UCLA-Trained Attorneys in Encino
LA County leash laws require dogs to be on a leash in public spaces. But leash law violations are just one part of a dog bite case. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, the owner is strictly liable for bite injuries whether the dog was leashed or not. If you were lawfully present and a dog bit you, the law is on your side.
Encino's residential neighborhoods see dog bite cases regularly, particularly involving children who encounter dogs in front yards or at parks. The owner's homeowner's insurance is the typical source of compensation, and policies in Encino generally carry substantial limits. Arya builds these cases by documenting every aspect of the injury, including the immediate medical treatment, scarring, infection risk, emotional impact, and the cost of any future procedures. Encino cases file at Van Nuys Courthouse West.
UCLA-Trained Attorneys, Not a Call Center
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and I've spent my career representing people who were hurt because someone else wasn't paying attention. I take these cases personally because I've watched families in this community deal with the aftermath of serious crashes. If you were injured, I want to hear what happened.
The Facts Behind Your Injury Claim
Which roads generate the most crashes, where the ambulance takes you, what the law requires, and how long you have to act. This is what we know about Encino cases before we even look at yours.
California's dog bite statute holds owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog biting someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. There is no "one free bite" defense. The owner is liable even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
California CCP §335.1 gives you two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Medical care and documentation must begin immediately — delayed treatment weakens the link between the bite and your injuries and gives insurers room to dispute severity.
What We Know About Encino
- US-101 / I-405 confluence:One of the most dangerous freeway interchanges in the country. Multi-vehicle crashes here frequently involve multiple at-fault parties and insurance policies, and identifying all of them requires fast action.
- Ventura Blvd commercial density:Medical offices, restaurants, and retail with heavy pedestrian activity. Commercial defendants here carry professional insurance, and premises incidents are routinely contested with full claims files.
- Balboa Park dog bite exposure:High dog and cyclist activity near the park. California's strict liability dog bite statute (Civil Code §3342) makes owner liability clear. The dispute is usually about the full extent of damages.
- LA County jurisdiction (Van Nuys):Cases typically file at the Van Nuys Courthouse of LA County Superior Court. We know the local bench and how Encino-area juries evaluate injury claims.
- High personal umbrella coverage:Encino's affluent residential base means individual defendants are more likely to carry umbrella policies above their primary coverage, a factor we account for from day one.
Major Accidents in the Area
The 101/405 interchange and Ventura Boulevard create significant congestion, making Encino one of the more traffic-intensive communities in the Valley. These conditions create dangerous merging zones and congested areas.
City surface streets like Ventura Boulevard, Balboa Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, Hayvenhurst Avenue are hotspots for T-bone collisions, rear-end crashes, and pedestrian strikes, especially during rush hours and school drop-off/pick-up times.
We've helped victims injured in:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents near Ventura Boulevard restaurants.
- Delivery vehicle collisions in residential zones like Royal Oaks, Amestoy Estates and Encino Hills.
- School zone crashes near Encino Elementary and Lanai Road Elementary.
- Pedestrian accidents near Ventura Boulevard Corridor.
- Dog Bites in the Encino Hills and Lake Balboa adjacent neighborhoods.
Compensation Available in Your Case
A dog bite is not a minor injury. Between surgery, antibiotics, scar treatment, and emotional trauma, the costs add up fast. Here is what you can recover under California law.
Medical Expenses
ER treatment at Encino Hospital, antibiotics, surgical wound repair, plastic surgery for facial or hand scarring, and psychological therapy after an attack.
Lost Wages
Time away from work due to bite injuries, surgical recovery, and follow-up medical appointments. We document every dollar of lost income.
Pain & Suffering
The pain of the bite, the trauma of the attack, and the anxiety that follows. Many bite victims become afraid to walk in their own neighborhoods.
Scarring & Disfigurement
Dog bites frequently leave permanent scars. Injuries to the face and hands are especially damaging because they're always visible.
Future Medical Costs
Additional reconstructive surgery, scar treatment, ongoing therapy for emotional trauma, and physical rehabilitation for nerve or muscle damage from the bite.
Punitive Damages
When a dog owner lets a known-aggressive dog off leash or fails to secure their yard despite knowing the risk, courts impose punitive damages.
Call us Today. No fee until you win!
818-224-7940What to Do After a Dog Bite
Dog bite injuries can be serious — infected, scarred, and emotionally traumatic. These steps protect your health and your legal claim.
Get to safety and call 911
Report the bite to police and LA Animal Services. Animal control will investigate, quarantine the dog if needed, and create an official bite record.
Seek emergency medical care
Go to Encino Hospital or the nearest ER immediately. Bite wounds need immediate cleaning and antibiotic treatment to prevent dangerous infections.
Photograph injuries immediately
Take photos of every wound before medical treatment begins. Close-up shots and wider shots showing the injury location on your body are both important.
Identify the dog and owner
Get the owner's name, address, and the dog's vaccination status. If the owner tries to leave, ask bystanders to help identify them.
Contact Westwood Law
Arya Firoozmand handles Encino dog bite cases and identifies all insurance coverage available. Under California's strict liability statute, the owner pays regardless of the dog's history.