Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer

Were you injured in a dog bite accident in Los Angeles, CA?

At Cohen Injury Law Group, we help injured clients understand their rights after a dog bite incident in Los Angeles.

If a neighbor’s dog lunged through an open gate, a loose dog attacked you on a Los Angeles sidewalk, or a friend’s pet bit your child, you may be facing stitches, infection risk, and an owner who insists the dog has never hurt anyone. The bills often arrive before the wounds close.

Our attorneys pursue claims against dog owners, landlords, and their insurers after serious attacks, drawing on Wayne Cohen’s trial experience since 1991. A free review with a Los Angeles, CA dog bite lawyer can tell you whether the owner’s policy covers your injuries.

Dog Bite Lawyer Los Angeles, CA

A dog bite lawyer represents people hurt in a dog attack, whether the injury came from a bite, a scratch, or being knocked to the ground. The work involves identifying the owner and any insurance policy that covers the attack, documenting treatment and scarring, and negotiating with the insurer or filing suit when a fair offer does not come.

Los Angeles recorded 70 dog attacks on postal employees in 2025, more than any other city in the country, according to the U.S. Postal Service. Residents, delivery drivers, and visitors face the same risk at front doors and gates across the city.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Los Angeles

Dog attacks happen on sidewalks, in yards, and inside homes. We handle claims when a dog bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. A dog bite attorney in Los Angeles also reviews injuries that occur when a dog causes a fall or a crash.

• Premises liability. A landlord who lets a tenant’s aggressive dog roam a shared courtyard can be pulled into the claim. Complaints from other tenants often become key evidence.
• Slip and falls. Not every dog injury involves teeth. A large dog that jumps on a visitor or bolts across a walkway can knock a person to the ground and fracture a wrist or hip.
• Bicycle accidents. Dogs that chase riders can throw a cyclist into traffic or onto the pavement, and we pursue the owner whose dog caused the crash.
• Scooter accidents. Riders on stand-up scooters have almost no time to react when a dog darts into their path, and facial injuries are common.
• Motorcycle accidents. A loose dog in the roadway can force a motorcyclist to brake hard or swerve. An owner who lets a dog run free near traffic may be held responsible for the resulting crash.
• Airbnb injuries. Some hosts keep dogs at their short-term rentals. A guest attacked there may have a claim against the host and the host’s insurer.
• VRBO injuries. Listings do not always disclose that a dog lives on the property. After a bite during a vacation stay, we examine the owner’s coverage and the platform’s policies.
• Brain injuries. Children and older adults knocked backward by a dog may strike their heads on concrete, with lasting effects on memory and mood.
• Wrongful death. Fatal attacks are uncommon, but when one does occur, surviving family members may pursue a claim against the owner and anyone else who allowed the dog to remain a danger.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group as My Dog Bite Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA?

Careful Analysis From the First Review

Nicholas Cohen applies the same analytical rigor he brings to business strategy to each client’s claim. In a dog bite case, that analysis starts with records: the animal control report, quarantine information, earlier complaints about the dog, and the owner’s homeowners or renters policy. Insurer negotiations and litigation preparation are both part of his work. He also comes from a family of attorneys, including both of his parents and his brother.

Trial Experience Recognized Nationally

Wayne Cohen has been named to the Top 100 by The National Trial Lawyers. He has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, the Today Show, and Good Morning America. His work as a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, CA includes dog attack claims, and Wayne’s years in the courtroom shape how he prepares each one in case it goes to trial.

What Is Important to Understand About a Dog Bite Case?

What Are Important Aspects of a Dog Bite Case?

The first step is identifying the dog’s owner. The dog may belong to a neighbor, a tenant, a house sitter, or a stranger who left the scene, and an animal control report may be the only record that connects the dog to a specific address. In some cases, who is liable extends beyond the owner to a landlord or a business that kept the dog on its property.

Insurance coverage is equally important. A homeowners or renters policy usually pays a dog bite claim, and insurance companies review these claims closely because of their cost. Medical documentation also affects the value of a claim. Photographs taken as the wounds heal, along with records from plastic surgeons and counselors, show the full effect of an attack, particularly when the injured person is a child.

What Is the Dog Bite Case Timeline?

Every case moves at its own pace. Most dog bite claims pass through these stages.

1. Our first task is collecting the bite report, quarantine records, photos, and the names of anyone who saw the attack, and then locating the owner’s insurer.
2. You complete medical treatment, including any wound care, scar revision, or counseling your doctors recommend.
3. Once your doctors can predict how the injuries will affect you over time, we prepare a written demand for the insurer.
4. The insurer responds, and negotiations begin. Many claims settle at this stage.
5. Should the insurer hold to a low number, a lawsuit follows, along with depositions and preparation for trial.

Scarring cases often take longer, and our attorneys can give you a typical case timeline once the records are in hand.

What Should You Bring to Your Dog Bite Consultation?

Bring as many of these materials as you can locate. Missing items can be requested later.

• Bring photos of the wounds from the day of the attack and any taken since.
• Write down the report number from LA Animal Services, county animal control, or the police.
• Note any details you have about the dog and its owner, such as an address or a description.
• Your emergency room records, prescriptions, and bills will show the cost of treatment.
• Save every message from the owner or an insurance adjuster.

From these records, we can begin identifying the owner and anyone else who shares responsibility. If the owner has no insurance and no assets to pay a claim, we will explain what that means for your case before you decide anything.

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Dog Bite Cases

Cal. Civ. Code 1714 requires every person to use ordinary care, and that includes keeping a dog under control around others. An owner who leaves a gate unlatched, walks a strong dog without a leash, or ignores signs of aggression may be found negligent. Cal. Civil Code 3333 provides the measure of damages for that harm. Compensation can include:

• Medical costs. These cover emergency care, antibiotics, rabies shots, surgery, and future scar revision.
• Lost income. Time away from work and a reduced ability to earn after a disabling injury both count.
• Pain and emotional harm. Damages can address fear, anxiety, and physical and emotional pain that follow a violent attack.
• Disfigurement. Permanent scarring is compensable, especially on the face or hands.

If the insurer argues that you contributed to the attack, California’s comparative fault rule reduces an award by your share of responsibility instead of eliminating it.

Most Dangerous Locations for Dog Bites in Los Angeles

Dog bites in Los Angeles cluster where people and unfamiliar dogs meet at close range.

Where residents and visitors are bitten:

• Off-leash areas, such as city dog parks and Runyon Canyon, crowd many dogs and people together.
• At a friend’s home, guests often reach for a dog that does not know them.
• Dense neighborhoods put pedestrians within feet of dogs behind low fences.
• Apartment hallways and elevators leave little room to step away.

Where workers are bitten:

• Mail carriers are often attacked at the front door when a dog slips out as it opens.
• Delivery drivers face unfenced yards when dropping off orders.
• Utility workers enter side yards where dogs are kept.
• Home health aides work inside homes with pets that may see them as strangers.

Reach Out to Cohen Injury Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

Contact us if a dog has injured you or your child, and a Los Angeles dog bite attorney will meet with you at no charge. We will review who owned the dog, which insurance policy may apply, and how your injuries are healing. You will owe us a fee only if the claim produces a settlement or verdict. Our office returns calls and messages promptly.

Dog Bite Statistics in Los Angeles

Animal bites reported in Los Angeles County totaled 26,169 from 2009 through 2011, and dogs caused 23,103 of them, or 88 percent, according to a county bite study by Los Angeles County Public Health researchers. The dog bite rate rose from 72 per 100,000 residents in 2009 to 79 in 2010 and 2011. Minor bites and bites from a family’s own pet at home may be missing from the database, so the true number is likely higher.

California also leads the country in the cost of these injuries. Homeowners insurers recorded 2,830 dog bite claims in California in 2025, more than in any other state, with an average of $81,789 per claim, according to Triple-I claims data. That average is more than $16,000 above the national figure of $65,450.

Statewide and national figures add context.

• California emergency rooms treated 48,596 dog bite patients in 2022, the most in at least 18 years, according to a KFF Health News analysis of state data.
• Nationwide, insurers paid about $1.86 billion on 28,450 dog bite claims in 2025, a 25.6 percent rise in claims from 2024.
• Hands were the most frequently bitten body part in the Los Angeles County study, at 35 percent of bites, and 14 percent involved the head or face.
• In 53 percent of reported bites in the county study, the biting animal could not be located afterward.
• About half of all dog bite victims are children, according to AVMA bite prevention guidance.

What Steps Should I Take After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?

The hours after an attack are confusing, especially when a child is hurt. These steps protect both your health and a possible claim.

1. Wash the wound with soap and water right away. The CDC rabies guidance recommends washing for 15 minutes and then speaking with a healthcare provider about your risk.
2. Get medical care, even for a small bite. Puncture wounds close quickly on the surface and can trap bacteria underneath. A doctor will also decide whether you need a tetanus shot or rabies treatment.
3. Find out who owns the dog. Ask for the owner’s name, address, and phone number, and ask about the dog’s rabies vaccination. If the owner leaves, note the dog’s breed, color, and size, along with the direction they went.
4. Report the bite. In the City of Los Angeles, LA Animal Services investigates dangerous animals. The report creates an official record of the attack and the dog.
5. Photograph everything. Take pictures of the wounds on the day of the attack and every few days as they heal. Photograph torn clothing and the gate or fence the dog came through.
6. Collect witness information. Neighbors and other dog walkers may have seen the attack. Some homes have doorbell cameras that recorded it, and that footage can be overwritten within days.
7. Be cautious with the insurance company. The owner’s insurer may call quickly and ask for a recorded statement, and anything said while talking to an adjuster can later be used to minimize the claim.
8. Keep a recovery journal. Write down your pain levels, sleep problems, missed work, and any fear of dogs that develops. For children, note changes in behavior, nightmares, or reluctance to go outside.
9. Hold off on signing anything. An early offer rarely reflects scar revision or counseling that a doctor recommends months later.
10. Speak with a lawyer early. Records and evidence are easier to secure in the first weeks, and knowing the right time for hiring a lawyer can keep you from missing an important step.

Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

How much does a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles cost?

Dog bite clients pay nothing at the start of the case because we work on contingency. The percentage we take from a settlement or verdict is agreed on in writing at the outset. You pay a fee only when money is actually recovered on your behalf. Your first conversation with a dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles is free, and we will explain how case costs are handled during that meeting so there are no surprises later.

Who pays for my injuries after a dog bite?

In most cases, the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance pays the claim rather than the owner personally. These policies typically include liability coverage for injuries caused by a household pet. If the dog was at a rental property or a business, that property’s insurance may also apply. Some owners have no coverage, which can limit recovery. A Los Angeles dog bite attorney can request the policy information and determine whether more than one insurer may be responsible for your medical costs and other losses.

Do I need to report a dog bite in Los Angeles?

Reporting a bite is strongly recommended. In the City of Los Angeles, LA Animal Services investigates dogs that attack people or other animals, and the county’s animal control agency serves unincorporated areas and contract cities. Doctors and hospitals also report bites so the dog can be quarantined and checked for rabies. The report creates an official record of the dog, the owner, and the attack. A Los Angeles, CA dog bite lawyer can obtain a copy of that report when building your claim.

What if the dog belonged to a friend or neighbor?

Many people bitten by a dog they know worry about damaging the relationship. In most cases, the claim is paid by the owner’s insurance company, not from the owner’s savings. A dog bite attorney in LA can deal with the insurer directly, which keeps the claim from becoming a dispute between neighbors. The facts still matter, so write down what happened, take photographs, and keep your medical records, just as you would if a stranger’s dog had attacked you.

What should I do if my child was bitten?

Get medical care first, since bites to a child’s face or hands may need specialized treatment. Keep every record, including those from plastic surgeons and counselors, because scarring and fear of dogs can affect a child for years. California generally pauses the two-year filing window for minors until they turn 18, but evidence and witness memories fade long before then. A dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles can begin the claim now so that your child’s injuries are documented while they are fresh.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?

Most adults have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. A shorter process applies when a public agency is involved, such as a city shelter or a police dog. A written claim to that agency is generally due within six months. Waiting makes it harder to locate the owner, witnesses, and video. A Los Angeles dog bite attorney can tell you during the first conversation which of these time limits governs your claim.

What compensation is available after a dog attack?

Compensation can include emergency care, surgery, rabies treatment, therapy, and the cost of future scar revision. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity may be recoverable if the injuries kept you from working. California law also allows recovery for pain, emotional distress, and disfigurement, which can make up a large share of a dog bite claim. A dog bite lawyer in LA can review your medical records and explain the categories of damages that apply to your situation.

What if the owner says I provoked the dog?

Insurers sometimes argue that the injured person teased, startled, or approached the dog, and these arguments are not always supported by the facts. Witness statements, video footage, and the location of the bite wounds can show what actually happened. If you did share some responsibility, California allows your compensation to be reduced rather than denied. A Los Angeles, CA dog bite attorney can respond to these claims with evidence and keep the focus on the owner’s failure to control the dog.

Can I file a claim if a dog knocked me down but did not bite me?

Yes. A large or excited dog can knock a person to the ground and cause broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. These claims usually depend on whether the owner failed to use reasonable care, for example by letting the dog off leash on a crowded sidewalk or failing to restrain it around guests. Older adults are especially vulnerable to fractures in these falls. A dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles can evaluate the owner’s conduct and the available insurance coverage.

How long does a dog bite case take to resolve?

When the owner’s fault is clear and the bite heals well, a claim may settle a few months after treatment ends. Cases involving surgery, significant scarring, or a disputed account of the attack take longer, often a year or more. Doctors may need time to decide whether scar revision will help, and that decision affects the value of the claim. A lawsuit adds more time. We will give you an estimate at the outset and update it as the case develops.

Important Resources for Los Angeles Dog Bite Cases

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Dog Bite Cases?

The following California statutes set the filing deadlines that apply to injury claims, including dog bite cases. Each one is published on the California Legislature’s official website.

• Civ. Proc. Code 335.1 sets the two-year window for most injury suits filed by adults.
• CCP § 352 pauses the filing period while an injured person is under 18.
• Cal. Gov. Code 911.2 gives an injured person six months to present a claim to a public entity before suing.

What Are Important Local Resources for Los Angeles Dog Bite Cases?

After an attack, you may need to report a dangerous dog or find emergency care. The organizations below can help with both.

• LA Animal Services: (888) 452-7381. The city department investigates dogs that attack people or other animals and holds dangerous animal hearings.
• Animal Care and Control: (562) 940-6898. Los Angeles County’s department takes bite reports and investigates vicious animals in unincorporated areas and contract cities.
• Valley Presbyterian Hospital: (818) 782-6600. This San Fernando Valley hospital’s emergency department is approved for pediatrics.

Cohen Injury Law Group does not endorse and is not affiliated with any organization listed above. This list is provided for informational purposes only.

About Cohen Injury Law Group

The firm’s downtown Los Angeles office sits on West Fifth Street, and additional offices operate in Santa Monica and Ventura. The Wall Street Journal once profiled Wayne as “brash, aggressive, and enterprising.” Nicholas has been featured on the Lawyers in the Making podcast.

What Our Clients Say

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Additional Resources for Los Angeles Dog Bite Cases

• Dog Bite Laws in California: Owner Liability & Your Rights
• Demystifying the True Costs of Personal Injury Beyond Medical Bills
• Hiring a Lawyer vs. Handling Your Own Injury Claim: Real Cost Analysis
• Top Questions for a Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact Cohen Injury Law Group

Dog attacks often leave injuries that take months to heal and scars that last much longer. We represent people bitten or knocked down by dogs throughout Los Angeles, and there is no fee unless we recover compensation. A Los Angeles dog bite attorney will listen to what happened, review your medical records, and identify the owner’s insurer. You can contact us online or by phone to schedule a free consultation. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day.