Practice Area
Dog Bite Attorney
in Glendale, CA
California has one of the strictest dog bite laws in the country. Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. AM Legal pursues full compensation on your behalf.
California Strict Liability Protects Dog Bite Victims
Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. If you were bitten or attacked in Glendale or anywhere in Los Angeles, AM Legal will pursue full compensation for your pain.
Dog bite injuries can be severe, and may include deep lacerations, nerve damage, facial scarring, and significant psychological trauma, especially in children. Insurance companies for homeowners and renters often cover dog bite claims, but they fight hard to minimize payouts. We know how to document the full extent of your injuries, from future medical costs to the psychological impact of the attack.
What to Do
Steps to take after a dog bite in Glendale
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Dog bites carry serious infection risk, including rabies and MRSA. Get to an emergency room or urgent care immediately, even for bites that appear minor. Document all injuries with photographs before and after treatment.
Identify the Dog and Owner
Get the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information. Ask whether the dog is vaccinated. If the owner is not present, get contact information from witnesses and report the incident to your nearest Animal Control center.
Report to Pasadena Humane Society
File a report with the Pasadena Humane Society (626-792-7151). This creates an official record and may trigger an investigation into the dog’s history of aggression.
Contact AM Legal Before Dealing with Insurance
The dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will likely be involved. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any payment without speaking to us first.
Common Questions
Dog bite questions, answered directly.
Is California a strict liability state for dog bites?
Yes. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable for damages suffered by any person bitten by the dog in a public place or lawfully in a private place. You do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent.
What damages can I recover from a dog bite in Glendale?
You can recover medical expenses (including future treatment and reconstructive surgery), lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and in cases involving children, the long-term psychological impact of the attack.
What if the dog bite happened on private property?
You can still recover damages if you were lawfully on the property as a guest, delivery person, mail carrier, or any other invited visitor. The strict liability rule applies on both public and private property.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
The statute of limitations for dog bite claims in California is two years from the date of the bite. Contact us as soon as possible: evidence and witness memories fade quickly.
What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a defense that dog owners sometimes raise to avoid liability. However, the bar for provocation is high. Accidentally stepping on a dog or approaching it does not constitute provocation. We know how to counter this argument with evidence and witness testimony.
The Attorneys
Personal Injury Attorney
Teni Amadian
A member of the Glendale Armenian community and a graduate of Southwestern Law School. She handles every case personally in English and Armenian.
Personal Injury Attorney
Alex Mardirossian
Brings aggressive litigation skills and the backing of McCune Law Group to every case. He handles all cases alongside Teni and speaks English and Romanian.
Free Consultation
Ready to talk about your case?
Free consultations. Same-day response. We serve Glendale, Alhambra, Burbank, Pasadena, and all of Los Angeles.