Northern California Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Attack/Dog Bite

California law requires that animal owners control their pets and keep them from injuring anyone. When a dog owner fails to keep his or her pet under control, the results can be bloody and permanent. At the Law Office of Balamuth Harrington, LLP, we have extensive experience with dog bites and dog attacks in the Bay Area, especially involving children who have been bitten in the face. This is, unfortunately, where most dog bites occur. In order to pursue these cases, a Northern California dog bite attorney must obtain expert opinions from plastic surgeons in order to get the full value for injuries such as scar and nerve damage.

Dog attacks represent some of the most gruesome personal injuries that are suffered, particularly where a child is involved (as is often the case). 

California has a strict liability dog bite statute that states that the owner of a dog is liable for damages inflicted by his/her dog if it bites a person who is either in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.  The dog owner is liable regardless of whether the dog had ever been vicious before and regardless of whether the owner had reason to believe it would behave in a vicious manner.  The dog does not get "one free bite." 

Regrettably, if a stray dog bites you in California, you have little legal recourse because you must file your claim against a dog’s owner or keeper.  In California, your municipality is not responsible for the dog, even if you have called the animal warden several times to pick up the stray.

Dog Bite and Dog Attack Verdicts & Settlements:

Listed below are verdicts and settlements obtained by the Law Office of Balamuth Harrington, LLP on behalf of victims of dog attacks and dog bites:

Case Name: Trent Doe v. Dog Owners
Recovery Range: $100,000 - $250,000

Case Name: Taylor Doe v. Homeowner
Recovery Range: $100,000 - $250,000

Click here for more information about these dog bite and attack verdicts and settlements.