the harm their dog causes on its first offense, often called the “one-bite rule,” which doesn’t apply here. The owner is liable even if they had no reason to believe their dog was dangerous.
Can I file a claim if the dog just knocked me down but did not actually bite me?
Yes. An owner can be held responsible for any injuries their dog causes, not just bites. If a large, unleashed dog excitedly jumps on you and causes you to fall and break your wrist, the owner is still liable for your injuries under a theory of negligence.
What is the time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever, which is why it is so important to contact an attorney promptly.
Who else besides the owner could be held responsible for a dog bite?
While the owner is the most common defendant, other parties can sometimes share responsibility. This could include a landlord who knew a tenant had a dangerous dog but did nothing about it, a property management company, or even a kennel or dog walker who had control of the animal at the time of the attack.
What should I do to document my injuries after an attack?
After seeking immediate medical attention, it is very helpful to take clear photographs of your injuries right away and continue to take pictures as they heal. Keep a journal detailing your physical pain levels, emotional state, and any daily activities you are unable to do. Also, be sure to keep all medical bills, receipts, and records of any missed work time.