A dog bite can happen in an instant and leave lasting physical and emotional scars. For many San Jose residents, an unexpected injury caused by a dog attack means dealing with painful medical treatment, costly medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. At Blackhawk Law Group, we understand how overwhelming these challenges can feel. Our San Jose dog bite lawyers are committed to guiding dog bite victims and their families through the legal process and helping them pursue compensation permitted under California law.
Blackhawk Law Group is a California personal injury law firm with experience representing clients in dog bite and other injury cases. Experienced dog bite attorneys often have handled a variety of cases and are prepared to advocate for their clients in both settlement negotiations and court proceedings.
San Jose residents turn to us because we:
Handle complex dog bite claims involving private property, public spaces, and dog parks.
Build every case as if it may go to trial, ensuring strong strategies from day one.
Negotiate firmly with the insurance company to pursue fair settlement offers.
Provide personalized legal help, keeping clients informed every step of the way.
Offer a free consultation today so dog bite victims and their loved ones can explore their legal rights without financial risk.
Amir Guedoir is an experienced dog bite attorney fluent in English, Arabic, and French. Amir Guedoir, a trial attorney with a law degree from Harvard University, has represented clients in personal injury cases across Northern California, including San Jose dog bite victims who suffered serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Experience in specific dog bite cases, not just general personal injury law, is crucial when hiring a lawyer, and Amir’s strategic approach and dedication to holding dog owners accountable make him a dedicated attorney for clients pursuing dog bite claims.
Sam Dollar brings discipline and compassion to every dog bite injury case. Raised on a Native American reservation and a U.S. Navy submarine force veteran, Sam understands how a dog bite attack can disrupt financial security and emotional well-being. He works diligently to assist injured clients in pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and non economic damages such as mental anguish.
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.
After my son was bitten by a neighbor’s dog in San Jose, we felt lost. Blackhawk Law Group guided us through the process, explained our legal rights, and secured a fair settlement that covered medical treatment and therapy costs. Their legal team truly cared about our family’s recovery.”
– Former Client, Santa Clara County
“The lawyers at Blackhawk Law Group handled my dog bite case with professionalism and compassion. They pursued compensation for my injuries caused by a dog bite attack at a local dog park, and I am so grateful for their support.”
– Former Client, San Jose
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique.
Dog bites in San Jose can arise from many circumstances surrounding pet ownership. Common causes include:
Lack of restraint – Dogs off-leash in public or private places.
Dangerous behavior – Known aggressive tendencies ignored by pet owners.
Failure to warn – Owners failing to disclose prior dog attacks or bite injuries.
Improper supervision – Allowing children near an animal bite risk without warning.
Unsafe conditions – Poor fencing or unsecured pets in neighborhoods. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, so immediate medical attention is crucial.
California law provides that dog owners are may be held liable for bite injuries, subject to certain legal requirements.
Dog bites remain a significant public health concern in California, including here in San Jose. While comprehensive local data is limited, state and county records provide important insights:
Under California law, any person who suffers a dog bite that breaks or punctures the skin must report the incident to San José Animal Care & Services. This requirement ensures that medical treatment and rabies prevention protocols are followed.
In Santa Clara County, the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) investigates animal bites and possible rabies exposures. Domestic animals involved in bite incidents may be quarantined under California regulations.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has found that between 2006 and 2010, 77% of all reported animal bites in California were attributed to dogs. CDPH also notes that children under age 10 are more likely to require emergency medical treatment for dog bite injuries, especially those to the head and face.
According to KFF Health News, in 2022 there were 48,596 emergency room visits for dog bites in California, representing about 125 visits per 100,000 residents. This figure marks a nearly 70% increase in emergency visits since 2005.
The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim in California is two years from the date of the incident.
Under California’s strict liability statute, dog owners are typically liable when their dogs bite someone, even if the dog never displayed dangerous behavior before. The victim does not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent to hold them liable for injuries. Dog bite victims may pursue compensation for:
Economic damages: medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other tangible financial losses.
Non economic damages: emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and permanent disfigurement.
If an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, our law firm is prepared to take legal action to protect your rights. A dog bite lawyer in San Jose can help ensure that doctor’s records, medical treatment details, and the circumstances surrounding the attack are documented to strengthen your case. An attorney will also serve as your representative, protecting you from potentially misleading tactics by insurance adjusters.
Our San Jose dog bite attorneys are dedicated to:
Investigating the party’s negligence and gathering evidence, including witness testimony and medical records.
Seeking to hold pet owners responsible under applicable law for injuries caused by animal attacks.
Working with medical experts to document bite injuries and treatment needs.
Pursuing compensation from the insurance company when applicable.
Representing clients in court if necessary to recover compensation permitted by law.
Whether the attack occurred on private property, in a public dog park, or at another private place, our legal team is committed to helping victims pursue compensation for financial losses and emotional trauma.
At Blackhawk Law Group, we know dog bite attacks do not happen on a schedule. That’s why our San Jose dog bite attorneys are available 24/7 to provide legal help when you need it most. Many dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients pay no legal fees unless compensation is recovered. We work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t owe legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in San Jose, don’t wait to protect your legal rights. The sooner you contact a dog bite attorney, the stronger your case can be.
Call Blackhawk Law Group today at (925) 736-9990 for a free consultation today. Our legal team proudly serves San Jose, Santa Clara County, and communities throughout Northern California. We are ready to help you seek compensation, pursue fair settlement offers, and pursue compensation available under California law based on the facts of each case.
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.
