Santa Ana Dog Bite Lawyers You Can Count On
Top-Ranked Legal Advocates for Dog Bite Victims Across California
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Santa Ana, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Cohn & Swartzon, we offer experienced and compassionate legal support to help you recover—physically, emotionally, and financially.
California law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. Our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Santa Ana
Get Medical Help Immediately
Seeking immediate medical attention after a dog bite is critical—not just for your health but also for your legal case. Even if the wound appears minor, dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or scarring. Visit a nearby urgent care or hospital to get proper treatment and ensure the injury is documented by a medical professional.
Document the Incident
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible right after the incident. Take photos of your injuries, the dog (if possible), the location, and any torn or bloodied clothing. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This documentation will help your attorney prove the severity of the bite and establish liability in your Santa Ana dog bite claim.
Contact Cohn & Swartzon As Soon As Possible
If you or a loved one were bitten, attacked, or injured by someone else’s dog, contact Cohn & Swartzon immediately. Our experienced attorneys can help you prove your case and make a strong legal claim for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Report the Bite to Santa Ana Animal Control
All dog bites in Santa Ana should be reported to Santa Ana Animal Services as soon as possible. Reporting the incident not only helps track dangerous animals but also creates an official record that can support your personal injury claim. You can file a report online or by contacting Santa Ana Animal Control at (714) 245-8792.
Understanding California Dog Bite Law
What Is a Dog Bite Injury?
A dog bite injury happens when a dog attacks or bites a person, often causing puncture wounds, infections, or lasting trauma. These injuries can range from minor cuts to severe disfigurement or nerve damage.
California Leads the Nation in Dog Bite Claims
Every year, California ranks #1 in total dog bite injury claims filed with insurance companies, according to data from the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm. In 2024 alone, California reported:
Over 1,500 dog bite claims
More than $132 million in total payouts
An average claim value of $86,229—well above the national average
These numbers reflect both the frequency and severity of dog attacks in the state, especially in urban and suburban areas like Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Orange.
Know Your Rights After a Dog Bite in California
California law protects dog bite victims, but every case is different. Whether you were bitten in Santa Ana or nearby, it’s important to understand how liability works—and what defenses the dog owner might use. Below are quick answers to common questions from our local clients.
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Are dog owners in California automatically liable for bites?
Yes. Under California’s strict liability law (Civil Code § 3342), a dog owner is typically responsible for injuries caused by their dog—even if the dog has never shown aggression before. This means that if you were bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property, you may be entitled to compensation without having to prove the owner was negligent.
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Can the dog owner deny responsibility for the bite?
Yes, but only under certain legal defenses. The most common ones include claiming that the victim provoked the dog, was trespassing at the time of the attack, or voluntarily accepted the risk of being bitten (e.g., dog groomers or handlers). A skilled Santa Ana dog bite lawyer can help you challenge these defenses and build a strong case on your behalf.
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How much compensation can I get for a dog bite in Santa Ana?
The value of a dog bite claim varies based on factors like the severity of the injury, medical costs, emotional trauma, and whether there’s permanent scarring or disfigurement. In Santa Ana, victims may be able to recover damages for hospital bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future medical treatments. A personal injury lawyer can help calculate a fair settlement based on your specific circumstances.
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How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to compensation altogether. It’s best to speak with a Santa Ana dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
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What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
It’s common to feel uneasy about pursuing a claim if the dog owner is someone you know. Fortunately, in most cases, the compensation comes from the homeowner’s insurance policy—not directly from your friend or relative. A skilled attorney can handle the claim discreetly while ensuring your medical expenses and other damages are covered.
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Why do dog attacks require legal representation?
If you were bitten by a dog and the owner or insurance carrier failed to offer fair compensation for your injuries, you may need to proceed with litigation. California has strict liability laws that hold owners responsible for their dog’s actions. If you want to maximize compensation for your injuries in the wake of a dog attack, you’ll need a skilled legal representative who can make a strong case on your behalf.
Learn more about how a dog bite lawyer can help you in this blog post.
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How will an attorney help me with my dog bite complications?
Dog bite claim costs have surged in recent years—up 86% over the past decade and nearly 18% from 2023 to 2024. In 2024 alone, U.S. insurers paid out $1.57 billion for dog bite-related injuries, with the average claim in California reaching $86,229.
An experienced Santa Ana dog bite attorney can help you pursue full compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress.
Disclaimer: Every case is unique. Prior claim data and outcomes do not guarantee results in your specific case. A consultation with a qualified attorney can help determine the best path forward.
Learn why you need experienced dog bite attorneys in this blog post.
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Will I Have to Go to Court for a Dog Bite Claim?
Not always. While some dog bite cases do end up in court, many are resolved through insurance claims or negotiated settlements without ever going before a judge.
You may need to file a civil lawsuit if there’s no applicable insurance policy—such as a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance—to cover your damages. In other cases, a lawsuit might be necessary if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies your claim entirely.
But filing a lawsuit doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be in a courtroom. Once a case is filed, both sides enter the discovery phase, where attorneys exchange evidence and information. This process often leads to continued settlement discussions. In fact, many dog bite cases are resolved during or after discovery—before a trial even begins.
You’ll only need to go to trial if the other party continues to deny responsibility or refuses to offer reasonable compensation. If that happens, Cohn & Swartzon will be ready to fight for your rights in front of a jury.
Our Attorneys Explain Your Rights After a Dog Attack in California
Dog bites and attacks can produce serious injuries and accompanying emotional trauma. California’s “strict liability” policy for dog bite cases states that dog owners are responsible for their animals if they attack another person. And under the State Civil Code, liable dog owners must pay damages for anyone who was bitten in a public or private place, even on the dog owner’s property.
Why You Need a Santa Ana Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one were bitten, attacked, or injured by someone else’s dog, contact Cohn & Swartzon immediately. Our experienced attorneys can help you prove your case and make a strong legal claim for the compensation you’re entitled to.
We Fight for the Full Value of Your Dog Bite Claim
Dog bite injuries can lead to major medical costs, missed work, emotional trauma, and even permanent disfigurement. While insurance companies may offer quick payouts, they rarely reflect the true value of your claim.
We’ll investigate the case, gather evidence, and fight for a settlement that reflects your full damages—including physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Our Promise to Dog Bite Victims in Santa Ana
At Cohn & Swartzon, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win. We treat every client like family and approach each case with honesty, care, and a deep understanding of California law.
Common Circumstances for Dog Bites
Visiting someone’s home
Passing a dog on a walk
Delivery workers or service professionals
Children playing near a pet
Dogs off-leash in public spaces
Common Symptoms for Dog Bites
Immediate Physical Symptoms
Swelling, bruising, or deep punctures
Bleeding that won’t stop
Numbness or tingling
Emotional distress or PTSD symptoms
Signs of Infection
Fever, chills, or red streaks near the wound
Pus or foul-smelling discharge
Infections such as rabies, sepsis, or tetanus
Long-Term or Severe Complications
Muscle or nerve damage
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Harm to the face or eyes
Emotional & Psychological Impact
Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms
Fear of dogs or public spaces after the incident
Speak With a Santa Ana Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bite symptoms can range from surface-level bruising to life-threatening infections and lasting emotional trauma. It’s important to monitor your condition closely and seek medical attention—even if the injury seems minor at first. If you’re unsure what to do next, reach out to Cohn & Swartzon for a free case review. We treat every potential client like family and take the time to understand your story. Our team will walk you through your options and fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Clients Trust Cohn & Swartzon After a Dog Bite
Recognized by Super Lawyers®: Backed by Results
At Cohn & Swartzon, our partners have been repeatedly recognized among California’s top attorneys for their skill, dedication, and proven results. Jason Cohn and Saar Swartzon have each been named to the Super Lawyers® list for 10 consecutive years—an honor awarded to the top 5% of attorneys statewide. Saar has also earned elite distinctions as one of the Top 100 attorneys in Southern California and Top 50 in Orange County. Oz Tannenbaum, known for his fierce litigation skills and client-first approach, has been recognized by Super Lawyers® for four consecutive years. These honors reflect our unwavering commitment to helping injured Californians recover—physically, emotionally, and financially—after dog bite injuries.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
At Cohn & Swartzon, we take cases on a contingency basis, meaning that we only get paid if you do.
We invite you to contact us anytime for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.
We believe in treating every client and prospect with the care, respect, and dignity you deserve, and we’re here to provide you with the personalized attention you need.
Don’t hesitate to take the next step toward getting the compensation you deserve. Remember, you are worthy of healing and justice.
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Serving Clients Across Santa Ana, Tulare, and Surrounding Areas
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided by Cohn & Swartzon, LLP for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. No such relationship exists unless a written attorney fee agreement is signed by all parties. Laws vary by state, so consult a licensed attorney in your area to understand how they apply to your case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes—every case is unique. Please avoid sharing sensitive personal information in public messages. For personalized legal guidance, call or text Cohn & Swartzon at (714) 547-5100 to speak directly with a member of our team.