If a dog bit you or your child in Anaheim or Santa Ana, you’re dealing with more than just physical injuries. You’re probably looking at medical bills piling up, missing work, and wondering who’s going to pay for all of this. The good news is that California law protects dog bite victims, and you have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner.
If you or someone you love got hurt by a dog in Anaheim or Santa Ana, we can help. An experienced Anaheim dog bite attorney at Hicks Law Firm, PC, can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Call Hicks Law Firm, PC at 866-HICKS-LAW or (949) 541-9944 for a free consultation, and let’s discuss what happened.
California’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites
California Civil Code Section 3342 makes dog owners responsible for bites, regardless of the dog’s history. Unlike some states that give dogs “one free bite,” California holds owners liable even if their dog has never shown aggression before. This means you don’t need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous.
The law applies when you’re bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property. This includes public sidewalks, parks, or when you’re invited into someone’s home. The only real defenses for dog owners are if you were trespassing or if you provoked the animal.
This strict liability standard makes it easier for victims to recover damages. You simply need to prove that the dog bit you and that the defendant owned the dog. The owner’s insurance typically covers these claims through their homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We See in Orange County
Dog attacks cause serious injuries that often require immediate medical attention and follow-up care. Facial injuries are particularly common in children because of their height, and these can require reconstructive surgery. Adults frequently suffer hand and arm injuries when they try to defend themselves or push a dog away.
The most frequent injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
- Infections like rabies, tetanus, or staph that develop after the initial bite
- Nerve damage causing numbness, weakness, or loss of function
- Scarring and disfigurement, especially on the face, arms, and legs
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs
Some victims need multiple surgeries over months or years. Children may require ongoing therapy to address emotional trauma. Dog bites can permanently change your life and require substantial medical treatment.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Attack
Your actions right after a dog bite affect both your health and your legal case.
- Step One: First, get medical attention even if the wound seems minor. Dog mouths carry bacteria that cause infections, and some injuries are deeper than they appear. A doctor will clean the wound properly, check for nerve or muscle damage, and start you on antibiotics if needed.
- Step Two: Report the bite to Anaheim or Santa Ana Animal Control within 24 hours. They’ll investigate the incident, quarantine the dog to check for rabies, and create an official record. This report becomes important evidence in your case. Get the dog owner’s contact information and their homeowner’s insurance details if possible.
- Step Three: Document everything with photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location where the attack happened. Write down what happened while it’s fresh in your memory, including any witnesses who saw the incident. Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment. This documentation builds your case and proves your damages.
Damages You Can Recover in a Dog Bite Case
California law allows dog bite victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses, like medical bills, both current and future. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. If you missed work because of your injuries, you can claim lost wages and lost earning capacity if the injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
You can also seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Scarring and disfigurement, especially on visible areas like your face or hands, significantly increase these damages. Children who develop a lasting fear of dogs or PTSD may recover substantial amounts for their psychological injuries.
In rare cases where a dog owner acted with extreme recklessness, you might recover punitive damages. These are meant to punish particularly bad behavior, like an owner who knew their dog was dangerous and did nothing to control it. Most cases settle based on economic damages and pain and suffering without reaching the punitive damage threshold.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Attorney
Insurance companies don’t work for you; they work for the dog owner. Their adjusters will minimize your injuries and offer low settlements before you know the full extent of your damages. Many dog bite injuries have delayed complications or require ongoing treatment that isn’t obvious in the first few weeks.
An experienced dog bite attorney in Santa Ana knows how to value your case properly. They’ll account for future medical needs, plastic surgery to reduce scarring, and the long-term psychological impact of the attack. Hicks Law Firm, PC has handled numerous dog bite cases in Anaheim and Santa Ana and knows what these claims are actually worth.
We deal with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery. Most dog bite cases settle without going to court, but having an attorney who’s willing to take your case to trial gets better settlement offers. Insurance companies know which attorneys will fight for their clients and which ones take the first offer.
How Hicks Law Firm, PC, Helps Dog Bite Victims
Hicks Law Firm, PC represents dog bite victims throughout Orange County with offices convenient to both Anaheim and Santa Ana. We handle your entire case from investigation through settlement or trial. That means gathering evidence, dealing with insurance adjusters, hiring medical experts, and building a strong case for maximum compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis for dog bite cases. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you. This removes the financial risk and lets anyone access quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. Your first consultation is free, and we’ll explain your options with no obligation.
Reach Out to An Orange County Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bite injuries are serious, and victims deserve compensation for what they’ve been through. California law is on their side, but insurance companies often assume they won’t understand their rights or the true value of their claim. They shouldn’t be allowed to take advantage during such a vulnerable time.
Hicks Law Firm, PC offers free consultations for dog bite cases in Anaheim and Santa Ana. To speak with an attorney, call 866-HICKS-LAW or (949) 541-9944, submit the online contact form, or visit the office at 765 The City Drive South, Suite 120, Orange, California 92868. The firm will review the case, explain available options, and fight for the full compensation the victim deserves. The sooner they reach out, the sooner the legal team can begin building the claim.
