Dog Bite Lawyer in Van Nuys | The Law Offices of Tommy M. Troncoso

Injury Cases Have Strict Deadlines

California injury claims are governed by strict legal deadlines. Important evidence can also be lost if a case is not investigated early.

Insurance companies often continue “investigating” or “negotiating” while deadlines are quietly approaching. Once a legal deadline passes, your case may become worthless — even if the insurance company was still communicating with you when the deadline passed.

Part of my job is making sure deadlines are identified, evidence is preserved, and your rights are protected from the start — so you’re not pressured into a decision before you understand your options.

If you’re unsure what time limits apply to your situation, a free, no-pressure consultation can help clarify your options.

Direct Communication

You’ll receive clear answers, honest guidance, and straightforward communication.

We Handle the Insurance Claim

From adjuster calls to insurance paperwork, we deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

Help With Liability Disputes

If the dog owner’s insurance company denies responsibility or blames you, we know how to challenge their position and protect your claim.

Pursuing Fair Compensation

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and how the injury affects your life.

Dog Bite Cases We Handle

Dog bite and animal attack cases can involve serious injuries, scarring, infection risk, and long-term trauma. These incidents are often sudden and frightening, especially when they involve children or happen close to home. Here are common dog bite cases I handle.

Dog Bites and Puncture Wounds

Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, torn tissue, and infection risk. Medical evaluation is important even if the bite initially seems minor.

Bites to Children

Children are often bitten on the face, head, and upper body. These cases can involve scarring, trauma, and significant future care.

Facial Injuries and Scarring

Dog bites to the face can leave visible scars and may require stitches, plastic surgery consultation, or scar treatment over time.

Hand, Arm, and Amputation Injuries

Bites to the hands and arms can damage tendons, nerves, and soft tissue, affecting grip strength and function. In severe cases, dog bites can result in partial finger amputations or permanent loss of use.

Leg and Lower Extremity Injuries

Dog attacks often involve bites to the legs while walking or jogging. These injuries can leave scarring and limit mobility during recovery.

Infection Risk and Medical Complications

Dog bite wounds can become infected and may require antibiotics, follow-up care, or additional treatment if complications develop.

Emotional Distress and Trauma

Many people experience fear, anxiety, or sleep problems after an attack. Emotional harm can be a real part of the claim.

Bites at a Home, Apartment, or Common Area

Attacks often happen in residential settings, including a neighbor’s property or shared common areas. Insurance coverage is frequently available.

Permanent Scarring or Lasting Symptoms

Some dog bite injuries leave permanent scars, ongoing pain, or lasting limitations. These cases often involve future care and long-term impact.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, these steps can protect your health and your claim.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Your health comes first — even seemingly minor bites can lead to deep tissue injury or infection. Get evaluated by a doctor right away and follow their treatment plan. Keeping detailed medical records will also help support your claim later.
Obtain Information About the Dog and Its Owner

Obtain as much information as possible about the dog and its owner, including the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Ask for the dog’s vaccination history if available.
Report the Incident to Authorities

Contact your local animal control agency or police department to file an official report. Reporting the bite helps create a formal record and allows public safety agencies to follow up as needed.
Document the Scene and Injuries

Take clear photos of your wounds, the location where the attack occurred, and, if possible, photos of the dog and the property where it lives. Photographs of bloody or damaged clothing are also helpful.
Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw the incident, obtain their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Consult an Attorney

Insurance companies often reach out quickly after an injury. Do not give a recorded statement or agree to a settlement without legal advice. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue full compensation.

Important Warning: Do Not Sign Anything

Insurance companies sometimes contact injured people very quickly — sometimes the same day or within days of an injury — and ask them to sign paperwork. This is often an attempt to settle the case for far less than it is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries or have a chance to speak with a lawyer.

Once you sign a release or settlement agreement, your case is usually over — even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. Do not sign any documents related to an injury claim until you’ve spoken with an attorney who can explain what you’re giving up.

A Quick Note About Insurance Calls

Insurance adjusters protect the insurance company — not you. If you’re asked for a recorded statement, it’s almost always better to speak to an attorney first so you better understand your rights.

Dog Bite Q&A

Clear answers to common questions people have after a dog bite or animal attack.

I want an attorney, but I don’t have money for one. What can I do?

I work on a contingency fee. That means you never pay anything upfront — including fees or costs — and you do not owe attorney’s fees unless money is recovered in your case. If there is no recovery, you do not owe me a fee.

Is the dog owner automatically responsible in California?

In many situations, yes. California generally follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning the owner may be responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before. Certain facts, such as where the bite occurred, can still matter.

What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?

Insurance companies often raise provocation as a defense. Whether that argument holds weight depends on the facts, witness accounts, and the circumstances leading up to the bite.

Do I have to report a dog bite?

Reporting a dog bite can help create an official record and confirm vaccination status. Whether reporting is required or advisable depends on the situation, but documentation is often helpful.

What compensation is available in a dog bite case?

Compensation may include medical bills, future care, lost income, scarring or disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The value depends on the severity and long-term impact of the injuries.

What if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member?

Most dog bite claims are handled through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance rather than directly against the dog owner. Claims can often be handled professionally without creating personal conflict.

If I am an undocumented immigrant, can I make a personal injury claim?

Yes. Undocumented immigrants can pursue personal injury claims. Immigration status is not a defense to negligence, and the parties in the case generally cannot use the lawsuit as a way to inquire into immigration status.

What if I cannot travel to your Van Nuys office to sign up?

That’s not a problem. Most clients sign up remotely. We can review your situation by phone or video, and documents can be sent for electronic signature so you can retain our office without traveling.

Dog Bite Cases

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