If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Huntington Beach, call 323-524-9619 for your free case evaluation.
Dog-friendly Huntington Beach appeals to residents and visitors alike. Whether you visit the Huntington Dog Beach between Goldenwest and Seapoint or spend time at one of the many restaurants that welcome pooches alongside their owners, you are sure to run across a wide variety of breeds and temperaments.
Of course, with so many opportunities for human and dog interactions, there is the very real risk of experiencing dog bite injuries and the trauma that comes with them. Our staff at MKP Law Group, LLP, understands your pain and is well-versed in the complexity of dog bite cases. If your recent visit to Huntington Beach resulted in a dog bite, talk with one of our dog bite lawyers about your dog bite claim, as they will not charge you a fee unless they win. Book your free case evaluation to get an estimate of your dog bite claim.
Principales conclusiones
- California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning dog owners can be held responsible even if their dog has never shown aggression before.
- Dog bite injuries can cause serious long-term harm, including infections, nerve damage, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and costly medical treatment.
- Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future rehabilitation expenses.
- Children are especially vulnerable to severe dog bite injuries due to their smaller size and increased risk of facial and upper-body injuries.
- A Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer from MKP La w Group, LLP can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the fair compensation you deserve after a dog attack.
California Dog Bite Laws & Your Rights
California Civil Code §3342 defines a level of strict liability for Huntington Beach dog owners if their pet bites you. The dog owner is liable for bites that occur in public places and on private property. It is immaterial if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The law considers public places the parks, beaches, or sidewalks. Private properties refer to a place where you were legally, as a tenant, a guest, or a mail carrier.
Legal Rights After Suffering a Dog Bite
A dog bite refers to anything from minor punctures to more severe lacerations. As a dog bite victim, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress. However, you only have a two-year window in which to bring your claim.
Special Protections for Minors Who are Victims of Dog Bites
California uses a comparative negligence system to gauge compensation for damages. When minors are involved, there are special considerations. For example, a minor under the age of five is exempt from considerations of personal negligence. For older children, negligence is adjusted to reflect what a reasonable child of that specific age and experience would do. Additionally, the two-year statute of limitations does not begin until the minor turns 18.
Common Dog Bite Injuries & Their Impact
As a dog bite victim, you are most likely dealing with physical injuries as well as a psychological impact of the attack. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds.
- Deeper lacerations.
- Nerve and tissue damage.
- Facial injuries and possible lifelong disfigurement.
- Broken bones from the attack’s impact.
- Infection risk, including rabies.
The psychological wounds are not easy to see, but they are just as real. Victims report PTSD, anxiety disorders, a fear of dogs, and an overall impact on their quality of life. For children, there is the possibility of additional emotional trauma.
Who Is Liable in Huntington Beach Dog Bite Cases?
We have already discussed that the primary liability after a dog bite rests with the dog’s owner. However, there may be additional considerations. For example, a landlord or property owner may be liable if they knew the dog was dangerous, but they failed to control the animal so that it could not bite anyone.
Another liability may rest with dog walkers, whom you frequently see in Huntington Beach parks. Even though they only have temporary control of the animal that does not belong to them, they may still be liable if they failed to supervise and restrain the dog while in their care adequately. If a police dog bites someone, liability typically falls on the city, but only if the bite occurred without their being a suspect or otherwise the target of the police action.
A Closer Look at Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress are only some of the losses for which you may request compensation. The law typically recognizes economic and non-economic damages.
Daños económicos
When you have receipts for treatments received or expect future financial losses because of the dog bite, the law considers it economic damage. Examples include the stitches you received during emergency medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, counseling, future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and property damage. If you drop your iPhone after being bitten by a dog, the damage is economic.
Non-Economical Damages
Chronic pain, lasting tenderness, nightmares, self-esteem issues, and avoiding areas where dogs may be present fall under non-economic damages. They are called suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Damages When Children are the Dog Bite Victims
Children frequently have increased emotional and cosmetic damage. Scars cause trauma. Trauma affects the child’s life. The dog bite may adversely affect the child’s ability to deal with others and be around dogs. Courts recognize the potential need for long-term psychological counseling and for addressing problems involving a child’s education.
Filing a Claim With the Insurance Company
For a bite happening at the dog owner’s home, the homeowners’ insurance is typically liable. Bites taking place in the common areas of rented spaces should be filed with the property’s liability policy or the dog owner’s renters insurance. Business insurance may be considered liable if the bite happened in a commercial setting.
Typically, you would get medical treatment, report the dog bite to Huntington Beach Animal Control, and get as much information about the animal’s owner as you can. You would then open an insurance claim along with the necessary paperwork, such as medical records, photos, witness statements, and so on. The insurance adjusters will assign a claim number and conduct its own investigation.
However, the insurance company does not have the dog bite victim’s best interests in mind. Instead, they work to minimize any payout. Quick, lowball settlement offers are not uncommon. Additionally, the insurer may blame you for the bite, claim a reduced extent of your injuries, and look for other ways to limit any claim payouts.
This is why working with an experienced Huntington Beach dog bite and personal injury attorney is critical. Our dog bite attorneys at MKP Law Group have experience with the insurer’s delaying tactics, will pursue personal assets when necessary, and look for alternative means of compensation. Most importantly, they will not allow the company to lowball you or drag out the case.
Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in California
Dog bite settlement amounts in Huntington Beach can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the attack. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, medical treatment costs, lost wages, emotional trauma, and whether permanent scarring or nerve damage occurred can all influence the value of a claim. Because every case is different, there is no “average” payout that applies to every victim.
Working with an experienced Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer can make a major difference when pursuing compensation. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or offer quick settlements that fail to cover the full extent of a victim’s damages. An attorney can help evaluate your case, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you may deserve. Use our settlement calculator to estimate the potential value of your claim, or contact MKP Law Group for a free case evaluation tailored to your situation.
| Localización/Medida | Importe de la liquidación |
| Estados Unidos | $58,545 |
| California | $68,125 |
| Alcance medio | $10,000 - $100,000 |
| Mediana | $75,000 - $80,000 |
Why Choose MKP Law Group for Your Huntington Beach Dog Bite Case
It’s important to work with a law firm, such as MKP Law Group, with a solid track record of handling dog bite cases. Moreover, the firm has a long-standing Huntington Beach presence and understands the settings that may have led to the bite injury. As an established dog bite attorney, the firm routinely works with a network of medical professionals to get you the care you need, has the resources needed for complex cases, and operates on a contingency fee structure. The friendly staff at MKP Law Group provides personalized attention to each and every client.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite
It is vital to seek medical attention and care immediately after a dog bite. Because there is a risk of infection, a doctor should see even slight lacerations. Document your injuries with medical reports and photos. Report the bite to Huntington Beach Animal Control (and the police if necessary). Instead of talking to the insurance company or posting about the bite on social media, speak to an attorney first. Allow them to guide you and prevent actions or statements that may harm your legal rights.
Local Huntington Beach Resources
- Medical facilities. The Hoag Hospital Huntington Beach is located at 19582 Beach Boulevard. Another option is the MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center at 18111 Brookhurst Street in nearby Fountain Valley.
- Animal control. Huntington Beach Police Animal Control Services investigates dog bites. Call (714) 796-6421 or visit the online reporting form for Orange County Animal Care at https://www.ocpetinfo.com/sites/ocac/files/import/data/files/73685.pdf.
- Legal resources. The Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) operates a lawyer referral service. Call them at (949) 440-6747 or (877) 257-4762. There is also an online form (http://lrisoc.org/referral.html) if you prefer to use it.
Contact MKP Law Group Today and Protect Your Legal Rights
Serving Huntington Beach and all of Orange County, our MKP Law Group dog bite attorneys offer a free consultation. If there is no recovery, you are guaranteed a fee waiver. Talk to a Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer for free today. Call 323-524-9619 now!
Areas MKP Law Group Serves
MKP Law Group serves all of LA County and the surrounding areas. Please do not hesitate to reach out for your free consultation. We are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve!
- Los Angeles, California
- Long Beach, California
- Orange County, California
- San Bernardino, California
- Riverside, California
- Imperial County, California
- Ventura County, California
- Huntington Beach, California
- Anaheim, California
- Irvine, California
- Hemet, California
Frequently Asked Dog Bite Questions
What happens if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
The dog’s owner is liable upon the report of a first bite. It does not matter if the dog has always been docile or has no history of biting anyone.
Can I sue even though I am partially to blame for the bite?
Yes, you can. However, your compensation will be reduced by comparative negligence. This means that compensation depends on your percentage of fault; it will not be eliminated.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Your best course of action is to discuss your dog bite case with a Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer. There is a good chance that the first offer will be intentionally conservative and low.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite incident in Huntington Beach?
After a dog bite, seek medical attention immediately to reduce the risk of infection and document your injuries. You should also report the attack to Huntington Beach Animal Control, gather the dog owner’s contact and insurance information, take photographs of your injuries, and avoid speaking with the insurance company before consulting an attorney. Taking these steps early can help protect both your health and your legal claim.
Can you sue for a dog bite in California?
Yes. California follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases, meaning a dog owner can be held responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to the attack. MKP Law Group helps Huntington Beach dog bite victims protect their rights and pursue full financial recovery.
What are California dog bite laws?
California Civil Code §3342 holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. Unlike some states, California does not have a “one bite rule,” so owners may still be liable even if the dog never showed aggression in the past. These laws are designed to protect victims and make it easier to recover compensation after an attack.
How long does it take to settle a dog bite claim?
Every dog bite case is different, but many claims settle within a few months to a year depending on the severity of the injuries, the insurance company’s cooperation, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Cases involving severe injuries, permanent scarring, or disputed liability may take longer. An experienced Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer can help move the process forward while fighting for maximum compensation.
Do dog bite cases usually go to court?
Most dog bite claims are resolved through insurance settlements and never make it to trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes liability, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. Having an experienced Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer can strengthen your case during negotiations and prepare you for court if needed.
Why do I need a Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer?
Dog bite cases often involve insurance companies that try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the victim. A Huntington Beach dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the compensation you may deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Working with an attorney also helps ensure important deadlines and legal requirements are properly handled.
