Santa Monica Dog Bite Lawyer

Bitten by a Dog in Santa Monica? We Can Help.

Santa Monica is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Southern California, from Main Street to Palisades Park. Most encounters are friendly, but when a dog bites or knocks someone down, the injuries can be serious and the next steps can feel confusing.

At United Attorney Group, we help dog bite victims in Santa Monica and across Los Angeles County pursue fair compensation. Many people hesitate because they know the dog’s owner. We handle these cases with care and discretion, and in most cases compensation is paid by the owner’s insurance company, not by the owner personally.

Santa Monica clients choose our attorneys because we offer:

• Decades of combined experience handling serious injury cases.
• A track record of significant settlements and verdicts.
• Trial lawyers who stand up to insurance companies.
• No attorney fees unless we win your case.

Call our Santa Monica office at (310) 295-9200 or request a free consultation.

California’s Dog Bite Law

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property, including the owner’s home. You generally do not have to prove the dog was aggressive before. California has no “one-bite rule” for bite injuries.

The rule may not apply if the injured person was trespassing, provoked the dog, or was bitten by a police or military dog on duty. If a dog knocked you down without biting, you may still have a claim based on the owner’s negligence, such as ignoring leash rules.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

1. Get medical care right away, even if the bite looks minor.
2. Get the owner’s name, contact details, insurance information, and the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
3. Report the bite to Santa Monica Animal Control.
4. Photograph your injuries and the place where the attack happened, and note any witnesses.
5. Keep all medical bills and records of missed work.
6. Speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.

Compensation You May Recover

Dog bites often cause deep wounds, infections, nerve damage, scarring, and emotional trauma, especially in children. A claim may include compensation for medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Time Limits

In California, most dog bite lawsuits must be filed within two years of the bite (Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1). Claims involving a government agency usually require a written claim within six months, so it is best to act quickly.

Call (310) 295-9200 or contact us online for a free consultation. Se habla español.