What you can recover
Emergency care, plastic surgery and scar revision, infection treatment, counseling for the psychological trauma — especially for children — and pain and suffering.
Where the money comes from
Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not out of the owner's pocket. That matters when the owner is a neighbor or friend.
What to do after a dog bites injury
- Get medical care right away — and keep every appointment. Gaps in treatment are the first thing an insurer attacks.
- Photograph everything: the scene, vehicles or hazard, your injuries, and any visible cameras.
- Get names and numbers of witnesses before they disappear.
- Don't give a recorded statement to the other side's insurance company.
- Call Eisner Law before you sign anything or accept a quick offer.
Frequently asked questions
If I make a claim, is the dog going to be put down?
No. Civil cases focus on compensation for injuries. There is no path in a civil case to euthanizing a dog. That process happens rarely and only through animal control, which is separate and unaffiliated with any civil case.
The dog never bit anyone before. Is the owner still liable?
Yes. California's strict-liability statute doesn't require a prior bite.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of injury (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). If a city, county, or state agency is involved, you usually have only six months to file a government claim. Don't wait — evidence disappears fast.
How much does it cost to hire Eisner Law?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee — we only get paid if we recover money for you. Consultations are free.