Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld Relentlessly Protecting California Workers' Rights Since 1956

Dog Bite Lawyers in California

Protecting California Workers Injured in Dog Attacks Since 1956

A dog bite or attack during a delivery, service call, agricultural assignment, trucking stop, or other job duty can leave you needing medical care, missing work, and facing two separate legal questions. You may qualify for California workers’ compensation benefits while also having a possible claim against the dog owner or another responsible party.

Get emergency medical care when necessary, notify your employer promptly, and preserve photographs, witness information, and details identifying the dog and its owner. Because we handle both workers’ compensation and personal injury matters at Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, we can evaluate how potential claims may interact.

Call (805) 243-2179 for a free consultation about a work-related dog bite and the benefits or claims that may be available.

When California Dog Bite Law Applies to Injured Workers

Under California Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is generally liable for damages when a person is bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. The injured person typically doesn’t have to prove that the dog had bitten before or that the owner knew it was dangerous.

Lawful presence can include performing duties required by California or federal law, carrying out postal duties, or entering property through an express or implied invitation. Exceptions may apply to certain governmental agency dogs used in police or military work and in circumstances involving the injured person’s conduct. Whether the statute applies requires a case-specific review of the location, purpose of the visit, and potential defenses.

How Workers’ Compensation & a Third-Party Claim Differ

Workers’ compensation may cover reasonable medical treatment and partial wage replacement for a covered injury. Depending on the claim, it may also provide temporary or permanent disability benefits. Unlike a civil claim, it doesn’t compensate an injured worker for pain and suffering or punitive damages.

A third-party claim is a civil claim against someone other than the worker’s employer, such as a dog owner who may be legally responsible. Whether both claims are available depends on the employment relationship, ownership of the dog, incident location, insurance coverage, medical evidence, and applicable defenses.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

What Injured Workers Say About Our Guidance

In feedback published on our website, clients describe our staff explaining difficult issues clearly, offering support, and making them feel heard during uncertain workers’ compensation cases. Other feedback describes us taking over a long-running claim and persisting until the client received a compensation package.

A work-related dog attack may involve medical treatment, missed wages, insurance questions, and separate claims. We explain how those pieces fit together and what needs attention next.

"I can actually say I am looking forward to working with them."
Her patience in explaining my situation with my case was comforting. No one really explained it in a way I could ever understand. She gave me a sense of hope that I may actually get the help needed under her watch.

- Nakia D.
"They restored my dignity."
This law firm accepted my bogged down nine-year-old Worker's Compensation case from another law office. In less than 12 months, I was awarded a just compensation package. Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld not only fought and won my case, but they restored my dignity.

- Former Client
"They are amazing."
I love Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld. They are amazing, and the case workers are amazing. They understand and hear me in every aspect of my situation, thank you so much.

- Maria G.
"I honestly could not have done it without them."
This is the second time I have used Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld for different types of cases. This is the second time I have received a settlement. I am very grateful for the team. Everyone involved is kind and amazing. I honestly could not have done it without them. I highly recommend!

- Former Client
"When I needed an attorney, I chose Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld."
I am a (former) Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster, so I know when an attorney is representing their client well. Being injured on the job has given me a keen appreciation of having a smart, compassionate, and proactive attorney in my corner.

- Samuel L.
"You made me feel comfortable, welcomed, cared for, and accepted in an uncertain time."
ou are what I was waiting for. With you, I feel like we are a team. We will win this case together, and I’m certain about it because of you.

- Nestor S.
"Made me feel like I mattered."
Candi made me feel like I mattered. She was very nice and helpful. She made everything so easy, which took away the stress of the issue.

- Carl N.
"They were very dedicated to my case."
Ghitterman Ghitterman & Feld law office was professional and amazing. They were very dedicated to my case, and through their persistence, they won my case for disability. I highly recommend them as your advocates and lawyers.

- Scott S.

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Workers’ Compensation Experience Since 1956

We investigate the details that can affect an injured worker’s benefits and potential claims. In addition to workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, we evaluate related benefit avenues that may include Social Security Disability and the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund.

Over the years, we have handled many cases. Past results don’t guarantee future performance, and each outcome depends on the evidence, applicable law, and individual circumstances.

Steps to Take After a Work-Related Dog Bite

Prompt reporting, medical documentation, and preserved evidence can affect both a workplace injury claim and a potential civil claim.

Important steps after an attack include:

Report the injury: Notify your employer promptly. Failing to report a work injury within 30 days can jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits.
Complete the claim form: Your employer must provide or mail a DWC 1 claim form within one working day after learning of the injury. Complete and return the employee section.
Obtain medical care: Seek appropriate treatment and explain how the bite or attack happened, including any fall or additional injury caused by the dog.
Preserve evidence: Keep photographs, medical records, incident reports, witness details, employer communications, and information identifying the dog, its owner, and the location.

We use diligent investigation, precision, and close attention to detail to assess potential dog owner liability, insurance communications, and the evidence needed for each available claim.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Potential Civil Damages

Workers’ compensation benefits differ from the damages available through a civil claim. That distinction can become especially important when a workplace dog attack causes missed work, scarring, emotional harm, or lasting physical limitations.

Potential sources of recovery may include:

Workers’ compensation benefits: Medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and other benefits may apply depending on the injury and claim status.
Civil claim damages: A supported third-party claim may address pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, emotional harm, and other legally recognized losses not paid through workers’ compensation.

When both paths are available, coordinating them may involve reimbursement or lien issues. We assess medical care, time away from work, lasting limitations, responsible parties, and insurance communications to determine which potential sources of recovery warrant attention.

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Set Up A Free Initial Consultation Today

Our Services

Discuss Your Workplace Dog Bite Claims

During a free consultation, we can identify the records, deadlines, benefits, and potential claims that may require attention. We serve injured workers throughout California through our statewide office network and video-conferencing options.

Our attorneys work on contingency, so we collect legal fees only if our clients collect compensation. There’s no upfront attorney fee for us to review the circumstances of your injury.

Call (805) 243-2179 to discuss your work-related dog bite with Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld.

Why Choose Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld?

Relentless Commitment to Protect our Clients’ Rights. Always.

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Helping the Injured Since 1956 Contact Us for Your Consultation

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