Can I still file a dog bite claim in Glendale if I was partly to blame?
Yes, you can still seek compensation for a dog bite in Glendale even if you had some responsibility for what happened. California uses a pure comparative negligence system, which means your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering entirely.
A Glendale dog bite claim must show the dog bit you in a public place or lawfully in a private place. California law (Civ. Code § 3342(a)) holds dog owners strictly liable, regardless of whether the dog had bitten before or if the owner knew of any vicious tendencies.
Where do you file a dog bite lawsuit in Glendale?
A personal injury case stemming from a dog bite in Glendale is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local rules, these cases are assigned to the judicial district where the incident occurred, falling under that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
For incidents within Glendale, this typically means your case will be heard at the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502. The proper courthouse may change, so always confirm with the court's official locator for your specific facts.
How long do you have to file a dog bite claim in California?
Most personal injury claims, including those for dog bites, must be filed within two years from the date of injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim involves a city, county, or other public agency in Glendale, you must present a written claim to that public entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
Failure to meet these deadlines usually means you lose your right to pursue compensation. For injured minors, the general two-year deadline is paused during their minority (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352), but this pause does not apply to the six-month deadline for claims against public entities.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm such as pain and suffering. If you were injured by a dog in Glendale, understanding these deadlines and what you can recover is important.
What should you do after a dog bite in Glendale?
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care for your injuries immediately. This protects your health and creates a record of the incident and your injuries.
- Report the Bite: Report the dog bite to Glendale Animal Control. They can investigate the incident and ensure the dog is quarantined if necessary.
- Gather Information: If possible, collect the dog owner's contact information, including their name, address, and phone number. Ask for information about the dog's vaccination history.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, the location of the bite, and any other relevant details. These visual records can be crucial evidence.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing worn during the attack and avoid cleaning or altering it. This could contain forensic evidence.
- Contact a Lawyer: Speak with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and file your claim within the strict deadlines.
What kinds of cases do we handle for dog bite victims in Los Angeles County?
Our firm helps people injured by dog bites across Los Angeles County. Whether you suffered puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, or emotional trauma from an attack, we pursue the full compensation available under California law.
We work with victims in Glendale and neighboring communities like Santa Clarita and San Gabriel. Our experience includes cases where dog owners deny responsibility, when the dog has a history of aggression, and when injuries require extensive medical treatment or reconstructive surgery. We also handle cases involving different types of liability, such as when the dog owner is a landlord, or when a business fails to control an animal on its property.
Our practice focuses on personal injury and employment law. This includes specific areas such as pedestrian accidents and truck accidents, along with dog bites. If you were injured by a dog in Glendale, your focus should be on recovery; we handle the legal process.
What is it like to work with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, you get a team focused on your recovery. We start by listening to your story and understanding how the dog bite has affected your life. We then explain the legal process in plain language, so you always know what to expect.
We handle all communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, consult with medical professionals, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our goal is to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other damages. We are a personal injury and employment law firm; this is all we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What compensation can I recover after a dog bite in Glendale?
After a dog bite in Glendale, California law allows you to recover for various damages. These include economic damages like medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. You can also seek non-economic damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement. The specific amount depends on the facts of your case and the severity of your injuries.
How does California's strict liability law for dog bites work?
California's Civ. Code § 3342(a) applies strict liability to dog owners. This means if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, the owner is responsible for the damages, even if the dog had never shown aggression before and the owner had no prior knowledge of its viciousness. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent to recover compensation for your injuries.
Does my dog bite claim need to be filed at the Burbank Courthouse?
For dog bite incidents that occur in Glendale, a personal injury lawsuit is typically filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, North Central District. According to local rules, cases in this district are generally assigned to the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502. This centralizes personal injury cases for efficiency, but specific assignments can vary, so confirming with the court is always a good idea.
What if the dog owner does not have insurance?
If the dog owner does not have specific animal liability insurance, their homeowner's or renter's insurance policy may cover dog bite claims. However, some policies have exclusions for certain breeds or for dogs with a history of bites. If no insurance coverage is available, you may need to pursue compensation directly from the dog owner's personal assets. A lawyer can investigate all possible avenues for recovery in your Glendale dog bite case.
If a dog bite has turned your life upside down, reach out to Casa Legal Los Angeles. Call us at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.