Oakland Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bites can be painful, traumatic, and life-changing, often leaving victims with costly medical treatment, time away from work, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog in Oakland or the surrounding East Bay, The Barnes Firm is here to help. Our Oakland dog bite lawyers understand the prevalence of these attacks, especially when they increase during the summer, and we know how to hold negligent owners accountable.

The Barnes Firm has deep roots in the Bay Area, and our experienced legal team is committed to helping our clients get the best result possible while providing compassionate, straightforward guidance. Contact us today at (800) 800-0000 for your free case review.

California Dog Bite Laws and Oakland Leash Rules Protect Victims

In 2024, California led the nation with 2,417 dog bite-related insurance claims, averaging $86,229 per claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute. These numbers underscore how serious and costly these incidents can be. Fortunately, California has some of the strongest dog bite protections in the country. Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are held liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of the pet’s aggression. Thus, if you are lawfully in a public space or on private property when the bite occurred, you do not have to prove the owner was negligent, only that the bite happened.

Local Oakland ordinances provide added protection for residents. Oakland Municipal Code § 6.04.070 requires dogs to be leashed in public places, while O.M.C. § 6.08 imposes rules for designating and controlling dangerous dogs. All dog bites must be reported within 48 hours to help public health authorities track incidents and prevent future attacks. When a dog owner violates leash laws or fails to control a known dangerous dog, these violations can strengthen a negligence claim and increase the likelihood of recovering full compensation.

Common Injuries in Oakland Dog Bite Cases

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of harm, from puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma. Severity often depends on the breed and circumstances. If you were bitten in Oakland or the East Bay, prompt medical care and legal guidance can protect your health and your claim.

Physical Injuries

Common physical injuries from dog bites and attacks include the following:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Infections
• Nerve damage

Emotional Trauma

Dog attacks can leave lasting psychological effects, especially in kids, who are at greater risk of dog attacks and may struggle more with recovery. Emotional tolls of a dog attack can include:

• Post-traumatic stress Disorder, or PTSD
• Anxiety and panic
• Sleep disturbances
• Ongoing fear of dogs

Long-Term Complications

Some injuries don’t fully resolve and require extended care:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Mobility limitations
• Ongoing medical treatment, including wound care, physical therapy, and counseling

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Oakland

After a dog bite, acting quickly can protect your health and legal claim. If you’ve been attacked, prioritize safety and notify authorities, then follow these steps:

• Seek medical care immediately. Go to the nearest ER or urgent care to clean and evaluate wounds.
• Report the bite within 48 hours to Oakland Animal Services. Call them at (510) 535-4884 or visit in person at 1101 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601. For a vicious or dangerous dog, call Oakland Police at (510) 777-3333.
• Document everything. Photograph injuries, torn clothing, and the accident scene, and note the date and time.
• Get the owner’s information. Request their name, address, phone number, insurance, and vaccination records for the dog.
• Gather witness contact information. Collect their names, phone numbers, and brief statements, if possible.
• Call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for your free consultation. Let our team fight for the best possible results.

Oakland Dog Bite Damages and Settlement Amounts

Oakland dog bite cases often involve substantial losses. In 2024, California dog bite settlements averaged $86,229, with Bay Area medical costs driving compensation needs even higher. Our Oakland dog bite lawyers focus on getting clients the best results possible by documenting their losses and pursuing every available recovery source.

Our trusted team of dog bite accident attorneys may be able to help you receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, such as the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

If the insurer or pet owner contests your injuries and damages, your Oakland dog bite lawsuit can get complex. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can relieve the stress of the legal details, allowing you to focus on your recovery. After you receive medical care and report the incident, The Barnes Firm will investigate, preserve evidence, and document any violations. We calculate damages and send a detailed demand to the pet’s owner and insurer to try to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. If needed, we will file suit in state court and prepare for your case for trial.

Choose The Barnes Firm for Your Oakland Dog Bite Case

Rooted in the East Bay, our Oakland office at 555 12th St, Suite #1470, Oakland, CA 94607, gives you local access to a team with years of experience handling Oakland dog bite claims. Our attorneys are available 24/7, offer free consultations, and don’t accept payment until you win. You’ll get direct contact with your lawyer, clear guidance at every turn, and a team that can come to you, wherever you’re located. The Barnes Firm is committed to helping our clients get the best result possible.

Past Client

“I had an excellent experience with The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys. From start to finish, they handled my lawsuit with professionalism, clear communication, and genuine care. The team made a stressful process so much easier by keeping me informed every step of the way and fighting hard to get the best outcome. I always felt supported and respected. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal representation for a personal injury case—truly outstanding service!”

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Oakland

Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are responsible when their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or on private property. One bite is all it takes to hold an owner liable, but other parties may share fault depending on the circumstances. Liable parties other than the pet owner in an Oakland dog bite incident may include:

• Property owners and landlords who knew or should have known about a dangerous dog on the property
• Dog walkers, handlers, and pet sitters who failed to control the animal or ignored risks
• Property managers, HOAs, and businesses that allow dogs on-site but fail to enforce safety policies

How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Claim In Oakland?

In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations for dog bites. This means that from the date of the bite injury, a victim has two years to file suit. California Civil Code § 3342 states that dog owners bear any responsibility for harm or losses resulting from their dogs’ actions in public or on private property, regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior. Furthermore, this statute encompasses all injuries resulting from a dog attack, even if the dog caused injury without biting the victim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland Dog Bites