Dog Bite Injuries: Serving Los Angeles and Nationwide

Many victims assume that only the dog’s owner can be sued. However, if the incident occurred at a business like a vet clinic or boarding facility, they may also share liability depending on the circumstances.

If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog—whether at a kennel, veterinary office, or by a private pet owner—you may be entitled to compensation. California has strong laws in place to protect dog bite victims, and at Pacific Coast Injury Law Center, we are here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

1. Individual Pet Owners

Under California’s strict liability statute, a dog’s owner is generally responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown signs of aggression. Owners are required to control their pets in public and on private property, and failure to do so may result in liability for:

• Medical expenses

• Emotional trauma

• Lost wages

• Permanent scarring

• Pain and suffering

If the dog bite happened in a park, street, home, or apartment complex, the pet owner is typically the primary responsible party.

2. Kennels and Veterinary Clinics

When a dog attack happens at a business where animals are cared for, like a kennel or veterinary office, liability can also fall on the facility or its staff—especially if:

• The dog was known to be aggressive

• The owner informed the staff about the dog’s behavior

• Staff failed to properly restrain or isolate the animal

• The facility lacked adequate safety protocols

That said, liability is not automatic. The facility must have been negligent in how they handled or secured the animal for you to have a strong case.

What If the Dog Was Provoked?

It’s important to note that provoking a dog—such as teasing, hitting, or otherwise antagonizing it—can impact the outcome of a case. However, in most situations where a person was simply visiting, walking past, or engaging in normal behavior, they are not considered at fault.

What You Should Do After a Dog Bite

• Seek immediate medical attention

• Report the bite to local animal control or authorities

• Document everything: photos of injuries, witness statements, and any communication with the dog’s owner or facility

• Contact a qualified attorney to assess your case

Work with Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in California

At Pacific Coast Injury Law Center, we understand how traumatic a dog attack can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether the bite happened at a business or was caused by a private pet owner, we’ll investigate your case, determine liability, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve.

📍 Pacific Coast Injury Law Center
853 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 201
Long Beach, CA 90813
📞 Call us at 833-30-LA-LAW for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Don’t wait. Let us help you hold negligent pet owners, kennels, or vet clinics accountable and get the justice you deserve.