Should I talk to the dog owner's insurance company after a Burbank dog bite?
No, you should not talk to the dog owner's insurance company immediately after a dog bite in Burbank. The insurance adjuster's job is to protect their client and the company's bottom line, which often means trying to minimize your injuries and potential compensation.
Anything you say can be used against you later to devalue your claim. This includes recorded statements, medical authorizations, or any detailed discussion of the incident or your injuries.
What kinds of cases do Burbank dog bite lawyers handle?
Lawyers who focus on dog bite claims handle cases where a person in Burbank was injured by a dog. California law holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of its viciousness (Civ. Code § 3342(a)). This means you usually do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous beforehand.
These claims can involve injuries ranging from punctures and lacerations to severe nerve damage, infections, and psychological trauma. We also assist those facing significant medical bills, lost wages, and permanent scarring or disfigurement after a dog attack. Dog bite cases require careful attention to detail, from gathering evidence to understanding the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life. Our firm also handles general personal injury claims across Los Angeles, including catastrophic injury cases in Burbank.
What should you do after a dog bite in Burbank?
After a dog bite in Burbank, take these steps to protect your health and your potential claim:
- **Seek Medical Attention Immediately:** Even minor-appearing wounds can become infected. Get prompt medical care to document your injuries and ensure proper treatment.
- **Identify the Dog and Owner:** If possible, get the owner's name, address, phone number, and veterinary information for the dog.
- **Gather Evidence:** Take photos of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and any torn clothing. Get contact information for any witnesses.
- **Report the Bite:** Notify Burbank Animal Control or the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This creates an official record of the incident and helps ensure the dog is quarantined if necessary.
- **Avoid Discussing the Incident:** Do not give a statement to the dog owner's insurance company. Do not post details on social media.
- **Contact a Lawyer:** Talk to a Burbank dog bite lawyer as soon as you can. They can explain your rights and handle communications with insurers.
Where do you file a dog bite claim in Burbank?
If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit for a dog bite that happened in Burbank, your case generally goes to the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases (effective May 17, 2024), a personal injury case arising from an incident in Burbank is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. Your case would be assigned to the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502, and heard in that district's Personal Injury Hub department.
This rule helps keep cases closer to where the events occurred, benefiting all parties involved. This firm also handles property damage claims in Burbank, which follow similar filing rules.
How long do you have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?
Most California personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) from the date of injury. However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency, you must present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352. But Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. Because deadlines have exceptions, you should confirm what applies to your own facts with an attorney. California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering. For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34 does not allow recovery of the decedent's pain, suffering, or disfigurement, but economic losses before death and punitive damages remain available.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have experienced advocates on your side. We begin by listening to your story and understanding the full impact of the dog bite on your life. We then investigate the incident, gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and work to document all your damages.
This includes obtaining medical records, speaking with witnesses, and communicating with insurance companies on your behalf. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your injuries, lost income, and other damages, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. We handle cases across the region, including for residents of Santa Clarita and Santa Ana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dog owner claims my actions provoked the bite?
California's strict liability dog bite law means the owner is generally responsible even if they did not know the dog was dangerous. While provocation can be a defense, it is typically narrowly applied and requires specific evidence. A Burbank lawyer can evaluate the facts to determine if provocation might apply in your case.
Can I recover damages for emotional distress after a dog bite?
Yes, California law allows for the recovery of non-economic damages, which can include compensation for emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and psychological trauma resulting from a dog bite. These damages are part of the overall compensation for your pain and suffering. A dog bite can have lasting emotional impacts, especially on children, and these are valid components of a claim.
Do I have to go to court for a dog bite claim?
Many dog bite claims settle out of court through negotiation with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and potentially going to trial may be necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve. The decision to go to court is always made in consultation with your attorney, based on the specific facts of your case.
What if the dog owner does not have insurance?
Even if the dog owner does not have a specific liability insurance policy, their homeowner's or renter's insurance policy may cover dog bite incidents. If no insurance is available, other avenues for recovery might be explored, though these can be more challenging. An attorney can investigate all potential sources of recovery for your injuries.
If a dog bite in Burbank has turned your life upside down, call Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.