Glendale Dog Bite Lawyer
The dog's owner is responsible under California law — regardless of the dog's history. We hold them accountable for every dollar: medical care, plastic surgery, lost income, and the pain that doesn't show up on a bill.
- ✓ No Fee Unless We Win
- ✓ Direct Attorney Access
- ✓ Free Same-Day Case Review
You Didn't Do Anything Wrong. California Law Agrees.
A dog bite isn’t just a wound. It’s an emergency room visit, infection treatment, plastic surgery consultations, missed work, and a fear of dogs that can follow you for years — especially if you’re a child. While you’re trying to recover, the dog owner’s insurance company is either unaware of the claim entirely, or already moving to minimize what they owe you.
Under California Civil Code §3342, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or while that person is lawfully on private property. Strictly liable means you do not need to prove the owner was careless. You do not need to prove the dog had ever bitten anyone before. California eliminated the “one-bite rule” used in most other states. Here, the first bite is already enough.
Dog bites are more common in Glendale than most people realize. In 2024, Los Angeles led every city in the United States in postal carrier dog attacks, with 77 documented incidents. California recorded more than 2,800 dog bite insurance claims in the same period, with average payouts the highest in the nation. Glendale’s dog population and park density — including Verdugo Park, Brand Park, and Scholl Canyon — make it one of the more active dog bite zones in Los Angeles County.
You have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim. After that deadline, the courts may refuse to hear your case entirely. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the more evidence is preserved and the more leverage you have.
You May Have a Dog Bite Case If:
- The dog bit you in a public place
- The dog knocked you down or jumped on you and caused injury without biting
- The dog had a known history of aggression
- A child under 5 was bitten
- You were lawfully on private property when attacked
- The owner failed to leash or control the dog
- A dog walker, not the owner, had control of the dog
- The bite caused scarring, nerve damage, or required surgery
Common Injuries from Glendale Dog Bites and Attacks
Dog bites and dog attacks are not the same thing legally — but both can result in serious injury and a valid claim. Strict liability under §3342 applies specifically to bites. If a dog knocked you down, jumped on you, or caused injury without biting, you may still have a claim under negligence law if the owner failed to control the animal. Physical injuries we see in our cases include:
📱Deep Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
Dog jaws can exert hundreds of pounds of force. Even a bite that appears minor on the surface can cause nerve, tendon, or muscle damage beneath. These injuries frequently require multiple surgical procedures.
🦠 Infection — Including Capnocytophaga and Rabies
Dog mouths carry bacteria. Without prompt treatment, bites can develop into serious systemic infections. Rabies, while rare, requires immediate prophylactic treatment when the dog's vaccination status is unknown — a cost often running into thousands of dollars.
🚦 Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
Facial bites, bites to the hands, and bites to the neck and ears often require reconstructive surgery and may leave permanent scarring. These injuries dramatically increase the non-economic value of your claim and are frequently undervalued by insurers.
⚡ Nerve Damage
Bites to the hands, wrists, and face frequently cause nerve injuries that affect sensation and function long after the wound has healed. Permanent nerve damage may affect your ability to work or perform daily activities.
🦴 Broken Bones and Fractures
A large dog knocking over an elderly victim or a child can cause fractures that are independent of the bite itself. Falls triggered by a dog attack are recoverable under the same legal framework.
🧠 Psychological Injury — PTSD, Cynophobia, Anxiety
Fear of dogs (cynophobia), nightmares, and post-traumatic stress are recognized, compensable injuries under California law. Children are especially vulnerable. Emotional distress damages are routinely undervalued by insurers and aggressively pursued by our firm.
👶 Children Are the Most Frequent Victims
Young children often approach dogs without recognizing warning signs. They are bitten most often on the face, neck, and head — the most disfiguring locations. California courts have held that children under five cannot be found contributorily negligent, which significantly strengthens claims involving young victims.
Why Choose Court House Lawyers After a Glendale Dog Bite
We handle every part of your claim: investigating the attack, identifying every liable party, preserving evidence before it disappears, dealing with the dog owner’s insurer, and going to court when the offer doesn’t reflect what you actually went through.
You focus on your recovery. We do the rest.
Direct Attorney Access
Fast, clear communication. You speak with the attorney handling your case — not a case manager, not a paralegal — at every stage.
Free Same-Day Case Review
Free, no-obligation evaluation usually within hours. We tell you clearly our assessment of your case and what it may be worth — even if you don't retain us.
No Fee Unless We Win
If we don't recover for you, you owe us nothing. Zero out-of-pocket cost to start. Our goals are completely aligned with yours.
What We Recover for Glendale Dog Bite Victims
California law recognizes both economic and non-economic damages in dog bite cases. We build claims that account for every category — including future costs that many victims and insurers try to minimize.
Economic Damages
(Bills & Lost Income)
- Emergency room, hospital, and urgent care costs
- Plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and scar revision procedures
- Ongoing medical care, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment
- Counseling and trauma therapy for PTSD and anxiety
- Infection treatment, antibiotics, and rabies prophylaxis
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Reduced future earning capacity if injuries are permanent
- Property damage (clothing, glasses, phone, mobility aids)
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the injury
Non-Economic Damages
(What It Really Cost You)
- Pain and suffering during treatment and recovery
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement — especially facial injuries
- Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and cynophobia (fear of dogs)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for spouses and family members
- Long-term psychological impact on children
A note on punitive damages: In cases where the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies and allowed it to roam freely, or where the attack was extreme enough to constitute recklessness, California courts may award punitive damages on top of full compensation. We evaluate this in every case.
Court House Lawyers vs. A Typical PI Firm
| Court House Lawyers | Typical PI Firm | |
|---|---|---|
|
Case Review |
Same day, often within hours |
2–3 business days |
|
Attorney Access |
You speak directly with the attorney on your case |
Routed through a case manager or paralegal |
|
Evidence Preservation |
Same-day requests for animal control records, property surveillance, and witness statements |
Often delayed — evidence disappears |
|
Insurance Strategy |
We treat the adjuster as the opposing party from day one |
Many firms accept early offers to close files faster |
|
Plastic Surgery & Scar Revision |
Built into the demand from the start, with referrals to vetted Glendale-area specialists |
Often added late or not pursued at all |
|
Trial Readiness |
Every case prepared for trial; insurers know it |
Settlement-only firms get lower offers |
|
Fees |
No win, no fees. Period. |
Can say the same — but watch for costs deducted at settlement |
George Mkrtchyan
Managing Attorney
- 🏆 Insider Weekly 2025: Awarded Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles
- ⭐ 5.0 Average · 45+ Google Reviews
- 💼 10+ Years in California Courts
- ⚖️ State Bar of California #339099
Thorough Preparation.
Willingness to Go to Trial.
Every Client Speaks Directly With Him.
George Mkrtchyan is the Managing Attorney of Court House Lawyers, a Glendale-based personal injury firm. Over the past decade, George has recovered millions for clients in personal injury and consumer protection cases, including dog bite, pedestrian accident, vehicle collision, and premises liability.
He is known for thorough preparation, a willingness to take cases to trial when insurers underpay, and a client-first communication standard.
“Insurance companies bank on fear and fatigue. They count on you accepting a fast, low offer because you’re tired and hurting. Our job is to make sure you don’t have to fight that fight alone.“
— George Mkrtchyan, Managing Attorney
$500 → $50,000
A 50-year-old woman in Glendale came to us after being injured in a school bus collision while waiting to pick up her grandchildren. The insurance company had offered $500 to close the file. We rebuilt the case from the medical records up. Final recovery: $50,000. This is the difference experienced representation makes.
Real Results for California Personal Injury Clients
Personal Injury · Car Accident
85% Fault Reversed to 0%
Client was initially assigned 85% fault in a left-turn collision. After George and case manager Grant Abdazhyan took over, the fault assignment was reversed to zero and the client recovered full compensation.
Personal Injury · Car Accident
Largest Share in 3-Party Collision
Three people were injured in the same accident. One represented by Court House Lawyers. One by a big Personal Injury Firm in LA; and one without an attorney. Our client received the largest individual recovery of the three — the result of aggressive early documentation and a client-first strategy.
Personal Injury · Rideshare
$0 → $35,000 in 30 Days
Client injured in an Uber accident initially received nothing from the insurer. Court House Lawyers secured a $35,000 settlement within 30 days of filing a lawsuit.
Personal Injury · UIM Arbitration
Full Policy Limits Won
Out-of-state underinsured motorist policy. The insurer refused to pay fairly. Court House Lawyers demanded arbitration and secured the full policy limits for the client.
Personal Injury · Car Accident
$500 Offer → $50,000 Recovery
Client was offered $500 after a school bus accident. Court House Lawyers filed suit and recovered $50,000 — 100x the original offer.
Past results are specific to the facts of each case and do not guarantee future outcomes.
Every personal injury matter is evaluated on its own merits.
Ness G
7 months ago
I was involved in a car accident with my 10yr old daughter and mother and not knowing what my right were being involved in a accident that was not my fault and the stress that comes with it if you can understand that. I was referred by a friend to give Grant Abadzhyan at Court House Lawyers and IT WAS THE BEST ADVICE I COULD HAVE TAKEN Grant was professional throughout the entire process very informative and made sure to keep me updated with any important details even answered any questions I had no matter what time it was He really went above and beyond I AM SO THANKFUL FOR Grant Abadzhyan and all that he did to help us and to make sure that I was appropriately compensated for my vehicle and Lost costs and bodily injury not just myself but my child and mother . I highly recommend Grant Abadzhyan and Court House Lawyers to anyone looking for help you will not be disappointed at all.
Amanda Loo
8 months ago
Fast, professional, and real. George took care of my lemon law issue in record time. Now I can buy a car that actually runs.
Kathy Musser
8 months ago
Just wanted to give a huge thank you to Court House Lawyers. My car was a lemon, and George got it handled fast. I didn’t even have to speak with the dealership again. The whole experience was seamless.
Deborah Macgregor
8 months ago
After I slipped near the entrance of a grocery store and hurt my back, I wasn’t sure if I had a case. After being recommended by a friend, I reached out to Court House Lawyers. Grant answered the call and explained everything clearly and made the process easy. He got me a settlement that covered my treatment and time off work. True professionals.
Rose Sloan
8 months ago
Highly recommend George and his team. They genuinely care about their clients and fight to get what you deserve. Court House Lawyers are not lemons, they are the real deal.
Richard McCoy
8 months ago
Absolutely amazing experience with Court House Lawyers. After getting T-boned, I was in pain, overwhelmed, and didn’t know where to start. A family friend suggested Court House Lawyers, and I’m so thankful they did. Grant walked me through every step, helped with treatment, and made sure I never felt alone through the process. I truly felt supported the whole way. Can’t thank these guys enough!
Dorothy Oritz
8 months ago
George is a beast in the courtroom and a blessing outside of it. I contacted him about my lemon law case after months of stress dealing with the dealership. He took over, handled it all, and got me every dollar back. No stress, just results.
Adolph Wagner
8 months ago
From the very beginning, Grant made me feel confident and cared for. After my accident, he arranged medical treatment, dealt with the insurance companies, and secured a settlement that helped me get back on my feet. I can’t recommend Court House Lawyers enough.
Joseph Tillotson
9 months ago
Excellent results, and even better people. They care about doing things right and making sure you’re taken care of. I’d use them again in a heartbeat.
Carolina Crosby
9 months ago
Court House Lawyers made me feel like I had a real team behind me. Grant kept me updated and never left me guessing. My case resolved faster than I expected.
Johnny Keefe
11 months ago
This firm truly lives up to the hype. I had heard about them through a friend and when my lemon car turned into a headache, I gave them a call. George got the manufacturer to take the car back and refund everything. Can’t thank them enough.
jack thomsen
11 months ago
Fast, professional, and real. George took care of my lemon law issue in record time. Got a full refund and didn’t have to deal with any back-and-forth.
Cecilia Valle
11 months ago
I was involved in an accident and was referred to Court House Lawyers by a family member. Given this was my first accident, I was very unsure about how the claims process worked or what to do at all. I’m so grateful to everything Grant has done for me! He was professional throughout the entire process & very informative and made sure to keep me updated with any important details. He really went above and beyond to make sure that I was appropriately compensated for my vehicle & bodily injury. I would recommend Grant and Court House Lawyers to all of my friends and family.
Raffie Manvelyan
12 months ago
George helped me get my lemon law case approved and car surrendered. Honestly this was the easiest and most painless time for me when it comes to dealing with lawyers. He stayed on top of everything and got it all pushed through in months. I never dealt with anyone from the dealership, he gave me assurances and fully came through. If I was you I would never hesitate coming to them with a case.
Laura Fisher
12 months ago
I would like to do a shoot out to a wonderful lawyer named George Mkrtchyan at Courthouse lawyer. George fought my case and won!! George always keep in contact with me, got me all my medical needs and fought and never gave up I want to thank George for all the hard work he did for me!! I will let anyone know go see George at Courthouse lawyer!! Thank u George.. Laura
Ian Wingenroth
12 months ago
I was involved in a collision on my motorcycle. Grant was reccomended to me from an acquaintance and I decided to give him a call. Best thing I could've possibly done and will always do in any future accidents. Grant was beyond professional in keeping me informed with my insurance claims and all the paperwork/documentation necessary to proceed. What I thought was gonna be a total loss on the bike that I had just built, Grant gave me all the possible options and fought hard with the insurance company to get the true value of my bike, not what the stock value was. Then I was introduced to some of the best chiropractors and best doctors in LA which led to proper recovery and rehab of my injuries. He also helped me deal with my insurance, medical and auto, and helped me keep track of the bills. If I had any questions/ concerns he was a call away and made sure I was taken care of and informed. The professional character and selflessness to make sure I was ok, speaks major volumes of his character and the intentions of their law firm. He wasn't just an attorney looking for a buck, he cared about my recovery, and that I received anything/everything I needed. On top of treatment I also recieved a settlement far beyond my expectations. My only recommendation for any auto accident attorneys and law firms will be Court House Lawyers and specifically, Grant. I had dealt with Russ Brown Attorneys many years prior, and they cant even compete with the professionalism and standards that this firm upholds. They were the light in the dark tunnel I found myself in, and I am forever grateful of their services. If you're thinking of giving them a shot, I can say from my experience, that they are the only ones I trust and recommend, so look no further. They are hands down the best.
Kost
1 year ago
I am simply amazed and beyond satisfied with the services I have received. Last year, I was in my first car accident where I was rear-ended while stopped at a red light. The whole process was frightening and very stressful. I was referred to Courthouse Lawyers, and George really helped calm me down and made everything extremely easy for me. They assisted me with car repairs, medical costs for my injuries, and even helped me receive a nice compensation. I am truly grateful to this law firm! Thank you, George!
Michael Kajikian
1 year ago
The best lawyer! Contacted George to help with my case with Audi and he accepted it with open arms. Nothing but the absolute best when it came to communication and we resolved the issue in a timely manner. Would highly recommend his services to ANYONE with any kind of inquiries!
Arsen Petrosyan
1 year ago
Thank you George!!! The Ford Bronco I bought turned out to be a total lemon. Ford refused to give me a full refund, even though the car was back in service a few days after I bought it. From the moment I contacted him, George was determined to help me. He handled everything with ease and within a matter of days he got them to agree to a FULL refund. George didn't charge me anything and was able to get me out of a defective car at no cost to me!
Don't hesitate to reach out to George. He's a true lifesaver.
Don't hesitate to reach out to George. He's a true lifesaver.
Ashot Baghdiyan
1 year ago
I leased a Silverado, shortly after receiving the truck, all the issues and problems turned it into a nightmare. I tried to deal with the manufacturer myself but they denied the case. I called The Court House Lawyers and they submitted the claim on my behalf. Not only did they agree the vehicle is a lemon but also I received all my money back. Court house lawyers did not take anything from my settlement and they were there every step of the way. This was the first time an attorney explained the law to me in a way I can easily understand. Thank you court house lawyers.
What Working With Us Looks Like
A free, same-day case review
Tell us what happened. We'll give you our honest assessment of whether you have a case, what it may be worth, and what to do next — even if you don't retain us.
Direct attorney representation
You won't be passed off to a junior associate or a legal assistant. George handles your case.
Thorough insurance negotiation.
We treat the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance carrier as the opposing party from day one. Because they are.
Evidence preserved before it disappears.
LA County Animal Control records, property surveillance footage, and witness accounts can disappear fast. We send preservation requests and pull bite history records immediately.
Vetted medical referrals.
If you need plastic surgery, trauma counseling, or specialist care, we connect you with experienced Glendale-area providers who treat dog bite injuries on a lien basis — no upfront cost.
Documentation we handle for you.
LA County Animal Control reports, police reports, property owner records, witness statements, medical bills, and lost-wage documentation — we gather and organize everything.
Glendale-specific knowledge.
We know the local parks, the neighborhoods, the reporting procedures, and the carriers who operate in this area. That knowledge shortens the timeline and strengthens the claim.
Trial preparation as the default.
Insurance carriers settle higher when they know we'll go to court. Most cases never get there — because of the preparation.
No money out of your pocket.
No retainer. No hourly bills. No win, no fee.
How a Glendale Dog Bite Case Works
1. Free Case Review
We talk through what happened: where the bite occurred, who owns the dog, what injuries you've suffered, what treatment you've received. You walk away knowing whether you have a case and what it's likely worth.
2. Investigation and Liability Mapping
We identify every party who may bear responsibility: the dog's owner, anyone who was keeping or harboring the dog, the property owner or landlord if applicable, the dog walker if the animal was in someone else's care, and parents if a minor owned the dog. We pull LA County Animal Control records, witness statements, veterinary records, and the dog's documented bite history.
3. Demand Package
We document your injuries, treatment costs, lost wages, future care needs — including plastic surgery, scar revision, and trauma therapy — and pain and suffering. We prepare a complete demand package that accounts for categories insurers routinely try to exclude.
4. Negotiation
Insurance companies always start low. We push back with documentation, medical evidence, comparable results, and a clear willingness to file suit. The majority of cases resolve at this stage with full and fair compensation.
5. Litigation, If Needed
If the carrier refuses to pay what your case is worth, we file. Every case is prepared from day one as if it's going to trial — and that preparation is the reason most cases never get there.
Reporting a Dog Bite in Glendale: What You Need to Know
Reporting is not optional — and it directly helps your case.
Under California law, all animal bites to humans in Los Angeles County must be reported immediately. Because Glendale falls within LA County’s public health jurisdiction, bites occurring in Glendale should be reported to LA County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control at (213) 288-7060. You can also submit a report online through the LA County Animal Bite Reporting Form.
- Healthcare providers who treat you are mandated reporters. They are required to file a bite report within 24 hours. But you should file your own report too — do not assume it has been done.
- Once reported, LA County protocol requires the biting dog to be quarantined and observed for 10 days. The bite report also creates an official public record that locks in details shortly after the incident — which becomes critical evidence if the dog owner later disputes what happened.
- The report works for you, not against the dog. Many victims hesitate to report because they worry about the dog being put down. Under California law, euthanasia is required only in specific circumstances, including rabies infection, a second serious bite, or documented training for aggression. A bite report does not automatically trigger any of those outcomes.
Common Questions About California Dog Bite Claims
The dog has never bitten anyone before. Do I still have a case?
Yes. California eliminated the “one-bite rule.” Under §3342, strict liability applies from the very first bite. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The fact of the bite is sufficient
What if I was partially at fault — for example, if I reached toward the dog?
You can still recover under California’s comparative fault rule. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery. If you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000.
Are there exceptions to strict liability?
Yes, but they are narrow. Liability may be reduced if you were trespassing, provoked the dog in a way that contributed to the bite, or if you are a professional who assumed the risk by handling the animal. Insurers will often raise these defenses even when the facts don’t support them.
The dog walker had it on a leash, not the owner. Who's liable?
Potentially both. The dog’s owner is generally liable under §3342. The dog walker may also be liable under negligence law if they failed to maintain control of the animal. We investigate every potentially responsible party.
How long do I have to file a Glendale dog bite claim?
Two years from the date of the bite in most cases. If a government-owned dog or a public entity is involved — including a city, county, or state employee’s dog — that deadline drops to six months under California’s Government Tort Claims Act. Call us before assuming your deadline has passed
What if the bite didn't break the skin, or it healed quickly?
A bite that appears minor can still cause nerve damage, infection, or psychological injury that isn’t immediately apparent. The severity of your injury is evaluated over time, not just on the day it happened.
The owner has no homeowner's insurance. Can I still recover?
Yes. If no insurance exists, the dog owner is personally liable. We evaluate their assets and explore every avenue of recovery, including renters insurance, commercial property policies, and other applicable coverage.
What does this cost me?
Nothing upfront. Our fee is contingency-based — we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes from the recovery, not from your medical treatment or your pocket.
What to Do Right After a Dog Bite in Glendale
Call 911
Even bites that appear minor can cause deep tissue damage, nerve injury, or infection. Go to an emergency room or urgent care the same day. Document every treatment from the start.
Get Driver Info
Name, phone number, home address, and the dog's name. Ask for proof of rabies vaccination. If the owner refuses, note everything you can and report it to animal control.
Document the Scene
Your wounds, your clothing, the location of the attack, and any visible evidence — the leash, the gate, the fence condition. Photograph before treatment if possible — injuries look different once cleaned and bandaged.
Get Witness Info
In LA County (which includes Glendale), all animal bites must be reported to LA County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control at (213) 288-7060. Your treating provider is a mandated reporter, but file your own report too.
File a Police Report
Names and phone numbers of everyone who saw the attack. Their accounts lock in details before they fade.
Don't Give Statements
Anything you say to an adjuster before speaking with an attorney can be used to reduce your claim. They are not on your side.
Don't Sign Anything
Do not sign any release or settlement until you've spoken with an attorney. Initial offers are almost always far below the actual value of the case.
Call Us First
Call (818) 293-8293 before doing anything else. Free, same-day review. We tell you exactly where you stand.
10
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS
Trusted Glendale dog bite attorney fighting for full compensation — medical care, plastic surgery, trauma treatment, and every dollar of income you lost.
Bitten in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, or Anywhere in California? Talk to Us Today.
You didn’t choose this. You shouldn’t be paying for it. From our Glendale office, we represent dog bite victims across California — including Burbank, Pasadena, La Cañada, La Crescenta, Eagle Rock, Atwater Village, Tujunga, and the greater Los Angeles area.