Local West Covina representation with big-firm results. Free case review, no fee unless we win.
What happens if the dog owner's insurance company calls you first after a West Covina dog bite?
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in West Covina, the dog owner's insurance company might contact you quickly. Remember, their goal is to settle your claim for the least amount of money possible. Anything you say can be used against your claim.
You are not obligated to speak with the insurance company without first consulting an attorney. It is always better to speak with a lawyer before giving any statements or signing any documents. A premature settlement could prevent you from recovering the full compensation you are owed under California law for your injuries.
What kinds of dog bite cases do we handle in West Covina?
Our firm represents individuals throughout Los Angeles County who have been bitten or attacked by dogs. We handle cases ranging from minor nips and scratches to severe injuries requiring extensive medical care and reconstructive surgery. These injuries can include deep lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, broken bones, and significant emotional distress.
California law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. California Civil Code § 3342(a) states that an owner is liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This means you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. We also assist West Covina clients with cases involving dog attacks that cause injuries without a direct bite, such as being knocked down by a large dog.
Where does a West Covina dog bite claim get filed?
A personal injury case in Los Angeles County, including those stemming from dog bites, is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. For incidents occurring in West Covina, the claim would likely be filed in the East District. This district's courthouse is the Pomona Courthouse South, located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766.
Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases (effective May 17, 2024) state that personal injury cases are assigned to the judicial district where the incident occurred and then routed to that district's Personal Injury Hub department. This system is designed to streamline how these cases are processed within the county.
How long do you have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?
For most personal injury claims, including those arising from dog bites, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if your claim involves a public entity – such as a city, county, or transit agency – you must present a written claim within six months of the injury under California Government Code § 911.2. Failing to meet this shorter six-month deadline usually means you lose your right to sue the public entity.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under California Code of Civil Procedure § 352. However, California Code of Civil Procedure § 352(b) removes that pause for claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act. This means a minor injured by a city-owned dog, for example, still faces the six-month government claim deadline. A dog bite can lead to recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering.
What should you do after a dog bite?
After a dog bite, taking certain steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
Seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and some dogs may carry diseases like rabies. Get checked by a doctor, even if the bite seems minor. Follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatment.
Identify the dog and owner. If safe to do so, try to get the owner's name, address, and phone number. Ask if the dog is vaccinated. This information is crucial for your personal injury claim and for public health records.
Gather evidence. Take photos of your injuries, the dog (if possible), the location where the bite occurred, and any torn clothing. Get contact information for any witnesses.
Report the bite. Report the dog bite to West Covina Animal Control or the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. This creates an official record of the incident.
Do not give recorded statements or sign documents. The dog owner's insurance company may contact you. Politely decline to give any statements or sign anything without speaking to a personal injury attorney first.
Contact a West Covina dog bite attorney. An attorney can explain your rights, investigate your claim, and handle all communications with the insurance company. This allows you to focus on your recovery. Our team helps people injured by dog bites get the compensation they deserve.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
When you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles, we take on the burden of your legal claim. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other damages. We start by gathering all relevant evidence, including medical records, animal control reports, and witness statements. We identify the responsible parties and notify their insurance companies of your claim.
We handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance adjusters, protecting you from common tactics used to minimize payouts. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We concentrate on personal injury and employment law, ensuring deep knowledge of California's strict liability laws for dog bites. You can learn more about how we help our Los Angeles clients with various injury claims by visiting our main personal injury law page. We also serve clients in nearby communities, such as those seeking a West Covina car accident injury attorney or a Temple City dog bite lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a West Covina dog bite lawyer cost?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case. This approach allows you to pursue justice without upfront financial risk. Additionally, our firm covers the case costs, so you owe no attorney's fees and no case costs if we do not secure a recovery for you.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found to be partially at fault for the incident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%. However, this does not bar you from recovering entirely.
Does California law protect me if a dog bites me while I am at work?
Yes, California Civil Code § 3342(a) applies regardless of whether you are working when the bite occurs, as long as you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This means that if you were delivering mail, performing maintenance, or engaged in another lawful work activity and were bitten by a dog in West Covina, you have the same protections.
What if the dog owner doesn't have insurance?
If the dog owner does not have homeowner's insurance or another policy to cover your injuries, recovering compensation can be more challenging. However, other avenues might exist, such as pursuing compensation directly from the owner's assets, or if the dog was in the care of another party, their insurance might apply. An attorney can investigate all potential sources of recovery.
Being bitten by a dog can be a terrifying and painful experience, leaving you with physical injuries and emotional trauma. Do not go through this alone. Contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today for a free consultation. Call 888-585-2529 to discuss your West Covina dog bite case. No attorney's fees unless we win – and no case costs either.
Serving West Covina
Our attorneys represent clients throughout West Covina and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a West Covina claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in West Covina is filed in Pomona Courthouse South, East District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County 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).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in West Covina
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in West Covina (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).