Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
San Jose Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
A dog attack can change your life in an instant. What begins as a sudden bite can leave victims with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional scars that last far beyond the physical wounds. The recovery process can feel overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with insurers or uncooperative dog owners.
At the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, our experienced San Jose Dog Bite Injury Lawyers are here to stand by your side. We understand the challenges victims face and are committed to protecting your rights at every step. From investigating the attack and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing justice in court, we fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Our mission is simple: to secure the maximum compensation you need to recover your health, rebuild your life, and move forward with confidence.
Understanding California Dog Bite Laws and Strict Liability
California has some of the strictest laws in the nation to protect dog bite victims. Under California Civil Code § 3342, the rules are straightforward and designed to hold dog owners accountable. Here are the key points:
- Strict Liability Rule – Owners are automatically responsible if their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is legally on private property.
- No Negligence Proof Needed – Victims don’t need to show that the owner was careless or that the dog had a history of aggression.
- First Bite Liability – Even if it’s the first time the dog has bitten someone, the owner is still liable for the injuries caused.
- Exceptions Apply – The law doesn’t cover situations where the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or when the bite occurred during police or military duties.
- Compensation Rights – Victims may seek recovery for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and long-term trauma.
- Time Limit to File – In California, victims usually have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Additional Local Rules – San Jose also enforces leash laws and animal control regulations. Owners who fail to properly restrain or supervise their pets may face added liability.
Our San Jose Dog Bite Injury Attorneys use these laws to build strong cases for victims, ensuring every legal right is protected and insurance companies cannot minimize or deny rightful claims.
Common Causes of Dog Bite Injuries in San Jose
Dog attacks often happen because of careless behavior or lack of control. Some of the most common causes include:
- Dogs left unleashed in public spaces.
- Aggressive dogs not properly restrained.
- Children exposed to unsafe interactions with dogs.
- Property owners failing to control dogs on their premises.
- Attacks by dogs used as guard animals or in workplaces.
Our legal team at the San Jose Dog Bite Injury Law Firm investigates every angle to determine why the attack happened and who should be held accountable.
Types of Dog Bite and Animal Bite Cases We Handle
Not every dog bite case is the same. Our firm represents victims in a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Severe bites requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Attacks that cause permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Injuries to children or vulnerable adults.
- Animal bite cases involving other pets, such as cats or exotic animals.
- Bites that occur on rental or commercial properties.
Whether the case involves minor wounds or catastrophic injuries, our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers ensure victims receive fair treatment under the law.
Injuries and Long-Term Effects Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites often result in more than immediate pain. Victims may face:
- Deep puncture wounds, lacerations, or nerve damage.
- Fractures and broken bones from being knocked down.
- Dangerous infections such as rabies or sepsis.
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Emotional trauma, fear of animals, or post-traumatic stress.
Our San Jose Dog Bite Injury Attorneys work with doctors and experts to prove the full scope of damages, both physical and emotional.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in San Jose
Your actions after an attack can make a major difference in your recovery and your case. Here’s what to do:
- Get medical attention, even for small wounds.
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene.
- Report the bite to San Jose Animal Control or police.
- Collect details about the dog and its owner.
- Contact a trusted Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in San Jose before speaking with insurers.
By acting quickly, you protect both your health and your legal rights.
Determining Liability in Dog Bite Cases
While the dog’s owner is usually responsible, others may share liability:
- Landlords who allow dangerous dogs on rental properties.
- Business or property owners who fail to control animals on-site.
- Dog sitters, walkers, or kennel staff.
- Employers if a dog attack occurs during work duties.
At our San Jose Dog Bite Injury Law Firm, we investigate every potential source of liability to maximize compensation for our clients.
How Liability Is Proven in a Dog Bite Claim
A strong case requires showing clear evidence that:
- The dog’s owner (or another party) had a duty of care.
- That duty was breached by failing to control the dog.
- The breach directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered measurable damages such as medical bills, lost income, or emotional harm.
Our experienced San Jose Dog Bite Injury Lawyers gather medical records, witness statements, and expert reports to establish responsibility and strengthen your case.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical costs, including surgery and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and reduced future earning ability.
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional trauma.
- Long-term scarring, disfigurement, or disability.
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence.
Our role as your San Jose Dog Bite Injury Lawyers is to ensure no aspect of your losses is overlooked.
Insurance Coverage in Dog Bite Cases
Many dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. However, insurance companies often push to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. Having a skilled San Jose Dog Bite Injury Lawyer on your side ensures your claim is taken seriously and negotiations reflect your true losses.
Time Limits to File a Dog Bite Claim in California
California law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims:
- Two years from the date of the dog bite.
- As little as six months if the attack occurred on government property.
Waiting too long can weaken your claim or even bar recovery entirely. Our San Jose Dog Bite Injury Attorneys act fast to preserve evidence and file your case on time.
Why Choose Our Law Firm For Dog Bite Injury Cases?
Choosing the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe means having a team that combines proven results with a client-first approach. We fight for justice while supporting you every step of the way.
- No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront; we only get paid when you do.
- Local Experience – Years of handling cases in San Jose courts give us an edge against insurers.
- Personalized Support – Every client gets direct attention, clear answers, and consistent updates.
- Proven Results – From negotiations to trials, our record shows strong outcomes in serious cases.
- Compassionate Advocacy – We care about more than just the case—we care about your recovery and future.
At our firm, you’re not just a case number. You’re a person who deserves justice, respect, and a legal team that stands with you.
Contact Our San Jose Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Our experienced San Jose Dog Bite Injury Attorneys are ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
📞 Call the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe today for a free consultation. Let our team handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
FAQ's About Dog Bite Injury Cases in San Jose
In California, you usually have two years from the date of the dog bite to bring a legal claim. If the bite happened on public or government property, the deadline can be much shorter, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes. California follows a strict liability rule, which means the owner can be held responsible even if their dog has no history of aggression or previous bites. You don’t need to prove negligence — only that the bite happened.
Compensation may cover a wide range of losses, including medical bills, hospital visits, therapy, lost wages, future income impact, emotional distress, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. In extreme cases, you may also pursue punitive damages.
Your first step should be to get immediate medical treatment, even for minor bites, to prevent infection. Next, document your injuries with photos, gather witness details, and report the incident to local authorities. It’s also wise to avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before talking to an attorney.
Dog bite cases can be more complex than they seem. A skilled San Jose dog bite injury lawyer can investigate the attack, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation. Having legal support often makes the difference between a small settlement and a fair recovery.