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Action Guide
Raffi Naljian: What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
Attorney Raffi Naljian helps dog bite victims understand California's strict liability law. The dog owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before—but you must act quickly.
Suffered a dog bite injury?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Raffi Naljian handles dog bite cases under California's strict liability statute. He pursues homeowner's insurance policies and ensures you receive proper compensation for physical and emotional injuries.
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What to Do Next
- 1Seek immediate medical attention
- 2Report the bite to animal control
- 3Get the dog owner's information and insurance
- 4Photograph your injuries immediately
- 5Document the dog and scene location
- 6Contact Raffi Naljian to investigate insurance coverage
Evidence Checklist
- Medical records and treatment documentation
- Photos of injuries over time
- Animal control report
- Dog owner contact and insurance info
- Witness statements
- Photos of the dog
- Prior bite history if available
- Rabies vaccination records
Dog owners are responsible for bite injuries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not reporting to animal control
- Delaying medical treatment
- Not documenting healing process
- Accepting settlement before scarring resolves
- Not investigating homeowner's insurance
How the Process Typically Works
1
Immediate
Medical care, report to animal control, document injuries
2
1-2 Weeks
Identify insurance coverage, investigate dog history
3
Treatment Phase
Complete treatment, monitor scarring
4
Claim Resolution
Pursue strict liability claim against owner
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Medical treatment and surgery
- •Plastic surgery for scarring
- •Pain and suffering
- •Emotional trauma and PTSD
- •Lost wages
- •Permanent scarring compensation
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California have strict liability for dog bites?
Yes. Dog owners are liable for bite injuries regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous. No "one free bite" rule.
Does the owner's homeowner's insurance cover dog bites?
Usually yes, though some policies exclude certain breeds. Raffi Naljian investigates all potential coverage.
What if the dog was off-leash?
This strengthens your case by showing additional negligence, though strict liability applies regardless.
Can I recover for emotional trauma?
Yes. Dog attacks often cause lasting fear, anxiety, and PTSD, especially in children. These are compensable damages.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Two years from the bite date in California. However, gathering evidence early is critical.
Free intake review—Participating attorneys may review animal attack cases.
Related Resources
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.