How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in La Puente?
If you were bitten by a dog in La Puente, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in court. This deadline is set by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
However, if the dog that bit you was owned by a city, county, or other public agency, you must present a formal claim to that entity within six months of the incident under California Government Code § 911.2.
What kinds of dog bite cases does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle?
Casa Legal Los Angeles represents people bitten by dogs in La Puente and throughout Southern California. Under California Civil Code § 3342(a), dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression.
This means you do not need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous, only that the bite occurred. We handle cases involving severe bites, disfigurement, infections, and injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Dog bites can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Our focus is on helping victims recover the full compensation available under California law for these and other harms.
What should you do after a dog bite incident?
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Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the first priority. Even minor-appearing dog bites can become infected or hide underlying injuries. See a doctor right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Document the Scene: If safe, take photos or videos of the dog, the location, your injuries, and any visible damage to your clothing. Note the time, date, and exact location of the incident in La Puente.
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Identify the Dog Owner: Try to get the dog owner's name, address, phone number, and any available insurance information. If the owner is unknown, report the incident to Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control.
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Gather Witness Information: Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the incident. Their statements can be valuable for your claim.
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Avoid Statements to Insurers: The dog owner's insurance company may contact you. Limit your initial conversation to providing only basic identifying information. Do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first.
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Consult a Dog Bite Attorney: An experienced attorney can advise you on your rights and help you understand the legal process. They can manage communications with insurance companies and help gather evidence.
Where do you file a dog bite lawsuit in La Puente?
A dog bite case originating in La Puente is filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local rules, personal injury cases in this area are generally assigned to the court's East District, specifically at the Pomona Courthouse South.
The Pomona Courthouse South is located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766. Filing rules in Los Angeles County require personal injury cases to be filed in the judicial district where the incident happened, then assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department.
How long do you have to file a dog bite claim, and what can you recover?
Most personal injury claims, including those for dog bites, must be filed within two years from the date of the injury under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if the claim is against a public entity, like a city or county, you must present a written claim within six months from the incident date, as per California Government Code § 911.2.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, but § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm. This can include reimbursement for hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, and any wages you could not earn due to your injuries. Non-economic harm covers damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement.
What is it like to work with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles after a dog bite in La Puente, we take on the burden of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. We start by gathering all necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and reports from animal control.
Our firm communicates directly with the dog owner's insurance company or legal representation, handling all negotiations. We aim to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Our practice concentrates on personal injury and employment law. Our team is familiar with the process for dog bite claims, including those involving significant injuries. We also help clients with other personal injury matters, such as general personal injury claims in La Puente, or specific incidents like those handled by a La Puente motorcycle accident attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dog owner is a public entity in La Puente?
If a public entity owns the dog that bit you in La Puente, you face a different, shorter deadline. You must present a formal written claim to that government agency within six months of the incident under California Government Code § 911.2, before you can file a lawsuit. An attorney can help ensure this complex claim is filed correctly and on time.
Can I still get compensation if I was partly at fault for the dog bite?
California operates under a pure comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found to be partly responsible for the incident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages. For example, if you were 10% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 10%.
What if I am an uninsured driver and was bitten by a dog?
If you are an uninsured owner of a vehicle involved in a crash, California Civil Code § 3333.4 (Prop 213) bars you from recovering non-economic damages in that crash case. However, this law generally applies to motor vehicle accident claims, not dog bite claims. Being an uninsured driver does not prevent you from recovering non-economic damages from a dog bite injury.
How long does a dog bite claim typically take to resolve?
The timeline for a dog bite claim varies widely depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and whether the claim settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others can take over a year. An attorney can give you a more specific estimate after reviewing the details of your situation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in La Puente, do not wait to seek legal help. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation today. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.