A dog bite can leave more than just physical scars, it can cause long-term trauma, disfigurement, and financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in a public place or on private property anywhere in the Bay Area, Blackhawk Law Group is here to help. Our experienced dog bite attorneys understand the emotional distress and physical pain dog bite victims endure, and we’re committed to helping you pursue full compensation under California law.
From San Francisco to San Jose, Oakland to Alameda, we’ve built a reputation across Northern California for standing up to insurance companies and negligent dog owners. Let our legal team guide you through your dog bite injury claim with compassion, skill, and proven success.
At Blackhawk Law Group, we don’t settle for less, and neither should you. We are a top-rated personal injury law firm with over 30 years of combined experience in handling serious personal injury cases, including dog bite cases throughout the Bay Area.
What sets us apart?
No Fees Unless We Win
Available 24/7 for New Clients
Direct Access to Attorneys
Free Case Evaluation
Thousands of Clients Helped Across California
We handle every dog bite case as if it’s going to trial. From gathering animal control reports to documenting puncture wounds, nerve damage, and medical treatment, we build a rock-solid claim that insurance companies can’t ignore.
Bay Area attorneys Sam Dollar and Amir Guedoir are the lead attorneys at Blackhawk Law Group, with a proven track record representing victims of dog bites and animal attacks throughout Northern California.
Amir Guedoir, a Harvard Law School graduate, has successfully handled a wide range of personal injury cases, including severe dog bite claims resulting in nerve damage, disfigurement, and long-term medical treatment. His strategic legal approach and deep knowledge of California dog bite laws have helped countless clients recover compensation for their injuries.
Sam Dollar, a U.S. Navy veteran and experienced trial attorney, is passionate about protecting the rights of injury victims. He is especially committed to helping families who have suffered from traumatic dog bite incidents, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Recognized for his excellence in legal advocacy, Sam has been honored with the Super Lawyer award.
Together, Sam and Amir bring decades of combined experience, relentless dedication, and personalized attention to every dog bite case they handle in the Bay Area.
We are honored to be recognized among the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms in California. This distinction reflects our commitment to exceptional results, client-focused service, and relentless advocacy for injury victims across the state.
Our clients’ success stories speak volumes about our commitment and expertise:
“After my daughter was bitten at a local park in San Francisco, we were overwhelmed with medical bills and fear. Amir and his team walked us through every step and fought hard against the homeowner’s insurance company. We couldn’t be more grateful.” – Jessica L., San Francisco, CA
“Blackhawk Law Group handled my case with care and urgency. I had nerve damage and required multiple treatments. They helped me get compensation for my pain and suffering and lost wages. Highly recommend.” – Daniel P., Oakland, CA
Dog bites happen for various reasons, but common causes include:
Lack of restraint or leashing in public areas like parks
Dogs escaping from unfenced private property
Provoked and unprovoked attacks by aggressive breeds
Irresponsible or untrained dog owners
Dogs not under proper supervision around children
These attacks can occur anywhere, in public places, on private property, or even in the homes of friends or family members. Under California law, dog owners are held strictly liable for any damages their dogs cause, regardless of prior behavior.
California continues to lead the nation in dog bite injury claims. In 2023, the state recorded 2,104 dog bite-related insurance claims, with a total payout of $143.3 million—an average of $68,000 per claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm. (Source)
Additionally, emergency room visits for dog bites have spiked across the state. In 2022, there were 48,596 emergency room visits due to dog bites, or approximately 125 per 100,000 residents—a 70% increase compared to 2005. This trend reflects a growing concern, especially in dense urban areas like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose (Source).
These numbers highlight the importance of holding negligent dog owners accountable and knowing your rights if you or someone close to you is injured.
California’s strict liability law (Civil Code Section 3342) means dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. This applies whether the attack happened in a public place or on private property, provided the victim was lawfully present.
If you’ve suffered from a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses and future medical care
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and disfigurement
Reconstructive surgery costs
Long-term physical therapy
It’s important to act quickly, California has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims. If the injury was to a child, the statute is extended, but prompt action is still critical to preserving evidence and strengthening your case.
Our experienced Bay Area dog bite lawyers know how to handle complex injury cases and aggressively negotiate with insurers who often try to minimize payouts. Here’s what we do for every client:
Investigate the dog bite incident thoroughly
Gather medical records, animal control reports, and witness statements
Assess the extent of injuries including lacerations, broken bones, and nerve damage
Consult with medical experts and surgeons for treatment estimates
Handle all communication with the insurance company
Pursue full compensation through negotiation or trial
Whether the attack occurred in a San Francisco park, a San Jose residential complex, or in an Oakland dog-friendly café, our law firm has the tools, resources, and knowledge to hold negligent parties accountable.
We know that dog bite injuries can be traumatizing and life-altering. That’s why we make ourselves available around the clock. You’ll never be passed off to a call center. When you call Blackhawk Law Group, you speak with a real attorney who will listen to your story and help you take the next steps toward recovery.
Our law offices serve clients across:
San Francisco
Oakland
Alameda
San Jose
Berkeley
Walnut Creek
Fremont
And surrounding Bay Area communities
We’re proud to be part of the Bay Area community. Our team enjoys walking through Lake Merritt in Oakland, grabbing coffee in the Mission District, or hiking the Presidio Trails in San Francisco. We support local partners like Bay Area Animal Shelters, community hospitals, and rehab centers that help dog bite victims heal.
Blackhawk Law Group also refers clients to trusted plastic surgeons, physical therapists, and mental health counselors in the area to ensure a holistic recovery process.
We also collaborate with trusted local professionals, from collision repair shops to rehabilitation clinics, to ensure our clients receive full-spectrum support during recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, don’t wait. Let our personal injury lawyers fight for your rights and maximize your compensation.
Call now for a free consultation: 925-736-9990
Visit us at: 1901 Harrison St, Ste 1100, Oakland, CA 94612
We handle all dog bite claims on a contingency basis, no fees unless we win. Get in touch today and let us help you hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the justice you deserve.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To understand how California dog bite laws apply to your case, contact our law firm directly.
With more than three decades of experience, our legal team has handled thousands of personal injury cases across California State. We have an in-depth understanding of state and federal injury laws and have successfully represented clients in a variety of complex cases, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims. Our vast experience allows us to anticipate challenges and develop effective strategies to maximize your compensation.
We are honored to be recognized among the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms in California. This distinction reflects our commitment to exceptional results, client-focused service, and relentless advocacy for injury victims across the state.
Our clients’ success stories speak volumes about our commitment and expertise:
“if you’re looking for someone who truly excels, I wholeheartedly recommend Amir. it is clear that Amir stands out. Amir isn’t just incredibly knowledgeable; he is also a good communicator.” – Galy N.
“The best law firm in California. Helped me and my family through out our case. Thank you to Amir and Sam” – Adel S.
