What happens if the other side's insurance company calls me first after a Torrance dog bite?
If an insurance adjuster contacts you after a dog bite in Torrance, remember they represent the dog owner, not you. Their goal is often to minimize payouts, so be careful about what you say or sign.
Providing a recorded statement or agreeing to a quick settlement can hurt your right to full compensation later. You do not have to speak with them, and you should not sign anything without legal advice.
What kinds of cases do Torrance dog bite attorneys handle?
A Torrance dog bite attorney handles personal injury claims that result from animal attacks, typically involving dogs. These cases often fall under California's strict liability dog bite statute, Civil Code § 3342(a). This law says a dog owner is responsible for damages when their dog bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner's knowledge of its viciousness.
Beyond direct bites, claims can also arise from falls caused by a dog jumping on someone, or injuries sustained while trying to avoid an aggressive animal. Even if a dog doesn't break the skin, a severe attack can lead to psychological trauma, nerve damage, or significant scarring. Our firm, Casa Legal Los Angeles, focuses exclusively on personal injury and employment law, including helping those hurt by dog attacks across Los Angeles County. This approach allows us to concentrate our efforts on securing the full compensation available under California law for our clients.
Where does a Torrance dog bite claim get filed?
Most personal injury cases, including dog bite claims from incidents in Torrance, are filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local rules, a case is assigned to the judicial district where the incident occurred and then routed to that district's Personal Injury Hub department.
For dog bite injuries in Torrance, this generally means your claim would be filed at the Torrance Courthouse, located at 825 Maple Ave, Torrance, CA 90503. If the dog owner is a public entity, like the city of Torrance or a county agency, you must first present a written claim to that entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Failing to meet this strict deadline can prevent you from filing a lawsuit later, even if your injuries are severe.
How long do you have to file a Torrance dog bite lawsuit?
For most personal injury claims in California, including those for dog bites, you have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). This deadline applies to claims against private individuals or businesses.
If your claim is against a public entity – such as the City of Torrance, Los Angeles County, or a local school district – the deadline is much shorter. You must present a formal written claim to the public entity within six months of the injury (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.
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts. These deadlines have exceptions, and you must confirm what applies to your own facts with an attorney. For assistance with claims outside of Torrance, our firm also serves communities like Gardena and Vernon.
What should you do after a dog bite in Torrance?
- Seek immediate medical attention: Dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, or other complications. Even if the wound seems minor, a doctor should assess it. Keep records of all your medical treatment.
- Identify the dog and owner: If possible, get the dog owner's name, address, and contact information. Also, try to get information about the dog's vaccination status.
- Gather witness information: If anyone saw the attack, ask for their names and contact details. Their testimony can be important evidence.
- Take photos: Document your injuries, the scene of the attack, and any damage to your clothing. These photos provide visual evidence of the incident.
- Report the bite: Report the dog bite to Torrance Animal Control. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be helpful for your claim.
- Do not give a recorded statement or sign anything: The dog owner's insurance company may contact you. Decline to give any statements or sign documents until you speak with an attorney.
- Contact a personal injury attorney: An attorney can explain your rights and options, investigate the incident, and handle communication with insurance companies. For specific guidance on personal injury matters, you can also consult our personal injury law hub.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means you have a team dedicated to pursuing justice for your dog bite injuries. Our process begins with a free, confidential consultation where we discuss the details of your incident and assess your potential claim. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we win – and no case costs either.
Our firm handles all aspects of your personal injury claim, from gathering evidence and communicating with insurance companies to negotiating a settlement or representing you in court. We focus on recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our goal is to make the legal process as straightforward as possible for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case. Whether your case involves a dog bite in Torrance or requires an attorney for a wrongful death claim, our approach remains client-focused.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California's strict liability dog bite law?
California Civil Code § 3342(a) makes a dog owner responsible for damages when their dog bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property. This applies regardless of whether the owner knew the dog had a history of aggression or if the dog had ever bitten anyone before.
Can I still file a claim if the dog bite happened on private property in Torrance?
Yes, you can often file a claim if the dog bite occurred on private property in Torrance, provided you were lawfully present at the time. This includes being invited onto the property, delivering mail, or performing a service. The strict liability rule still applies in these situations, making the dog owner responsible for your injuries.
What if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partly at fault for the incident, you can still recover damages. Your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible for the bite, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.
What types of compensation can I seek for a Torrance dog bite?
For a Torrance dog bite, you can seek compensation for economic damages like medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. You can also claim non-economic damages for pain, suffering, disfigurement, and emotional distress. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Torrance, speak with Casa Legal Los Angeles. Call us today at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win – and no case costs either.