Blackhawk Law Group • Dog Bite Legal Representation
Over a Decade of Industry Experience
At Blackhawk Law Group, our attorneys bring many years of combined personal injury experience to every case we handle. We’ve successfully represented over a thousand clients across California and understand how to navigate even the most complex claims.
Client Testimonials
“After my son was bitten by a neighbor’s dog in Costa Mesa, we didn’t know where to turn. Blackhawk Law Group guided us through the entire legal process, and their dog bite lawyers secured a fair settlement that covered his medical treatment and therapy. We are so grateful.”
C.M., Costa Mesa
“When I was attacked by a large dog breed while jogging, the injuries were overwhelming. The dog bite law firm at Blackhawk handled everything, from dealing with the insurance company to recovering my lost wages. They were compassionate and responsive throughout the legal process.”
D.R., Orange
Our attorneys have helped many clients secure compensation for dog bite injuries. Results vary based on individual circumstances.
Common Causes of Dog Bites in Costa Mesa
Dog bites can happen anywhere, from quiet residential neighborhoods to public spaces. In our experience, most dog bites in Costa Mesa occur due to:
Unrestrained Dogs
Loose animals in public parks or on sidewalks.
Loose Private Pets
Domestic animals running loose on private property.
Aggressive Breeds
Failure of a dog owner to control aggressive dog breeds.
Lack of Supervision
Children interacting with dogs without proper supervision.
Startled Animals
Dogs startled by bicycles, skateboards, or bicycle accidents in public areas.
Previous Reports
Animals previously reported to animal control but not properly restrained.
When these animal attacks happen, victims often suffer serious injuries such as puncture wounds, broken bones, infections, and emotional trauma. Immediate medical attention is crucial after a dog bite to mitigate the risk of infection.
Costa Mesa Dog Bite Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, and over 800,000 require medical attention.
- California follows a strict liability rule under California Civil Code § 3342, which means a dog owner is responsible if their dog bites someone in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of the animal’s past behavior.
- The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim in California is two years from the date of the incident.
- In Orange County, including Costa Mesa, OC Animal Care requires that all dog bites be reported to animal control, with hundreds of incidents investigated each year.
These reports highlight how frequently dog bite injuries affect the community and why immediate legal action is often necessary.
Understanding Your Rights After a Dog Bite in Costa Mesa
California’s dog bite law is clear: under strict liability, a defendant owned dog that causes harm does not require proof of negligence, the dog owner is typically held liable if the bite occurred in a public place or if the victim was lawfully on private property.
As a victim, you may be entitled to pursue damages through a personal injury claim or personal injury lawsuit. Compensation may include:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage (such as torn clothing or broken devices during the dog attack)
- Emotional trauma and ongoing emotional distress
- Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
Understanding your rights is the first step in taking legal action against negligent dog owners.
How Blackhawk Law Group Can Help You
Our dog bite attorneys provide comprehensive legal assistance to victims in Costa Mesa:
- Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to assess whether you have grounds for a personal injury claim.
- Evidence Gathering: We collect critical evidence including witness statements, medical records, photographs, and animal control reports. Collecting evidence such as photos of injuries, the dog, and witness information is critical after a dog bite.
- Claims Process: We guide you through the claims process with the insurance company, ensuring you don’t give a harmful recorded statement.
- Negotiation: Our personal injury attorneys negotiate firmly to seek a fair settlement that covers all related expenses.
- Litigation: If needed, we pursue a personal injury lawsuit in court, prepared with the resources and strategies to present your case effectively.
Every step of the way, our dog bite law firm works tirelessly to help you pursue compensation for injuries and related losses.
Our Costa Mesa Dog Bite Lawyers Offer Support 24/7
We know a dog attack can leave victims overwhelmed. That’s why our Costa Mesa practice areas include around-the-clock support. You can contact our dog bite attorneys anytime for updates, guidance, or answers about your case. Our firm also connects clients to local resources such as medical treatment providers, counseling services for emotional trauma, and assistance in reporting the attack occurred to animal control. We are committed to helping you seek justice and pursue fair compensation under California law.
