What if the dog owner who bit me in Glendora had no insurance?
If a dog bites you in Glendora and the owner has no insurance, you still have options to seek compensation. California law holds dog owners strictly responsible for bites that occur in public places or lawfully in private places, regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner's knowledge of it (Cal. Civ. Code § 3342(a)). This means the owner's personal assets might be available, even if they lack a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to cover the incident.
Often, a dog bite claim goes against a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. These policies usually cover injuries caused by a pet. When no insurance exists, pursuing an owner's personal assets can be more complex, but it remains a valid path to recovery.
Where do I file a dog bite lawsuit in Los Angeles County?
For a dog bite injury that happened in Glendora, your personal injury case gets filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Glendora falls under the East District. Specifically, your case will be heard at the Pomona Courthouse South, located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766.
In Los Angeles County, local rules dictate that a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to 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). This ensures your case is handled by the proper court in the correct district.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, including dog bite claims, in California (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if the dog owner is a city, county, or other public agency in Glendora, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing these deadlines means you likely lose your right to pursue compensation.
The law generally pauses this deadline while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). This pause does not apply to claims against public entities, so a minor injured by a public entity's dog still faces the six-month deadline for presenting a claim.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm such as pain and suffering. The specific compensation available depends on the facts of your case. For information on other types of injury claims, you can visit our main Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney page.
What should I do after a dog bite injury in Glendora?
A dog bite can cause serious physical and emotional trauma. Taking specific steps after an incident helps protect your health and your legal rights.
- Seek medical attention. Even minor-looking bites can carry infection risks or hide deeper tissue damage. A doctor's visit creates an official record of your injuries.
- Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner's name, address, and phone number. Ask if the dog is vaccinated and for their veterinarian's information. If the owner is unknown, note any distinguishing features of the dog or clues about its home.
- Gather witness information. If anyone saw the incident, get their names and contact details. Their testimony can be valuable.
- Document the scene and injuries. Take photos of your injuries immediately after the bite, and as they heal. Photograph the location where the bite occurred.
- Report the bite to animal control. In Glendora, contact Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control. This creates an official report of the incident and helps track potentially dangerous animals.
- Avoid discussing the incident with insurance companies. Do not give recorded statements or sign any documents without speaking to your own attorney.
What kinds of dog bite injuries does California law cover?
California's strict liability dog bite law, Cal. Civ. Code § 3342(a), covers a broad range of injuries resulting from a dog bite. This means you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous beforehand. The law focuses on the fact of the bite itself.
Injuries commonly covered include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations, which can be deep and require stitches or surgery.
- Fractured bones, especially if the bite involves a fall or significant force.
- Nerve damage, which can lead to numbness, weakness, or chronic pain.
- Infections, including rabies, tetanus, or bacterial infections like MRSA, which can be severe.
- Scarring and disfigurement, particularly on the face, hands, or other visible areas.
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, and fear of dogs, which can affect daily life.
Whether you were bitten in Glendora or another part of Los Angeles County, if a dog's bite caused you harm, you have the right to pursue a claim. Our firm assists people with dog bite injuries in surrounding communities like Santa Ana and San Gabriel.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have a dedicated legal team advocating for your rights after a dog bite in Glendora. We handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery. This includes gathering evidence, communicating with the dog owner and their insurance company, and filing all necessary legal documents.
Our approach involves a thorough investigation into the incident, collecting medical records, and speaking with any witnesses. We work to establish the full extent of your damages, both physical and emotional. We pursue the full compensation available under California law for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If your injuries were caused by a dog in Santa Clarita or Santa Fe Springs, our firm provides the same diligent support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California's dog bite law apply to all bites?
California's strict liability dog bite law (Cal. Civ. Code § 3342(a)) applies when a dog bites a person while they are in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This means if you were trespassing, or if the dog was provoked, the strict liability rule may not apply, but other negligence claims might still be possible. The law specifically addresses bites, not other injuries caused by a dog, such as tripping over one.
What if a minor is bitten by a dog in Glendora?
When a minor is bitten by a dog in Glendora, the general two-year deadline for filing a personal injury claim (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) is typically paused until the minor turns 18 years old (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). However, if the bite involves a public entity, such as a police dog or a dog on public property, the six-month government claim deadline (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) still applies and is not paused for minority.
Can I still file a claim if I don't know the dog owner's name?
You may still be able to file a claim even if you do not immediately know the dog owner's name. Our firm can help investigate to identify the responsible party. This might involve reviewing animal control reports, speaking with neighbors, or checking local records to determine ownership. The important thing is to gather as much information as possible about the dog and the location of the incident.
What if I was bitten by a dog owned by the City of Glendora?
If you were bitten by a dog owned by the City of Glendora or any other public entity, you must follow specific procedures. This involves presenting a formal written claim to the city within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Failing to meet this strict deadline almost certainly bars you from pursuing a lawsuit later. These types of claims are distinct from those against private individuals and require prompt action. This can also apply to other serious incidents, such as a motorcycle accident involving a public vehicle, or a wrongful death claim against a government agency.
After a dog bite in Glendora, seeking legal guidance protects your rights. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win – and no case costs either.