Searching for a“dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles”?
Joshua M. Kimura
Partner
Updated 9/9/2025 - You're in the right place. Kimura London & White LLP (“KLW”) has a dedicated dog‑bite litigation team that blends aggressive advocacy with genuine, client‑first service. On this page you'll find exactly what you need to know—California dog‑bite laws, the compensation you can recover, the steps to protect your case, and why KLW is the powerhouse firm Los Angeles residents trust when a canine attack turns life upside‑down
Why Choosing the Right Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer Matters
Dog‑bite cases look simple—strict liability, paid medical bills, done. In reality, insurers fight tooth‑and‑nail over provocation, trespassing, and comparative fault. A seasoned lawyer:
- Locks down evidence early (surveillance footage, witness statements, vet records).
- Values every category of loss, from ER copays to long‑term PTSD therapy.
- Positions the claim for trial—so carriers settle quickly at top dollar.
KLW's track record speaks for itself: multi‑six‑figure settlements for facial scarring, policy‑limit tenders for child mauling, and jury verdicts that outpaced final defense offers by substantial figures. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Dog Attack in Los Angeles
A dog bite can change your life in an instant. Whether you were walking through a quiet Beverly Hills neighborhood, visiting a friend's home, or simply enjoying the day, the aftermath of a dog attack can leave you with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. You deserve support, answers, and the full compensation the law allows.
At Kimura London & White LLP, we help dog bite victims in Beverly Hills get justice. Our team understands how overwhelming this situation can be, especially when insurance companies pressure you to settle quickly or minimize your injuries. We are here to help you take control of the situation and protect your future.
Why People in Los Angeles Choose Our Dog Bite Legal Team
Our lead personal injury attorney, Joshua M. Kimura, is a founding partner at Kimura London & White LLP. He has been named a SuperLawyer every year since 2020 and holds a perfect 10.0 rating on AVVO. He has also been named one of the 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys in the United States by Best In Law.
Under Joshua Kimura's leadership, our firm has achieved outstanding results for clients, including:
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$4.1 million recovered for a catastrophic injury
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$1.5 million recovered for a car accident victim
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$1.1 million recovered in a wrongful death case
Our firm has been featured in Forbes and Fortune and has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing law firms. With a 98.2 percent success rate and a deep commitment to client care, we are ready to fight for you.
What You Should Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles
After a dog bite, your health and safety come first. Here are the essential steps to take:
- Get medical attention—even small punctures can lead to infection or nerve damage.
- Photograph everything: wounds, torn clothing, the dog, the scene.
- Report the incident to L.A. County Animal Care & Control.
- Collect contact details for the owner and any witnesses.
- Avoid recorded statements with the insurer before you talk to a lawyer.
Kimura London & White LLP offers free, no‑obligation consultations and can dispatch an investigator within hours to preserve crucial evidence.
California Dog Bite Law Favors Victims
California law is one of the most victim-friendly in the nation when it comes to dog bites. Under Civil Code Section 3342, California follows a strict liability rule. This means the dog owner is automatically responsible for your injuries, even if the dog had no history of aggression and even if the owner did nothing wrong.
You do not need to prove negligence.
As long as you were in a public place or lawfully on private property, the dog's owner is legally liable for the bite.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, but they are rare. If you were trespassing or deliberately provoking the dog, the owner may try to argue that they are not responsible. However, petting a dog or walking past one is not considered provocation. An experienced dog bite attorney can evaluate your situation and protect your rights.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Los Angeles
Dog attacks can lead to a range of physical and psychological injuries. These include:
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Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
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Torn tendons or damaged nerves
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Infections such as rabies, cellulitis, or tetanus
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Scarring or disfigurement that may require cosmetic surgery
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Bone fractures from being knocked over
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Emotional trauma, including fear of dogs or post-traumatic stress disorder
In some cases, dog attacks cause long-term or permanent harm. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries and complications.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite?
The dog's owner is typically the person held legally responsible. However, there may be additional parties involved in certain situations, including:
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A landlord who knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to act
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A property manager or building owner
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A dog walker, kennel, or pet sitter who had custody of the dog at the time of the attack
Our attorneys will investigate every possible source of liability to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A dog bite can affect every part of your life. California law allows you to seek financial compensation for the full range of losses related to your injuries, including:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, follow-up appointments, and future care such as physical therapy or scar revision
- Lost income: Paychecks missed while you recover and any loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering: The emotional and psychological toll of the attack
- Property damage: If your phone, glasses, or clothing were damaged during the incident
In more severe cases, the damages may also include permanent disability, disfigurement, or wrongful death. Our job is to make sure every impact on your life is fully accounted for.
Why Hire a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer?
Even with strict liability laws in your favor, insurance companies often try to reduce or deny valid claims. They may offer a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Or they may question how the incident happened to avoid paying.
Hiring a qualified attorney protects you from these tactics. At Kimura London & White LLP, we take care of everything for you:
- We deal with the insurance companies so you don't have to
- We gather all the evidence needed to prove your case
- We work with medical and financial experts to determine the full value of your claim
- We fight for maximum compensation, whether through a settlement or in court
You should not have to handle this on your own while trying to recover. Let us take that burden off your shoulders.
Timeline of a Typical Los Angeles Dog‑Bite Case
- Day 1–30: Medical treatment, Animal Control report, evidence gathering.
- Months 1–4: Claim submission, ongoing treatment; insurer investigation.
- Months 4–8: Demand package with medical records and expert statements.
- Months 8–12: Negotiation; many cases settle here.
- Year 1+: If carrier stalls, we file suit—discovery, depositions, mediation.
- Trial (if needed): Usually within 18–24 months of filing.
Because KLW prepares every case as if it will see a jury, over 90 % of our dog‑bite matters resolve before trial—often for policy limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the dog be euthanized if I pursue a claim?
Not automatically. Civil claims target the owner's insurance; Animal Control may impose quarantine or training orders, but euthanasia is rare unless the dog is classified “vicious.”
What if the bite happened at a friend's house?
Compensation usually comes from their renter's or homeowner's policy—not their personal bank account—so you can recover without jeopardizing friendships.
Can I sue a landlord?
Yes, if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and failed to act (e.g., ignored complaints). KLW has secured six‑figure settlements from property owners and management companies.
What if I was partially at fault?
California's comparative‑fault rules still let you recover, though the award may be reduced. Skilled counsel can minimize alleged “provocation” and maximize your payout.
Work with a Law Firm That Gets Results
You need more than just legal advice. You need a team that will stand up for you and deliver results. Kimura London & White LLP has a proven record of helping injury victims recover what they are owed.
We bring the experience, resources, and care you need to move forward. With a 98.2 percent success rate, nationally recognized attorneys, and millions recovered for clients, we are ready to fight for you.
California Dog Bite Law Updates – Q3 & Q4 2025
Strict Liability Unchanged – Owners remain automatically responsible for bites under Civil Code §3342.
Reporting Duties – Owners must provide contact and license info to victims within 48 hours; bites requiring medical care must be reported to animal control or health officials within 24–48 hours.
Quarantine – 10-day rabies observation period remains mandatory.
Filing Window – Victims have two years to file a claim (shorter if against a government entity).
2025 Emphasis – No new statutes, but enforcement and reporting deadlines are being more actively highlighted at county levels.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can derail your life—but one decisive call can set things right. Call 949‑474‑0940 or fill out our secure online form for a free consultation. We'll review your case, outline your legal options, and—if we partner together—start building a claim that values every dollar of your pain, treatment, and future needs.
Your recovery begins with the right lawyer. Let KLW's Los Angeles dog‑bite team fight for the full justice you deserve.