Serious dog bites can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. In California, dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause if the victim was lawfully on private property or in a public place, and victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At the Hulburt Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing expert legal representation for dog bite victims in San Diego. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Every year, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States.*
Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer any questions you may have, and provide ongoing support. We limit the number of cases we take on so that we can dedicate the time and attention needed for each case.
With the Hulburt Law Firm by your side, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal claims are being taken care of. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dog bite accident, contact us today for a free case review.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of achieving extraordinary results.
A sudden tire failure caused an SUV to fishtail and crash, killing a beloved husband and father.
A freeway collision resulted in brain and spine injuries.
A seatback collapsed in a rear-end collision, causing the occupant life-changing injuries.
Campus security was speeding and collided with a student’s vehicle, killing her.
A head restraint broke off in a rear end collision, causing the driver to suffer a spinal cord injury.
Adults served minors alcohol at a party. A minor then drove drunk and crashed, killing a passenger.
During your free case review, we listen to your story, collect preliminary information, and provide an honest evaluation of your case’s strengths and potential challenges.
Once the scope of work is signed, our team gets to work conducting a thorough investigation to build a strong foundation for your case including incident scene examinations and photographs, witness interviews, analyzing medical records and prior complaints, and researching the dog’s history of aggression.
To strengthen your case, our firm collaborates with experts, including medical professionals, animal behaviorists, and economists in order to provide detailed assessments of your injuries and necessary treatments, analyze the dog’s behavior, and calculate the full extent of your financial losses.
Based on our investigation and expert collaboration, we develop a tailored legal strategy involving identifying all liable parties, determining claims, and calculating damages.
Our goal is to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for all your losses. We thoroughly assess the damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and loss of consortium (compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family).
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are skilled at telling your story, presenting evidence and expert testimony, cross-examining witnesses, and making compelling arguments to the judge and jury.
California follows strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning the dog owner is typically liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any aggression. Key points include:
Dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause if the victim was lawfully on private property or in a public place.
Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
In California, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Forget surface-level research and mediocre inquiries. We dive deep to conduct extensive investigations and gather evidence in order to build your strongest case.
We use technology to your advantage. By using video and photography, scene recreations, and graphics, we tell your story in a visually-compelling way that other law firms cannot match.
Defense attorneys and insurance companies know us and respect us. We assess the full extent of your damages and pursue all responsible parties in order to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases are rarely simple. We have taken on the largest corporations, insurance companies, and defense firms in the country and won.
We understand how important it is to have a compassionate and considerate lawyer. From providing regular case updates to ensuring clients are adequately prepared for each step of the case, we continually demonstrate our care for all of our clients.
You may have a valid case if:
An attorney can help assess the specifics of your situation and determine the viability of your case.
Potentially liable parties can include:
Liability may vary based on local laws and specific circumstances.
You may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney promptly.
Key evidence includes:
The duration varies based on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. It can take several months to a few years.
While it’s possible to file a claim without an attorney, having an experienced personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. An attorney can help:
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of your settlement or judgment.
Simply fill out the form or call 619.821.0500 to receive a free case review. We’ll evaluate what happened, your injuries, and potential defendants to determine how we can best help you.