At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we know California’s strict liability laws well. Your Irvine dog bite lawyer uses them to hold careless owners fully accountable.
We fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future surgery costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
While you focus on healing, we focus on winning your case.
Free, confidential consultation. Speak with a personal injury attorney who genuinely cares about your recovery- call today.
Compassionate Counsel for Dog Bite Victims in Irvine
Irvine is known for its safe streets and family-friendly parks. That’s what makes a dog attack feel so unsettling here. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we pair genuine compassion with decisive action. Your Irvine dog bite lawyer will listen first. Then we move quickly to protect your case. We explain each step in plain language. You always know what comes next. We also handle every call from the dog owner’s insurer. That leaves you free to focus on your recovery.
Ready to talk? Your first consultation is free- no pressure, no obligation.
The Kohan & Bablove Advantage: Overcoming Common Dog Bite Defenses
| What Sets Us Apart | Why It Matters to You |
| We beat “provocation” defenses | We use hard evidence to shut down owner excuses |
| Partner-level attention | A senior lawyer leads your case from day one |
| Top plastic surgeons and psychologists | We prove the true cost of your scars and trauma |
| Trial-ready reputation | Insurers know we won’t settle low, so they pay more |
A History of Defeating “Provocation” and Other Unfair Defenses
Owners often blame the victim to avoid paying. We gather strong evidence to show what really happened. This has helped us beat many “provocation” claims.
Direct Partner-Level Expertise in Irvine Dog Bite Claims
You won’t be passed to a junior staffer. A senior lawyer who knows Irvine courts guides your case from day one.
Access to Top Plastic Surgeons to Document Scarring Damages
Scars tell a story insurers try to ignore. We bring in top surgeons and psychologists to prove your full physical and emotional cost.
A Reputation for Holding Negligent Owners Fully Accountable
Insurers know our name well. They know we prepare every case for trial. This often leads to fairer settlements for you.
Protecting Your Rights: Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite in Irvine
The moments after an attack matter most. Your next steps can shape your case. Follow these four steps to protect your health and your claim.
| Step | Why It Helps Your Claim |
| Get medical care fast | Creates records linking your injury to the attack |
| Report the bite to Irvine Animal Services | Builds an official, unbiased record of events |
| Photograph injuries and the scene | Preserves proof before wounds heal or evidence fades |
| Stay off social media | Stops insurers from twisting your words against you |
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Prioritize Your Health by Seeking an Immediate Medical Evaluation
See a doctor right away, even for a small bite. Dog bites can cause serious infections. These include cellulitis, staph, or rabies. A visit to Hoag Hospital Irvine or Kaiser Permanente creates a record. That record becomes strong proof later.
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Report the Attack to Irvine Animal Services
Call Irvine Animal Services right away. This team is part of the Irvine Police Department. An officer will investigate the attack. They will check the dog’s vaccine history. This report often reveals past bites the owner hid.
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Preserve Evidence: Photograph Your Injuries and the Location of the Attack
Take clear photos of your wounds now. Keep photographing them as they heal. Photograph the attack scene, too. Look for broken fences or missing signs. Keep torn or bloody clothing in a sealed bag.
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Avoid Discussing the Incident on Social Media
Insurers hire people to scan your social posts. A simple post like “feeling better” can hurt your case. Stay off social media until your case ends.
Understanding California's "Strict Liability" Dog Bite Law
California protects dog bite victims well. Civil Code 3342 sets a “strict liability” rule. This gives your lawyer a clear path forward.
What “Strict Liability” Means for Irvine Victims (Civil Code 3342)
California skips the old “one bite rule.” Owners are liable under strict liability. This applies in public places. It also applies on private property you may lawfully access. It doesn’t matter if the dog bit before. We only need to prove the bite happened while you were legally there. This makes your case far simpler to prove.
Common Exceptions to the Law (e.g., Trespassing, Police Dogs)
Strict liability has some limits. These three exceptions can affect your claim:
- Trespassing– you were unlawfully on the owner’s property
- Provocation– you provoked the dog into attacking
- Police or military dogs– the dog was working in the line of duty
Your lawyer checks that none of these apply unfairly to you.
Pursuing a Claim for Non-Bite Injuries Through Negligence
What if a dog knocks you down but never bites you? Strict liability won’t apply here. We build a negligence claim instead. We show the owner acted carelessly, maybe by breaking Irvine’s leash law. Then we link that carelessness directly to your injury.
Special Considerations for Child Dog Bite Cases in Irvine
A dog attack on a child is devastating. Kids face higher risks of facial harm. They also face lasting emotional trauma. We handle these cases with extra care.
The High Risk of Lifelong Emotional Trauma and Scarring
A dog attack can leave lasting scars on a child. Common effects include:
- PTSD and recurring nightmares
- Cynophobia, a lasting fear of dogs
- Facial scars that hurt self-esteem for years
- The need for multiple reconstructive surgeries
We use child psychologists and surgeons to prove the full harm.
California’s Higher Standard of Care for Owners Around Children
Kids often don’t understand dog behavior. A child hugging a dog is not “provocation.” Owners must use extra care around kids. This rule helps hold them fully responsible.
Our Sensitive and Compassionate Approach for Families
A child’s injury affects the whole family. We explain every step clearly and handle each detail with care. This lets parents focus on their child’s healing.
Building a Powerful Case: Our Investigative Protocol
A strong claim needs solid proof. Our team follows a proven process. This builds your case and counters insurer tactics.
Investigating the Dog’s History of Aggression and Prior Bites
We don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. But doing so helps a negligence claim or a push for punitive damages. Our investigators talk to:
- Neighbors
- Mail carriers
- Delivery drivers
We look for any past signs of aggression.
Obtaining and Analyzing Animal Control Records and Vet Reports
We pull every animal control record on the dog. These records may show past complaints. Vet records may also show a known aggressive streak.
Interviewing Neighbors and Witnesses About the Dog’s Behavior
Neutral witnesses matter a lot. We find neighbors who saw the attack or know the dog’s history. Their honest words can break an owner’s excuses.
Common Injuries We See in Irvine Dog Bite Cases
Dog attacks rarely cause only minor harm. We work with top medical experts. Together, we document the true cost of every injury.
| Injury Type | What It Can Mean for You |
| Puncture wounds and infections | Risk of cellulitis, staph, or sepsis, even with treatment |
| Nerve damage and broken bones | Possible lasting loss of feeling or movement |
| Facial injuries and scarring | Surgery needs and lasting emotional impact |
| Emotional trauma and PTSD | Nightmares, anxiety, and long-term fear of dogs |
Puncture Wounds and Severe Infections
A dog’s teeth can tear skin fast. Its mouth carries harmful bacteria. This raises the risk of serious infection, even with fast care.
Nerve Damage and Broken Bones
A big dog’s bite is very strong. This can cause lasting nerve damage. Hands and arms often suffer most. Falls can also break bones and slow recovery.
Facial Injuries and Permanent Scarring
Kids face higher risks of facial injuries due to their height. Bites near the eyes may need surgery. Scars often become lifelong reminders of the attack.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD
Physical wounds are only part of the harm. Many victims develop PTSD, anxiety, or a lasting fear of dogs. We make sure this pain counts in your claim.
The Anatomy of an Irvine Dog Bite Claim: A Four-Phase Process
We guide you through a clear, proven process. It runs from your first call to your final result.
| Phase | What Happens |
| 1. Strategy Session | We review your case and build a plan |
| 2. Investigation | We gather evidence, records, and statements |
| 3. Negotiation | We send a demand package to the insurer |
| 4. Resolution | We win a settlement or go to trial |
Phase 1: Initial Strategy Session and Case Planning
Your case starts with a free talk. We review your claim and spot possible defenses early. Then we build a plan around your goals.
Phase 2: The Investigation and Evidence Development Stage
Once you hire us, we move fast. We secure the animal control report. We gather your medical records, too. We interview witnesses to build strong proof.
Phase 3: Formal Negotiations with Homeowner’s Insurance
We send the insurer a full demand package. It covers all your losses, including future costs like scar surgery. Then we negotiate hard for a strong offer.
Phase 4: Resolution Through a Strategic Settlement or Trial
Most cases settle at this stage. If the insurer won’t pay fairly, we act. Our trial-ready team takes your case to court.
Recovering Full Compensation for Your Injuries and Trauma
A dog bite costs more than pain. It brings real financial loss, too. Your lawyer will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Economic Damages (Medical Bills, Future Surgeries, Lost Income)
We document every cost you face, including:
- ER visits and hospital stays
- Surgeries and future scar revision
- Medication and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from missed work
- Therapy and counseling costs
Non-Economic Damages (Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress)
These damages cover the harm no bill can capture:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Anxiety and PTSD
- Lasting fear of dogs (cynophobia)
A skilled lawyer shows the true depth of your suffering.
Specific Compensation for Scarring and Disfigurement
California law treats scars as real harm. We work with plastic surgeons on this. They help prove your scar’s lifelong impact. Then we fight for fair payment.
Preparing for Your Free Consultation: What to Discuss with Our Team
Your free consultation brings clear answers fast. Here is what we will cover together.
- How do you handle a defense that I may have provoked the dog?
“Provocation” is a rare valid defense in California. We counter it with witness statements and the dog’s history. This shows your actions did not cause the attack.
- What is your firm’s experience with cases involving children?
Child cases carry higher stakes. Kids often face lasting trauma. We work with child psychologists and surgeons. Together, we show the full impact on a child’s life.
- What is your strategy for proving the full extent of my future medical needs?
We consult medical experts to build a life care plan. This plan projects future costs, like surgery. It makes sure your settlement covers what you’ll truly need.
- Who will be my primary point of contact at the firm?
You get direct access to your lawyer, not a case manager. Your lawyer will know your file well from day one.
- Can you provide a transparent breakdown of your fee structure?
Yes. We work on contingency, so you owe nothing upfront, with no hidden costs.
Get the Compensation You Deserve- Contact Us Today
A dog attack can leave you with medical bills, missed work, and a long road ahead. You shouldn’t have to carry that alone. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, our team is ready to review your case. We fight for every dollar you’re owed. This covers medical costs, scarring, and emotional trauma. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start protecting your claim. Take the first step toward recovery. Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation with a personal injury attorney ready to fight for you.
