UCLA-Trained Attorneys in Westwood
If you've been bitten or attacked by a dog in Westwood, California, California Civil Code §3342 holds the owner strictly liable — there is no 'one free bite' defense. The owner's homeowners' or renters' insurance typically covers these claims, and Westwood Law pursues every dollar available for your medical care, scarring, and emotional harm.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.
Why Your Case Is Different
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 Westwood
- UCLA and its medical centers:A campus population in the tens of thousands plus two major hospitals means heavy pedestrian, cyclist and rideshare volume concentrated in a small area. Claims here frequently involve institutional defendants and commercial policies rather than individual drivers.
- The Wilshire high-rise corridor:One of the densest concentrations of residential towers in Los Angeles, with the parking structures, driveways and valet operations that come with them. Premises and backing-collision claims in this corridor usually involve professional property management and their insurers.
- Westwood Village:A 1920s planned commercial district built for the campus, with short blocks, heavy foot traffic and constant loading activity. Right-of-way and visibility are the recurring disputes in pedestrian claims here.
Compensation Available in Your Case
Medical Expenses
Emergency care, wound treatment, antibiotics, plastic surgery for scarring, and psychological counseling.
Lost Wages
Income lost while you recover from bite injuries.
Pain & Suffering
Physical pain and emotional distress — including lasting fear of dogs and anxiety in public.
Scarring & Disfigurement
Visible scarring, particularly facial scarring, commands significant non-economic damages.
Future Medical Costs
Ongoing reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and psychological treatment for PTSD.
Punitive Damages
Available when the owner knew of the dog's dangerous propensities and failed to take precautions.
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 incident to animal control as well as police. Animal control creates an official bite report.
Seek emergency medical care
Dog bites require immediate cleaning and antibiotic treatment. Infection is a serious risk. Document all injuries.
Photograph injuries immediately
Time-stamped photographs of puncture wounds, lacerations, and swelling — before wounds are cleaned or dressed.
Identify the dog and owner
Name, address, and vaccine records of the dog. Owners are required to provide these upon request.
Contact Westwood Law
Homeowners' and renters' insurance typically covers dog bites. We identify coverage and pursue maximum compensation.