A dog attack can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Beyond the immediate pain, victims often face medical bills, time away from work, and anxiety about their recovery. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless Southern California families navigate these challenges and secure the compensation they deserve. Our team understands how overwhelming this process can feel — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been bitten, don’t wait to get the answers and support you need.
Jurewitz Law Group can work with you to find answers to these questions. Take the first step to getting the justice you deserve by contacting us for a free consultation.
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A common worry is what will happen to the animal if you pursue a claim. Here’s what you should know:
Your lawsuit does not determine the dog’s fate. Filing a claim for compensation is a separate process from any action taken by Animal Control.
After a bite, dogs are typically placed in a short quarantine (usually 10 days) to monitor for rabies and ensure public safety.
In San Diego and other Southern California counties, euthanasia is generally reserved for dogs with a documented history of aggression or multiple attacks. For a first-time incident, authorities usually focus on alternatives such as mandatory training, secure fencing, or muzzling requirements.
In other words: pursuing compensation will not automatically lead to the dog being put down. That decision is left to Animal Control based on the dog’s history and risk to the community, not the victim’s choice to seek justice. This means you can move forward with confidence.
Holding a dog’s owner accountable is about protecting yourself and others, not punishing the animal. California’s strict liability law gives you the right to seek financial recovery without fear that your decision will automatically harm the dog. By taking action, you can secure the medical care, lost wages, and peace of mind you deserve, while leaving questions about the dog’s future to the proper authorities.
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More than 50 percent of dog bite victims are children, and the most common victims are boys, aged five to nine. In addition, children are vulnerable to serious injuries and are often bitten in the face, neck, and head.
No. You should avoid talking to the owner while your case is ongoing. Only inform them that their dog bit you and exchange contact information. If you communicate with them about your injuries, treatment, or other details, you could inadvertently say something that negatively affects the outcome of your pursuit of compensation.
If the dog’s owner was someone you know, while they bear liability, they may also have an insurance policy that should include coverage for this very situation. So, in most cases, you will not be putting your friend or neighbor out by filing a lawsuit, as the compensation you will are owed should come from a homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy instead of directly out of their pocket.
