If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Encino, you may be entitled to significant compensation — and California law is squarely on your side. Unlike many states that give dog owners a “one free bite” pass, California holds owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals, regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before. Understanding how this law works and what steps to take after an attack can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim.
California’s Strict Liability Standard
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is liable for damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This means you do not have to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous or had a history of biting. The fact that the bite occurred is enough to establish the owner’s liability.
This strict liability standard is especially significant in a community like Encino, where dogs are a common presence in parks, on sidewalks, and in residential neighborhoods. Whether the attack happened on a hiking trail near the Sepulveda Basin, on Ventura Boulevard, or outside a private home, the same legal protections apply.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Dog bite injuries are often more serious than they initially appear. Deep puncture wounds can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. Attacks can knock victims to the ground, causing fractures, head injuries, or torn ligaments. Children, who are statistically the most frequent victims, may suffer lasting psychological trauma in addition to physical harm.
Through a successful claim, Pilavjian Law can help you pursue compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, surgery, and follow-up treatment
- Reconstructive procedures and scar revision
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Pain and suffering, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear of dogs
- Future medical costs if ongoing care is needed
Proving Your Claim
Even under strict liability, building a strong case still matters — especially when it comes to establishing ownership, documenting your injuries, and countering any arguments the owner or their insurer might raise. Common defenses include claims that you were trespassing, that you provoked the animal, or that your injuries were less severe than alleged.
Pilavjian Law investigates each case thoroughly. We gather animal control records, identify the dog’s owner and any prior incident reports, work with medical providers to document the full extent of your injuries, and push back against bad-faith insurer tactics designed to minimize your recovery.
Act Quickly — Evidence Matters
After an animal attack, time is critical. Photographs of your wounds, the location of the attack, and the dog itself can be invaluable. Witness statements, medical records from your initial treatment, and any communications with the owner should be preserved as early as possible. California’s statute of limitations gives most personal injury victims two years to file a claim, but building the strongest possible case requires acting well before that deadline approaches.
Talk to an Encino Dog Bite Attorney
If you were injured in a dog or animal attack in Encino, Pilavjian Law is ready to help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (818) 380-3021 to schedule a no-obligation consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.