Westwood Dog Bite Lawyer

Were you injured in a dog bite accident in Westwood? 

We help injured clients in Westwood pursue full recovery in dog bite matters.

If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Westwood, an attorney can help you hold the dog’s owner accountable under California’s strict liability law and pursue compensation for your injuries. Our Westwood, CA dog bite lawyer at Cohen Injury Law Group handles dog bite claims on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Founding attorney Wayne R. Cohen has represented personal injury clients since 1991. Contact our office for a free consultation.

Dog Bite Lawyer Westwood, CA

California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. Under Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog’s bite if the bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property. The victim does not need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. That is a significant distinction from states that follow a “one-bite rule,” where the owner is only liable if the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior.

A dog bite attorney in Westwood, CA can help you determine whether strict liability, negligence, or both apply to your case. Some claims involve a combination of theories, particularly when a landlord, property manager, or business owner had knowledge of a dangerous animal on their premises.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Westwood

Dog attacks happen in many different settings, and the circumstances of the bite shape both the legal theory and the parties who may be held responsible. We represent dog bite victims across Westwood, including cases involving:

• Dog bites in public places. Parks, sidewalks, outdoor dining areas, and other public spaces in and around Westwood are common sites for dog bite incidents. Under California law, the owner is strictly liable for bites that occur in any public setting, regardless of the dog’s prior history.
• Dog bites on private property. If you were bitten while lawfully on someone else’s property, whether as an invited guest, a tenant, a delivery person, or a customer, the dog’s owner is liable for the injuries under the same strict liability statute.
• Dog attacks on children. Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites. They are more likely than adults to be bitten and tend to suffer more severe injuries, including bites to the face, head, and neck. Federal health data shows that children under 14 account for a significant share of dog bite emergency department visits each year.
• Off-leash dog attacks. When a dog that is not on a leash or otherwise properly restrained attacks someone, the owner may face liability under both the strict liability statute and general negligence principles for failing to control their animal.
• Dog bites causing scarring or disfigurement. Bites to the face, arms, and hands frequently leave permanent scars. These injuries carry significant noneconomic damages because of the lasting physical and emotional effects of visible disfigurement.
• Multiple-dog attacks. Attacks involving more than one dog can cause devastating, sometimes fatal injuries. Each dog’s owner may be held liable independently, and identifying all responsible parties is an important part of building the claim.
• Landlord liability for tenant’s dog. In certain situations, a landlord who knew that a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action may face a premises liability claim in addition to the strict liability claim against the dog’s owner.

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

Committed Advocacy for Injured Clients

Wayne R. Cohen founded Cohen Injury Law Group and has represented personal injury clients, including dog bite victims, since 1991. His legal commentary has appeared in the LA Times, CNBC, USA Today, and the ABA Journal. Wayne graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan and cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law, and he currently teaches as a Professorial Lecturer at GWU Law School. Over 35 years of plaintiff-side practice, attorney Wayne Cohen has recovered millions of dollars for clients with serious injuries.

Nicholas E. Cohen is the firm’s Managing Partner. A graduate of USC and Loyola Law School Los Angeles, Nicholas oversees case operations and brings a combination of legal training and business acumen to the firm’s client advocacy.

If you need a personal injury lawyer in Westwood, CA, Cohen Injury Law Group represents plaintiffs exclusively. We do not represent dog owners, insurance companies, or property managers. Every dog bite case we accept is handled on a contingency basis.

What Is Important to Understand About a Dog Bite Case?

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite victims in California can recover both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages cover the costs that come with documentation: emergency room treatment, surgery, wound care, antibiotics, rabies treatment if necessary, physical therapy, and lost income during recovery. Some dog bite injuries require reconstructive surgery, particularly bites to the face, and those costs can extend well into the future.

Noneconomic damages address losses that are harder to assign a dollar amount to. Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, anxiety around animals, permanent scarring, and the loss of enjoyment of everyday activities are all compensable under California law. For children who are bitten, the emotional and psychological effects can persist for years and should be accounted for in the claim.

What Are Important Aspects of a Dog Bite Case?

Dog bite claims in California benefit from the strict liability standard, but there are still factual questions that can affect the value and outcome of a case.

• The severity and location of the bite directly influence the damages. A bite to the hand that requires surgery and limits mobility is valued differently than a bite to the leg that heals without lasting effects.
• Medical treatment should begin immediately after the attack. Prompt care documents the connection between the bite and your injuries, and delays give insurance companies an opening to dispute the claim.
• Identifying the dog and its owner is a necessary step. If the owner is unknown, animal control records, neighborhood surveillance footage, and witness statements can help establish identity.
• Photographs of the injuries, the scene, and the dog itself, if available, provide strong evidence. So do medical records, animal control reports, and any documentation of prior aggressive behavior by the dog.

What Is the Dog Bite Case Timeline?

Most dog bite cases follow a relatively direct path, though the timeline depends on the extent of the injuries and whether the owner’s insurer cooperates.

• After seeking medical treatment, report the attack to your local animal control agency. This creates an official record and may trigger an investigation into the dog’s history.
• Your attorney reviews the facts, confirms the dog owner’s identity and insurance coverage, and begins assembling the medical and financial records that support the claim.
• Once treatment is complete, your attorney calculates the full value of damages and sends a demand to the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance carrier.
• If negotiations produce a fair result, the case settles. If not, your attorney files a lawsuit and the case moves into litigation.
• California gives you two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit under CCP § 335.1.

What Should You Bring to Your Dog Bite Consultation?

The more information you bring, the faster your attorney can evaluate whether you have a viable claim and begin the process.

• Photographs of the bite injuries taken as soon as possible after the attack
• Medical records and bills from emergency treatment and follow-up care
• The animal control report or any police report filed in connection with the incident
• The dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information, if known
• Contact information for anyone who witnessed the attack

Your attorney will review what you have, explain how California’s dog bite laws apply, and outline the next steps based on the specifics of your situation.

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Dog Bite Cases?

California’s dog bite laws include strict liability provisions, general negligence statutes, and a statute of limitations that applies to all personal injury claims. The following resources provide a starting point for locating the relevant law.

• Civil Code § 3342 establishes strict liability for dog owners when their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property.
• California Civil Code § 1714 defines the general duty of care, which serves as the legal foundation for negligence-based dog bite claims.
• CCP § 335.1 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases.
• The California Courts Self-Help Center provides information on filing a personal injury lawsuit and what to expect during the civil litigation process.
• The CDC’s dog bite data provides national statistics and prevention guidance related to dog bite injuries in the United States.

Reach Out to Cohen Injury Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

If you or a family member was bitten by a dog in Westwood, CA, Cohen Injury Law Group can help you understand your legal options. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation. Your first consultation is free. Contact us to schedule a case review.