Calabasas Dog Bite Attorney
Calabasas Dog Bite Attorney - California Civil Code 3342 strict liability experts. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.
California Dog Bite Law - Strict Liability
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries regardless of the dog's history. No need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. We handle dog bite claims, animal attack injuries, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and wrongful death from dog attacks.
Two-year statute of limitations. Free consultation: (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find a dog bite lawyer in Calabasas?
- Contact Trembach Law - we are based in Calabasas at 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350. As the premier dog bite law firm in Calabasas, our attorneys have extensive experience representing attack victims throughout Los Angeles County and Ventura County. We offer free consultations and work on contingency - you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- What is California Civil Code Section 3342?
- California Civil Code 3342 establishes strict liability for dog owners in California. This means if you are bitten by a dog in Calabasas while in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable for your damages regardless of whether the dog has bitten before or the owner knew it was dangerous. This is one of the strongest dog bite laws in the nation.
- What is the statute of limitations for dog bites in Calabasas?
- California has a two-year statute of limitations for dog bite personal injury claims (CCP § 335.1). This means you must file a lawsuit within two years of the attack. However, you should contact a Calabasas dog bite lawyer immediately as evidence can disappear and witness memories fade. Special rules may extend this deadline for minors.
- Can I sue a landlord in Calabasas for a tenant's dog bite?
- Yes. Under California law, landlords in Calabasas can be held liable for a tenant's dog bite if they knew or should have known about a dangerous dog and failed to act. This is especially relevant in Calabasas given the many rental properties in the area. We investigate landlord liability in every dog bite case.
- What compensation can I get for a dog bite in Calabasas?
- Calabasas dog bite victims may recover: medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, hospitalization), lost wages and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and PTSD, scarring and disfigurement damages, and loss of enjoyment of life. Case value is fact-specific and cannot be estimated from a range: it depends on the evidence of liability, the documented treatment and prognosis, provable economic loss, and the limits of the available insurance.
- How long do dog bite cases take to settle in Calabasas?
- Most Calabasas dog bite cases settle within 6-12 months. Factors affecting timeline include injury severity, medical treatment duration, and insurance company cooperation. Cases filed in LA County Superior Court Van Nuys Courthouse may take 12-18 months if they go to trial. Our attorneys work to resolve cases efficiently while maximizing compensation.
- What if the Calabasas dog owner doesn't have insurance?
- Our Calabasas dog bite attorneys explore all compensation sources when homeowners insurance is unavailable. Most Calabasas and Hidden Hills homeowners carry substantial homeowner's insurance ($300K-$1M+) and umbrella policies. We also investigate landlord liability, business owner liability, and the dog owner's personal assets.
- Are pit bulls or certain breeds banned in Calabasas?
- No. Calabasas does not have breed-specific legislation (BSL). California state law prohibits local governments from banning specific breeds. However, California's strict liability law (Civil Code 3342) holds all dog owners responsible regardless of breed. Owners of any dog that bites are liable for damages.
- Can I file a claim if bitten on a Calabasas hiking trail?
- Absolutely. Dog owners remain strictly liable for attacks on trails and in parks. Our Calabasas dog bite lawyers regularly handle cases from Malibu Creek State Park, Las Virgenes Canyon, King Gillette Ranch, Paramount Ranch, and other popular Calabasas-area trails. The outdoor setting doesn't reduce the owner's liability.
- What if a stray dog bit me in Calabasas?
- Stray dog bites require different investigation. You may file claims against: LA County Animal Care and Control if they were negligent, property owners where the stray was harbored or fed, or businesses where the stray was present. Contact animal control to report the bite and our attorneys will investigate all potential sources of compensation.
- How much do Calabasas dog bite lawyers charge?
- Trembach Law works on a contingency fee basis - you pay absolutely no fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation, medical record retrieval, expert witnesses, and litigation. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, and we only get paid when you win.
- What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Calabasas?
- After a dog bite in Calabasas: 1) Seek immediate medical attention, 2) Identify the dog and owner - get their contact and insurance information, 3) Report the bite to LA County Animal Care at (818) 991-0071, 4) Document injuries with photos, 5) Get witness contact information, 6) Don't give statements to insurance companies, 7) Contact a Calabasas dog bite lawyer immediately.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
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