Dog bites are more than just a painful inconvenience—they can change your life in an instant. And yes, even in a place like Beverly Hills, where the sidewalks are pristine and the homes immaculate, dog bite incidents still happen. Whether it’s a neighbor’s unrestrained pet or a dog in a public setting that got too aggressive, the aftermath of a bite can be traumatic. We understand how overwhelming these situations can become. You’re not just dealing with physical injuries—you’re also facing emotional distress, medical bills, lost time from work, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. That’s why working with a skilled Beverly Hills Dog Bite Attorney is so important. Our goal is to help you make sense of your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in California
California has some of the strictest dog bite liability laws in the country, and that’s good news for victims. The state operates under a “strict liability” statute, which means a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior. According to California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
You don’t need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a dangerous history. If you were a guest, postal worker, delivery driver, or simply walking down the street when the incident occurred, the law is generally on your side.
That said, there are a few exceptions written into the law. If the person bitten was trespassing, provoking the animal, or was injured by a police or military dog performing official duties, the case may not be eligible for compensation under this statute. These nuances are where things can get legally complicated.
That’s where our experience comes into play. We help our clients understand how the law applies to their specific circumstances. We’ve handled countless dog bite cases throughout California and know how to challenge defenses that insurers or opposing attorneys might raise. If there’s a path to accountability, we’ll find it—and make sure you’re protected every step of the way.
Common Damages in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite injuries aren’t just skin deep. They can cause deep lacerations, muscle damage, infections, and permanent disfigurement. But the true damage often goes far beyond the physical. We take the time to look at the full picture of what our clients are going through—because we know it’s never “just a bite.”
Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if the injuries require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term treatment. Many victims also miss work, and some are unable to return at all, leading to serious financial stress. On top of that, there’s the emotional trauma. Some victims develop PTSD, anxiety, or phobias, especially after particularly violent attacks. Children, in particular, may suffer long-term psychological effects that require therapy and support.
Scarring and disfigurement can also be life-changing. We’ve represented clients who struggled with confidence and emotional health after visible injuries, especially to the face or hands. These impacts deserve recognition. That’s why we work tirelessly to calculate all of your damages—past, present, and future. From emergency medical care to emotional therapy, from lost wages to permanent impairment, we make sure your claim reflects the true cost of what you’ve endured.
The Role of a Dog Bite Attorney
So, how do we help? Our role as your legal advocate is about more than filing paperwork. First, we evaluate your case to determine who’s liable and what damages you may be entitled to. We’ll listen to your story, ask the right questions, and make sure we gather every piece of evidence that strengthens your claim.
This includes obtaining medical records, interviewing witnesses, reviewing photographs, and retrieving reports from animal control or law enforcement. In some cases, surveillance footage or previous complaints about the dog can also become crucial pieces of the puzzle. We put it all together to build a strong, detailed case on your behalf.
Then, we handle all the communication with the dog owner’s insurance company. These companies often try to minimize claims or pressure victims into low settlements. But we know their playbook, and we don’t back down. Our job is to negotiate from a position of strength and push for the full compensation you’re entitled to. And if negotiations fail, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. We’ve done it before—and won.
Why Legal Representation Matters?
Too many dog bite victims try to handle things on their own, only to find themselves underpaid and overwhelmed. The truth is, without legal representation, it’s easy to overlook certain damages, miss critical filing deadlines, or fall for lowball settlement offers. That’s exactly why we encourage anyone injured in a dog bite incident to talk to us before making any decisions.
We know how to calculate not just the tangible costs—like medical bills—but the intangible ones too: pain, suffering, emotional distress, and future medical needs. We also make sure your case stays on track legally. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Miss that window, and you could lose your right to recover damages completely.
When you work with Etehad Law, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a committed legal team that knows how to navigate complex laws, deal with aggressive insurance adjusters, and get results.
Choosing the Right Attorney in Beverly Hills
Finding the right attorney makes all the difference. You want someone who’s not only experienced in personal injury attorney but has specific expertise in dog bite cases. We know how Beverly Hills works—we’ve served this community for years, and we’re familiar with the local courts, judges, and insurance companies. That local insight gives us a strategic edge in how we approach your case.
We also believe that your lawyer should feel like your teammate, not just your legal rep. That’s why we take a client-first approach. We’ll always be upfront, accessible, and ready to answer your questions. Our past clients consistently tell us that they felt heard, supported, and respected throughout the entire legal process. That’s the Etehad Law difference.
Why Work with Etehad Law?
We don’t treat dog bite cases like routine paperwork—we treat them like personal missions. We’ve helped countless victims in Beverly Hills recover meaningful compensation for their injuries, and we bring that same level of dedication to every case we take.
Our firm is made up of seasoned personal injury attorneys with a focused track record in dog bite cases. We know how to build strong legal claims, negotiate effectively, and win in court when needed. What sets us apart is our compassionate, client-centered approach. We understand that you’re not just another case file—you’re a real person going through a painful situation, and you deserve personalized, thoughtful care.
We’re conveniently located in Beverly Hills, and we’re proud to serve the local community with integrity, empathy, and a relentless commitment to justice. From your first consultation to the final outcome, we’re with you every step of the way.
Conclusion
A dog bite can change your life in a second, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. With the right legal support, you can hold the responsible party accountable and recover the damages you need to heal and move forward. We’re here to protect your rights, advocate for your future, and help you every step of the way.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Beverly Hills, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your case, your options, and how we can help you reclaim your peace of mind—and your life.
