A dog biting someone can be extremely panicky and painful, particularly if the victim is a child and the dog is owned by a wealthy or normal individual. After their dog injured their child, a family in Los Angeles made news when they filed a lawsuit against a celebrity. This case clarifies how vital it is to understand the dangers of dog rights as well as your legal rights in the occasion of a dog bite, especially in a big, busy metropolis like Los Angeles.

Whether you own a dog or are a victim, this event brings up significant personal and legal issues. If you’re looking for lawyers to take on your dog bite case or are different about the possible amount of your payout, this article is for you.

Considerations for Dog Bite Lawyer in Los Angeles Research

Choosing the right Dog Bite Lawyer is essential if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, especially in a location like Los Angeles, where cases involving known or valuable individuals are more common. This is what to search for:

Familiarity with dog bites and personal injury law

Not every personal injury attorney has extensive knowledge of dog bite situations.  Insurance meetings, dealing with well-known victims, and a thorough understanding of California’s stringent liability statutes are all necessary for these cases.

A solid standing and a track record of achievements

Look for client reviews, case results, and peer recognition. Has the attorney or firm won settlements in similar cases? Have they worked with complex or high-value claims?

Effective communication and quick reaction

You should have a lawyer who keeps you updated on the matter, answers your questions immediately, and fully explains your options.

No pressure, and a free consultation

A quality law firm will offer a no-obligation consultation to help you understand your case before asking for a commitment. There should be no pressure to sign immediately.

Contingency fee arrangement

There should be no upfront payment required.  You don’t pay unless your lawsuit is won or settled, so reputable firms will take your case on a contingency basis.

Different Kinds of Dog Bite Injuries

A variety of physical and mental harm can result from dog attacks. While some may heal greatly quickly, others can have lifelong consequences, particularly for children.

Most Typical Dog Bite Injuries:

Deep bites can result in puncture wounds, cuts, and tears in the skin and muscles.

• Among the infections include rabies, cellulitis, and MRSA.
• Nerve damage: causing persistent discomfort or a loss of motion.
• For facial injuries, plastic or surgical repair is often required.
• Scarring and disfigurement: leading to emotional distress and insecurity.
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, fear, and nightmares are common, mostly in younger victims.

Dog Bite Statistics:

• In the United States, dogs bite approximately 4.5 million people annually.
• Eight hundred thousand of those bites need medical care.
• Children who are five to nine years old are most vulnerable.
• Nearly $1.3 billion was paid out by insurance companies in 2023 to resolve dog bite claims.
• California has one of the highest rates of dog bite complaints.

A bite can have a big impact on someone’s life, even though it can seem like a little damage.  Even one violent experience might cause irreversible bodily and psychological harm.

Howell LLP Knows How to Handle These Cases

In Los Angeles dog bite cases and throughout California, we at Howell LLP have a great deal of expertise dealing with dog bite cases. Both common pet owners and well-known people have been the subject of litigation in which we have represented clients. Our legal staff is skilled in the investigation, planning, and negotiation of dog bite claims to guarantee that our clients obtain just recompense.

What Sets Howell LLP Apart:

• Decades of experience in personal injury and civil litigation
• Proven success in dog bite and animal attack cases
• Transparent communication with no pressure to hire
• Free consultation to evaluate your case and legal options
• No fees unless we succeed since we have a stake in your success.

Our strategy is centered on empowering, educating, and supporting you.  We’ll talk about your injuries and alternatives, go over the occurrence, and walk you through the next steps during your free hiring. Whether or not you choose to use us, we want you to be satisfied with your choice.

The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney in Dog Bite Cases

“Do I really need a lawyer for a dog bite?” is a question you may be asking.  The answer is nearly always in the affirmative, particularly when there is a serious injury, a well-known defendant, or a recalcitrant insurance company.

Advantages of Legal Counseling:

• To Get the Most Money: A lot of folks don’t realize how much their case is worth. A skilled lawyer will account for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and future medical needs.
• Deal with Insurance Companies: Victims are frequently pressured to accept a lower settlement by insurers.  To prevent exploitation, your attorney bargains on your side.
• Assemble proof and construct a compelling argument: Everything required to establish liability will be gathered by your lawyer, including witness statements and medical data.
• Handle Well-Known Defendants: Celebrities and affluent people often hire strong law firms.  You need a support system that can deal with pressure and media attention.

California has strong liability laws, but a Dog Bite Lawyer in Los Angeles with advocacy and experience is still needed to succeed in the legal system and secure a fair outcome.

Techniques Defendants Employ to Steer Clear of Paying Victims

Whether the defendant is a well-known public person or a typical dog owner, their objective is frequently to pay as little as possible.  They (and their legal staff) may employ the following typical strategies:

• Denying Responsibility: claiming they were unsure of the dog’s threat or that they were not present when the incident occurred.
• Putting the Blame on the Victim: Making the claim that the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog.
• Delaying Tactics: Include stringing out the process in order to emotionally or financially exhaust the victim.
• Lowball Settlements: Providing quick cash in order to evade a later, bigger payout.
• Discrediting Witnesses or Medical Claims: Attempting to show that injuries are exaggerated or unrelated to the incident.

These strategies are designed to make you accept less or give up altogether. Don’t fall into these traps, let a qualified attorney push back and advocate for your rights.

How Dog Bite Injuries Can Affect You for the Rest of Your Life

Some dog bite victims recover within weeks. Others carry the effects for a lifetime. Especially for children or those with visible injuries, the aftermath can impact everything from confidence to career choices.

Long-Term Effects Include:

• Chronic Pain and Mobility Issues
• Disfigurement and Scarring
• Emotional Trauma and Anxiety Disorders
• Fear of Animals or Public Places
• Ongoing Medical Costs
• Lost Income or Earning Potential

Sometimes, a single bite causes problems that require years of therapy, several operations, or changes. Such long-term demands are not declined or ignored, thanks to a strong legal case.

Three Most Important Things After a Dog Bite Injury

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even minor bites can lead to serious infections or hidden damage. Immediate treatment ensures better recovery and supports your legal case.

Report the Incident

Call local animal control and file a police report. This documentation will be essential for your claim.

Call a Lawyer Early

Before speaking to the insurance company or signing anything, speak to an attorney. Your words and actions can affect your compensation.

Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Dog Bite Incidents

Q: Can I file a lawsuit if the dog has never bitten a human before?

Yes.  Due to California’s severe liability dog bite laws, the owner is actually accountable even if the dog has never acted badly.

Q:  What would happen if the dog belonged to a famous person?

You still have the same legal rights. The key difference is the resources the celebrity might use to defend themselves. That’s why having an experienced attorney is required.

Q: What is the value of my dog bite case?

The long-term effects of your injuries, pain, and suffering, missed wages, and medical expenses all play a role.  Tens of thousands are paid in certain situations, while millions are paid in others.

Q: What if I don’t want to go to court?

Most cases are settled outside of court. Howell LLP is skilled in negotiation and will only pursue a trial if absolutely necessary—and only with your consent.

Q: What if I am partially to blame?

Even if you’re partially responsible, you may still be entitled to compensation under California’s comparative fault laws.

Good Results Howell LLP Has Achieved – Call Us Today

At Howell LLP, we have helped many people in Los Angeles get money after dog bite injuries. We are aware of how scary and painful dog attacks may be.  We ensure that our clients are supported and heard.

We have helped people with serious injuries, including scars and emotional pain. Some cases involved dogs owned by famous people who didn’t keep others safe. We have also fought against insurance companies that tried to pay less or say no.

We will make every effort to assist you, regardless of who owns the dog.  Give us a call for a free consultation if a dog has injured you. We will assist you and go over your options without pressuring you to work with us.