Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles (2024)

Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles: Dog bites are scary. They can leave you with physical and emotional scars, not to mention a mountain of medical bills. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be attacked by a dog in Los Angeles, you need the best possible legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve. But with so many “Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles” and “Dog Bite Attorney in LA” options out there, how do you know who to trust? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.

In this post, I’m going to dive deep into a curated list of the best dog-bite lawyers in Los Angeles. We’ll be uncovering their experience, track record, and areas of expertise, all to help you make an informed decision about the legal muscle you need in your corner.

Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles

Here’s a list of some highly regarded dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles:

Alan Ahdoot

Alan Ahdoot is an attorney known for handling dog bite cases. He is a partner at Adamson Ahdoot LLP, a law firm based in California. The firm specializes in personal injury cases, including dog bite injuries. Here’s a notable case involving a dog bite that Alan Ahdoot and his firm handled:

$500k Settlement for Dog Bite Injuries: In this case, Adamson Ahdoot LLP represented a client whose partner was a dog trainer. The partner had agreed to take care of the defendant’s adult Boxer dog through a dog-care company.

Matthew P. Blair

Matthew P. Blair is an experienced attorney based in Los Angeles, California. Since 2011, he has successfully litigated a wide variety of personal injury and employment law cases, recovering millions in compensation for his clients.

In dog bite cases, Mr. Blair works diligently to secure maximum compensation for his clients. Whether through settlements or verdicts, he has consistently achieved favorable outcomes for those injured due to dog bites.

Laura Lynn Davidson

Laura Lynn Davidson is a Partner at Jacoby & Meyers, an experienced trial lawyer who holds large corporations and insurance companies accountable for their wrongdoing. Her practice focuses on catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, slip and fall, and motor carrier liability cases. Here are some key points about her:

1. A $5.1 million jury verdict for a woman who suffered serious orthopedic injuries after her vehicle collided with a commercial truck that had illegally crossed into her lane.
2. A $2.5 million settlement for a 60-year-old man who suffered severe spinal cord injuries after a waste truck crashed into his mini-van.
3. A $2.3 million settlement on behalf of the family of Alan Mulder, who was killed by an intoxicated woman claiming contributory negligence.
4. A $2.25 million settlement for a 40-year-old man who suffered severe spinal cord injuries when a delivery van rear-ended his car.

Juan J. Dominguez

Juan J. Dominguez is a nationally recognized, award-winning bilingual attorney. As the Founder, CEO, and Managing Partner of The Dominguez Firm, he has been instrumental in securing justice for injured accident victims. Here are some key points about him:

1. While specific dog bite case winnings are not mentioned in the available information, it’s important to note that Attorney Dominguez’s firm has recovered over $1 billion for deserving clients.
2. His successful track record extends beyond dog bite cases and includes various personal injury claims.

Michael Ehline

Michael Ehline is a prominent dog bite lawyer who has dedicated his legal career to representing victims of dog attacks. As an experienced attorney, he has successfully handled numerous dog bite cases, advocating for injured individuals and helping them obtain compensation for their injuries. Here are some key points about Michael Ehline and his accomplishments:

1. Ehline Law Firm has secured over $150 million in landmark verdicts and settlements for their clients since 2005.
2. These substantial winnings demonstrate their commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for dog bite victims.

Los Angeles Laws for Dog Owners and Dog Bites

Being a dog owner in Los Angeles comes with responsibilities outlined by California law. These laws aim to protect public safety and ensure fair compensation for dog bite victims.

Here’s a breakdown of key points:

• Leash Laws: In Los Angeles, all dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet long whenever they are in public places. This includes parks, sidewalks, and even beaches with designated leash-free zones.
• Licensing: Dog owners in Los Angeles County are required to license their dogs with the Department of Animal Care and Control. This helps ensure proper identification and vaccination records are maintained.
• Strict Liability for Dog Bites: California operates under a “strict liability” law for dog bites. This means dog owners are held liable for any damages caused by their dog’s bite, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggression. However, there are exceptions for bites inflicted on trespassers or during provoked attacks.
• Dog Bite Reporting: Any dog bite incident that breaks the skin or requires medical attention must be reported to Animal Care and Control. This helps track dog bite statistics and identify potentially dangerous animals.
• Quarantine Requirements: Dogs involved in bite incidents will typically be quarantined for observation to ensure they are free of rabies and other diseases.
• Fines and Penalties: Dog owners who violate leash laws or licensing requirements can be fined. Additionally, depending on the severity of the bite and the dog’s history, the owner may face legal action.

File a Dog Bite Accident Lawsuit in LA

Filing a dog bite accident lawsuit in Los Angeles involves several important steps. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, follow these guidelines to protect your rights and seek compensation:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
   • Your health and safety are the top priority. Seek medical treatment promptly after the dog bite incident.
   • Visit the hospital emergency room or an urgent care facility. If necessary, call 911 for immediate assistance.
   • Inform emergency responders and medical providers about when and where the dog attack occurred.
2. Document the Incident:
   • If possible, gather evidence from the scene. Take photos and videos of the dog, the location, any blood on the ground, and your injuries.
   • Collect the names and phone numbers of witnesses who saw the attack.
   • Preserve any torn or bloodied clothing as evidence.
3. Report the Incident:
   • Most cities and counties have an Animal Control division. Report the dog bite incident to them.
   • If you’re unsure where to report, contact the local police. Don’t assume that the emergency room has already reported the attack.
4. Locate the Dog Owner:
   • Contact the dog owner directly or send them a notification letter.
   • Make it clear that you hold them responsible for the attack.
   • Inquire whether they have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that covers dog bites.
5. Research Local Dog Bite Laws:
   • Understand your municipality’s specific laws related to dog bites.
   • Some areas may have stricter regulations than others, which can help prove the dog owner’s liability.
6. Be Cautious When Speaking to the Insurance Adjuster:
   • The insurance company may contact you soon after you file a claim.
   • Be mindful of what you say to the adjuster. Consult with a personal injury attorney before providing a statement.
   • Avoid accepting quick settlement offers; negotiate based on the true value of your claim.

How can I find the Best Dog Bite Lawyers in LA?

Here are some tips to find the best dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles:

1. Look for lawyers who specialize in personal injury cases involving dog bites and animal attacks. These lawyers will have specific expertise in this area of law.
2. Check online reviews from reputable sites like Avvo, Martindale.com, Google Reviews, etc. Pay attention to reviews specifically mentioning dog bite/animal attack cases.
3. Ask for referrals from friends, family, your local bar association, or other attorneys you may know in the LA area.
4. Consider lawyers who are members of organizations like the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, or American Association for Justice.
5. Schedule consultations with prospective lawyers. Many offer free initial consultations to discuss your case.
6. Ask about their trial experience with dog bite cases and their success rate in obtaining favorable settlements or verdicts.
7. Make sure the lawyer you choose has resolved cases similar to the severity and details of your particular dog bite incident.

What types of damages are eligible for a Dog Bite Lawsuit in LA?

In a dog bite lawsuit in Los Angeles, California, several types of damages may be eligible for compensation. These include:

• Medical expenses: This covers costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical care required due to the dog bite injuries.
• Lost wages: If the victim missed work due to the injuries sustained from the dog bite, they can seek compensation for lost wages, including future lost earning capacity if the injuries are severe or permanent.
• Pain and suffering: These are non-economic damages awarded to compensate the victim for the physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and reduction in quality of life caused by the dog bite incident.
• Disfigurement and scarring: Dog bites can often result in severe scarring or disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face. Compensation may be awarded for these types of permanent injuries.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the dog owner’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, such as knowingly keeping a dangerous dog, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the owner.
• Property damage: If any personal property, such as clothing or other items, was damaged during the dog attack, the costs to repair or replace these items may be recoverable.

What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Los Angeles?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, here are the important steps you should take immediately:

• Seek medical attention: Even if the bite seems minor, get it checked out by a doctor or go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room. Dog bites can easily get infected, and proper treatment is crucial.
• Report the incident: Report the dog bite to the local authorities, which in Los Angeles would be the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control. They will document the incident.
• Obtain information: Get the name, address, and contact information of the dog’s owner. Also, try to get details on the dog’s vaccination history.
• Collect evidence: If possible, take photos of your injuries and the scene where the bite occurred. Also, try to get the names/contacts of any witnesses.
• Don’t give a statement: Consult a lawyer before giving any official statements about the incident to the dog owner’s insurance company.
• Seek legal counsel: Contact an experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on preserving evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and protecting your rights.
• Keep records: Document all your medical treatment, expenses incurred, time off work, and how the injury has impacted your daily life.

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