What Should I Do If I’m Attacked?

If you were attacked by a dog, protect yourself. You should contact the authorities immediately so that paramedics can begin treating your injuries, especially if you sustained a severe bite or head wound. The police can investigate the dog that attacked you and get the contact information of the owner. Even if you do not contact the police, it is important to take photos of the dog and get the contact information of the owner, as well as any witnesses. You should also report the attack to Santa Barbara’s Animal Control, which may know if the dog has attacked anyone before. Animal Control will also quarantine the dog to see if it has rabies. Lastly, you should speak to a Santa Barbara animal attack attorney as soon as possible. At NordstrandBlack PC, we can sit down with you in a free consultation and explain how you can recover compensation after an attack.

Who Will Pay for My Injuries?

In California, dog owners are responsible for paying for the medical expenses and other costs that a victim has suffered in an attack. The dog bite laws in California impose strict liability on the dog's owner, which means the owner can be held liable for injuries even if the dog has never bitten someone before (CA Civil Code Section 3342). This means that an owner cannot try to defend against a civil claim by saying that the dog was always friendly in the past and that he could not have predicted an attack. No matter what the dog's previous behavior may have been, the owner can be held liable. However, landlords may also be found liable for a dog attack. Landlords are responsible for ensuring the safety of all tenants on their property by protecting them from dangerous conditions , which includes aggressive animals. If a landlord was aware that a tenant’s dog had a history of violence, or reasonably should have been aware of this fact, then they can be found liable for allowing a tenant to be injured. In one case handled by our firm, a 61-year-old client was violently attacked by a neighbor’s dog after she complained about it to the landlord. Our attorneys successfully held the landlord liable and recovered compensation for our client. In cases involving dog owners, claims are covered under homeowner’s insurance and renter’s insurance. The State of California also has the highest rate of dog bite claims in the country, reaching nearly 2,400 claims in a recent year, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Generally, these policies include up to $100,000 in compensation for dog bite victims, but an insurance company is unlikely to pay for your medical bills and other damages without a fight. Insurance companies will try to minimize your injuries if you do not work with a skilled attorney. If the dog owner is found criminally liable for an attack, a victim may also be able to receive compensation through the California Victims’ Compensation Board.

What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive after a Dog Bite?

The compensation a Santa Barbara dog-bite victim can recover depends a great deal on the specific details of the case. In general, you can typically pursue: All medical bills, including past and future expenses Reconstructive surgery Psychological therapy Lost wages Lost earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental anguish Loss of enjoyment of life In California, damages in a dog-bite case can be diminished based on any degree of negligence the victim may have shown in the situation. For example, if a dog is notably distressed and acting aggressive, but someone approaches the dog without good reason and is bitten, he or she might be seen as acting negligently. Because the victim's behavior contributed to the dog bite, the damages awarded to him or her may be reduced.

When Can I Not Receive Compensation?

California does have exceptions which can limit a victim’s ability to receive compensation after a dog attack. If the dog was a member of law enforcement or the military and the bite occurred while in service, then the government entity that owned the dog may have immunity. Someone cannot sue the police or the military in California for dog bites that occur during a legal arrest. Where the dog attack occurred can also influence your case. A dog bite victim can only receive compensation if the bite occurred in a public space or while the victim was legally on the dog owner’s property. If the victim was trespassing on a dog owner’s property, then it may be difficult for him to receive full compensation. However, if someone had implied consent from the owner to enter the property, such as a mailman, maintenance worker, or real estate agent, then this defense would not apply. Another common defense is provocation, which means that the victim caused the attack by provoking, attacking, or taunting the dog. In general, this defense is only effective if the dog's owner can prove the victim caused direct physical violence against the dog. Most courts require that provocation meet the same standard for a dog attack as it would for a person to use violence to protect him or herself. Verbal taunting and similar actions are not considered true provocation in a dog-bite case. This is especially noteworthy because the provocation defense cannot be used in cases where the victim is a child under the age of 5 or a child who was following the instructions of his or her parents.

home personal injury dog bites

Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyers

Q: What If a Child Was Bitten?

In general, dog attacks involving children are treated in much the same way as on adults, with a few important exceptions. For one thing, due to the smaller size of children, an attack by a dog can be far more severe and have devastating consequences. Additional medical care may be necessary, and there can be long-term effects including emotional trauma and even disability. Parents should take their child to a doctor as soon as possible, of course, but also seek psychological help and therapy if needed.

Notable Dog Bite Case Results

$305,000.00 Settlement - Dog Bite - Scarring to Arm - Emotional Injuries
$301,950.00 Arbitration Award - Dog Bite - Scarring - Emotional Injuries
$102,500.00 Settlement - Dog Bite - Multiple Injuries
$78,000.00 Settlement - Dog Bite - Re-injured Knee
$65,000.00 Settlement - Dog Bite - Lacerations and Punctures
$40,000.00 Settlement - Dog Attack

^{Selected cases listed. Every case is different. Past case results are not a guarantee, and similar results may not be obtained in your case.}^{View more case results here}^.

Are You in Need of a Dog Bite Lawyer?

You may need a dog bite lawyer if a dog attacked you or a loved one and caused injuries requiring medical treatment. Dog owners can be held legally responsible for bite injuries even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

California's dog bite laws are among the strongest in the nation and often provide important protections for injured victims. Children are especially vulnerable to serious injuries because of their size and inability to protect themselves during an attack.

You may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. At NordstrandBlack PC, we help injury victims in Santa Barabra and surrounding communities understand their rights and pursue claims against negligent dog owners and other responsible parties.

You should consider speaking with a lawyer if:

You required medical treatment after a dog bite
The bite resulted in scarring or disfigurement
You missed work because of your injuries
A child was attacked by a dog
The dog owner denies responsibility
An insurance company is disputing your claim
The attack caused long term physical or emotional injuries
A loved one suffered catastrophic injuries from a dog attack

Why Choose Us Over Other Dog Bite Attorneys in Santa Barbara?

A dog attack can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Victims may suffer painful injuries, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, infections, and significant medical expenses.

Our personal injury attorneys Renée Nordstrand-Black and Doug Black understand the challenges that dog bite victims face. At NordstrandBlack PC, we are committed to helping injury victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially after serious accidents and animal attacks.

Here's why so many people have come to rust our firm:

Our Accolades

Renée Nordstrand-Black received the Deborah Talmage Attorney of the Year Award, recognizing her leadership and service to the legal community.
Avvo Rated 10.0 Superb, reflecting outstanding professional credentials and client reviews.
Rated Premium by Lawyer.com, a distinction awarded to highly regarded attorneys.
Renée J. Nordstrand-Black earned the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards, based on peer evaluations from fellow attorneys.
Free consultations available, so you can discuss your case at no cost.
Extensive experience handling serious injury and wrongful death cases, including complex and catastrophic claims.
Personalized legal representation, tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Dedicated advocacy for injury victims throughout Santa Barbara, with a commitment to pursuing justice and accountability.

Was Your Child Bitten by a Dog?

Children often suffer severe physical and emotional injuries after a dog attack. Call (805) 962-2022 to schedule a free consultation today.

Who Is Liable for the Dog Bite?

Determining liability is one of the most important aspects of any dog bite case. In many situations, the dog's owner may be legally responsible for injuries caused by their animal. However, liability can sometimes extend beyond the owner depending on the circumstances.

Liable parties may include:

Dog owners
Property owners
Landlords in limited situations
Businesses that allow dangerous animals on their premises
Individuals responsible for controlling the dog at the time of the attack

Every case requires a careful investigation to determine who may be legally responsible.

Strict Liability in California

California follows a strict liability rule for most dog bite claims. California Civil Code Section 3342 generally provides that a dog owner is liable for damages suffered by a person bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully present on private property. This law provides important protections for dog bite victims and makes it easier to pursue compensation in many cases.

Under strict liability, victims generally do not need to prove that:

The dog had previously bitten someone
The owner knew the dog was dangerous
The owner acted negligently

Dog Owner Negligence

Although strict liability often applies, negligence can also play an important role in dog bite cases. A dog owner may be negligent if they:

Fail to properly restrain their dog
Violate local leash laws
Allow a known dangerous dog to roam freely
Ignore aggressive behavior
Fail to warn others about a dangerous animal

Negligence claims may become especially important when injuries result from a dog attack that does not involve an actual bite, such as when a dog knocks someone down and causes injuries.

Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog attacks can cause severe physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma.

Common injuries include:

Puncture Wounds. Dog teeth can penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues, causing painful wounds that often require medical treatment.
Lacerations. Many victims suffer deep cuts that may require stitches, surgery, or reconstructive procedures.
Infections. Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of serious infections such as cellulitis, tetanus complications, and other bacterial illnesses. Rabies exposure may also be a concern in certain cases, making prompt medical treatment essential.
Nerve Damage. A severe dog bite can damage nerves, resulting in numbness, tingling, loss of function, and chronic pain that may persist long after the initial injury.
Scarring and Disfigurement. Permanent scars are common after serious dog attacks, particularly when bites occur on the face, neck, hands, or arms.
Emotional Trauma. Many dog bite victims experience significant emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and a lasting fear of dogs. Sleep disturbances and other psychological effects can persist long after physical injuries have healed.
Traumatic Brain Injuries. Victims may suffer concussions or more severe brain injuries if they are knocked to the ground during an attack or struck while attempting to escape the dog.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries. Dog attacks can cause victims to fall, leading to serious neck, back, and spinal injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones. Fractures to the arms, hands, wrists, legs, and facial bones can occur during a dog attack, particularly when victims fall or attempt to protect themselves.

What If a Child Was Bitten?

Children are among the most frequent victims of dog attacks. Because children are smaller than adults, they are more likely to suffer severe injuries to the face, head, neck, and eyes during a dog attack. These injuries can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and the need for extensive medical treatment.

The emotional impact can also be significant. Many children develop lasting fears and emotional difficulties after a traumatic dog attack. Parents may pursue legal claims on behalf of injured children to recover compensation for medical expenses, future treatment needs, and other damages.

Courts are likely to recognize the profound impact dog bite injuries can have on a child's future development and quality of life. After a dog attack, a child may require:

Emergency medical care
Plastic surgery
Counseling
Long term rehabilitation

Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable

If a dog owner failed to prevent an attack, you may have a claim for compensation. Call (805) 962-2022 to learn more.

What's the Legal Process for a Dog Bite Claim?

Every case is unique, but most dog bite claims follow a similar process.

Initial Consultation

An attorney reviews the facts of the attack and evaluates potential legal options.

Investigation

Your attorney will collect evidence to build a strong claim. This may include:

Medical records
Animal control reports
Witness statements
Photographs
Veterinary records
Insurance information

Determining Liability

Your lawyer identifies all potentially responsible parties and applicable insurance coverage.

Calculating Damages

The full extent of your losses must be evaluated before settlement negotiations begin.

Settlement Negotiations

Many claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies.

Litigation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may become necessary.

Resolution

Cases may conclude through settlement or trial depending on the circumstances.

How a Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

Dog bite victims often face significant challenges while recovering from their injuries. A lawyer can help manage the legal process and protect your rights. Having legal representation can help ensure that insurance companies take your claim seriously.

An attorney can:

Investigate the attack
Gather evidence
Interview witnesses
Obtain animal control records
Identify insurance coverage
Calculate damages
Negotiate with insurance companies
File lawsuits when necessary
Represent you in court

Types of Damages Available

Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate victims for measurable financial losses.

Examples include:

Medical expenses and other losses like loss of income
Future medical treatment and other losses like loss of income
Rehabilitation expenses
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Psychological counseling costs

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate victims for personal losses.

Examples include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Anxiety
Depression
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

What Our Santa Barbara Personal Injury Clients Are Saying About Us

Exceptional Expertise and Service
Ms. Nordstrand provided thorough legal advice and counseling. She was prompt in her response to all questions and requests and her representation in court was extremely professional. Her legal knowledge is exceptional and allowed our case to be decided swiftly and in our favor. I would highly recommend Ms. Nordstrand to anyone looking for top-notch legal representation.
- Chris (5-Star Avvo Review)

He is a master negotiator with vast experience
Doug Black and his office staff handled my case with exceptional professionalism, promptly returning calls and following up on every opportunity to get the best possible outcome on a complex lawsuit. He is a master negotiator with vast experience. His calm and respectful attitude provided a safe refuge during a difficult time. Highly recommended!
- Thomas Felkay (5-Star Google Review)

Santa Barbara Dog Bite Injury Case Results

$102,500.00 Settlement ($65,000.00 from dog owner; $37,500.00 from homeowner) - Dog Attack/Premises Liability

A man in his 30s was walking his dog on the sidewalk close to his home. As he passed a nearby residence, a pit bull dog charged from the front door and attacked our client and his dog. Our client was bit on the knee and knocked to the ground, landing on his shoulder. Investigation revealed that the dog had several prior attacks on other dogs in two different cities. The absentee homeowner/landlord claimed that dogs were not allowed on his property and he had no notice or knowledge that a dog was kept on the property and so he was not responsible. The owner of the dog claimed that it was the injured man who provoked the dog to attack him.

$78,000.00 Settlement - Dog Bite

Dog unleashed on beach ran straight toward client, who was recovering from knee surgery and thought the dog would run into her knee. Client moved quickly to avoid dog who did not run into her.

Other Local Cities We Serve in California

Speak With a Trusted Dog Bite Attorney in Santa Barbara

Whether you suffered a dog bite injury yourself, or your child was attacked by a dog, you may have legal options available. At NordstrandBlack PC, we understand California's dog bite laws, and we work aggressively to hold responsible parties accountable.

Call (805) 962-2022 to schedule a free consultation today with our Santa Barbara personal injury lawyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a dog bite?

Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury appears minor. Report the incident to local animal control authorities, take photographs of your injuries, gather witness information, and contact a dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Can I file a claim if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes. California's dog bite law generally imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning you typically do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression or previous attacks.

Who is responsible for paying for my injuries after a dog bite?

In many cases, the dog's owner is responsible for damages caused by the attack. Compensation is often paid through the owner's homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy.

What damages can I recover in a dog bite claim?

You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses and other losses like loss of income, future medical treatment and other losses like loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and rehabilitation costs.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in California?

Generally, California allows two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving government entities may have deadlines as short as six months. Because exceptions may apply, it is important to speak with an attorney promptly.

Can I file a claim if a dog knocked me down but did not bite me?

Possibly. While California's strict liability law specifically applies to bites, you may still have a negligence claim if a dog caused injuries by knocking you down, chasing you, or otherwise behaving aggressively.

What if I was bitten while visiting someone's home?

You may still have a valid claim. California's dog bite statute generally protects individuals who are lawfully present on private property, including social guests, delivery workers, and invited visitors.

What if my child was bitten by a dog?

Parents or legal guardians can typically pursue a claim on behalf of an injured child. Compensation may be available for medical treatment, future care needs, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Can I recover compensation for emotional trauma after a dog attack?

Yes. Dog attacks often cause significant psychological injuries, including anxiety, fear of dogs, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These damages may be considered as part of a personal injury claim.

Do should I hire a lawyer for a dog bite claim?

A Santa Barbara dog bite lawyer can help investigate the attack, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, calculate the full value of your losses, and pursue the maximum compensation available under California law.

Meet Our Santa Barbara Dog Bite Lawyers

Doug Black

Doug Black is a dedicated attorney and partner of NordstrandBlack PC who focuses on helping injury victims and their families navigate the legal challenges that follow serious accidents. He is committed to providing personalized representation and guiding clients through every stage of the claims process with professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail.

Doug works closely with individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others, including victims of motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, premises liability incidents, dog attacks, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death events. He understands that a serious injury can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences, and he is dedicated to helping clients pursue the compensation they need to move forward.

Renée Nordstrand-Black

Renée Nordstrand-Black is the founding partner of NordstrandBlack PC, a respected Santa Barbara personal injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals and families whose lives have been affected by serious injuries, catastrophic accidents, and wrongful death. With decades of legal experience, she has built a reputation as a skilled advocate who fights tirelessly for those harmed by the negligence and misconduct of others.

Throughout her career, Renée has represented clients in a broad range of personal injury matters, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, premises liability claims, dog bite injuries, defective product cases, birth injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning incidents, and wrongful death lawsuits. Renée is committed to helping clients navigate these challenges by providing compassionate guidance, personalized attention, and aggressive legal representation. Her goal is to help clients obtain the resources they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence.