A dog bite can cause far-more than a scar. From deep punctures, nerve damage, infections, and emotional trauma — the after-effects can linger long after the attack. If you were bitten by a dog in the Pasadena area, you need an attorney who understands California’s strict liability laws, the unique risks of animal attacks, and how to secure full compensation.
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we represent victims of dog bites and animal-attack injuries throughout Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino and the broader Los Angeles County region. Led by trial attorney Arthur Djougourian — a Pepperdine Law graduate who began his career prosecuting corporations for public harm — the firm brings both compassion and aggressive advocacy to these cases.
From the moment you reach out, you will work directly with Arthur, not be passed to a junior associate. Our goal is to hold negligent owners accountable, secure the medical care you need, and fight for full compensation so you can move forward with your life.
Dog Bite Facts & Statistics — California & Los Angeles County
Understanding the scope of the problem helps you see why legal representation is often needed.
- In California in 2022, there were 48,596 emergency-room visits for dog bites, which works out to about 125 visits per 100,000 residents — representing a nearly 70% increase since 2005. (Los Angeles Times)
- In Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health estimates that about 20,000 people are bitten by dogs each year. (Public Health Los Angeles County)
- A study of bites reported to the County between 2009-2011 found 26,169 animal-to-human bites, of which 88% were dog bites. (PMC)
- California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of fatal dog-bite attacks; for example, in 2019 California alone had 9 deaths due to dog bites, the most of any state. (DogsBite.org – Some dogs don’t let go)
- In California, approximately 77% of all reported animal bites over 2006-2010 were attributed to domestic dogs. (CDPH)
These statistics show dog bites are a serious public-health concern — especially in densely populated areas like Pasadena and Los Angeles County. You should not have to bear the cost of someone else’s negligent dog ownership.
California Dog-Bite Law — What You Should Know
Under California law, dog owners can be held strictly liable for bites in many circumstances. Key points:
- California Civil Code §3342 makes dog owners liable when their dog bites a person in a public place or lawfully on private property. You do not generally have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous (in the typical scenario).
- If you were lawfully on the property and the bite occurred, you may have a claim for both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, scarring).
- The law still requires that you were lawfully on the property (for instance, you weren’t trespassing).
- Because bites often result in infection, long-term treatment, and psychological effects, careful documentation of your injuries and the incident is crucial.
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we have the experience to handle the nuances of dog-bite law in California and build strong cases on behalf of victims.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, all of which we fight to have fully compensated:
- Punctures, deep lacerations or torn tissue
- Nerve damage or tendon injury
- Facial injuries and scarring (especially in children)
- Infections such as rabies, tetanus, or cellulitis
- Bone fractures or crush injuries
- Emotional trauma: anxiety, PTSD from the event
- Lost income and future earnings if the injuries limit work
Because of the variety and severity of potential injuries, effective legal representation can make a major difference in how much you recover and how well your case is handled.
Why Choose Djougourian Law Corporation
Here are the key reasons victims of dog bites in Pasadena should choose our firm:
- Trial-Ready Attorney: Arthur Djougourian is a trial lawyer with a track record of taking on difficult cases and securing strong results.
- Local Knowledge: We serve Pasadena and surrounding areas — we understand local courts, animal-control protocols, and regional factors.
- Personalized Attention: From the first call to the closing of your case, you’ll work directly with Arthur — not a junior attorney or assistant.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We handle dog-bite claims on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and only pay if we recover.
- Bilingual Support: We serve both English- and Armenian-speaking clients.
- Comprehensive Service: We handle everything — investigation, medical documentation, negotiation, trial prep — so you can focus on healing.
How the Process Works — What to Expect
- Free Consultation
We begin with a no-cost, no-obligation meeting. You tell your story, we review the incident, evaluate your injuries and decide whether we can help. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering
We collect witness statements, animal‐control reports, surveillance footage (if applicable), medical records, and photos of your injuries and the scene. - Medical Coordination
We help you connect with the right doctors, document treatment you’ve already received and what you’ll likely need in the future. This is crucial to building a full claim. - Claim Preparation & Negotiation
We calculate your total damages — current and future medical care, lost wages, pain & suffering and other losses. Then we negotiate with the dog-owner’s insurer or other liable parties. - Litigation (if needed)
If the insurer does not offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file suit and take the case to court to fight for you. - Resolution & Support
Once we reach a settlement or verdict, we guide you through managing lien issues, structuring payment, and ensuring your recovery is protected over time.
Benefits of Working With Our Firm
- Maximize Your Recovery: Many dog-bite victims settle for far less than they deserve. We make sure your claim reflects the full cost of your injuries, present and future.
- Less Stress: You focus on healing. We handle the legal process, paperwork, negotiations, and communications with insurers.
- Faster Access to Care: By taking over the legal side, you avoid delays, get directed to the right medical specialists, and avoid being under-represented.
- Local Advantage in Pasadena: We understand local animal-control laws, homeowner liability issues, and the courts in Los Angeles County.
- Trial Readiness: We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which improves your position in negotiations and often leads to higher settlements.
Client Testimonials
Researching for the best lawyer for my injury was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I did the work for you, look no further. Arthur and Jacqui will work hard and advocate for you all the way to get you the maximum settlement. I was even more confident if my case would have went to trial.
I was in a car wreck when a cement truck decided to run a red light causing me to swerve into oncoming traffic. I reached out to different firms but many either didn’t respond back or didn’t want to take the case. Arthur took me on as a client without hesitation and was nothing but respectful and communicated with me every step of the way. I am appreciative of him and his team and I highly recommend him if you’re looking for someone to help you with a personal injury!
this guy helped me battle and win a case after an accident i’d been involved in.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Arthur for a year, and in that time, I’ve been continually impressed by his professionalism and dedication. As an attorney, he brings not only a deep understanding of the law but also a genuine commitment to his clients’ best interests. Arthur’s sharp legal mind, clear communication, and integrity make him an outstanding advocate. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him to those in need of a great attorney!
I was in a car accident about a year ago, and I’m so grateful I hired Arthur to represent me. He helped me get the maximum settlement possible, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. From the start, he was kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. He always made time to answer my questions and walked me through the process step by step.
When I was rear ended, my car was messed up and so was I. If you need someone to represent you that is professional, caring and will really fight for you, call Arthur Djougourian. He now my go to Lawyer. Thank you so much for helping me settle my case
Arthur Djougourian and his paralegal made everything so easy. They are genuinely friendly and personable, and, I feel confident they got every penny they could for me! Thank you, Arthur Djougourian!
My personal injury lawyer was Arthur Djougourian, accompanied with his paralegal team the helped me with my Uber lawsuit. They were very patient, communicative with walking me through the steps I can take to win a settlement. I honestly am so grateful and appreciative and really can’t thank them enough. If there is a injury attorney I could recommend, it would be Arthur Djougourian
Arthur is an exceptional lawyer. As my attorney, he ensured that all my medical needs were met and that I was properly compensated for my losses. He is very professional and goes above and beyond for his clients. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, Arthur is the attorney to turn to.
I had an excellent experience with Arthur Djougourian and his team after my accident. From the very beginning, they were attentive, professional, and genuinely cared about my well-being. They guided me through every step of the process, ensuring I understood my options and felt supported.
I had a great experience with Djougourian Law Corp. I was worried I would not win anything from the settlement I had also never hired a lawyer before so I was very worried about the logistics and Arthur was very good about explaining everything and expedited the process!
If they had more stars i would give him the max. My case was very difficult and had a lot of moving parts and quite honestly other attorney’s passed on but not Arthur from the beginning he put me at ease and actually took the time to get to know me. Arthur’s legal knowledge is beyond approach and opposing counsel knows up front Arthur is not playing and you can dispense with the nonsense and let’s get to business. If Arthur is on your side rest assured you have the best and just watch him work you will not be disappointed
I want to express my gratitude to Lawyer Arthur Djougourian, for helping us in an accident case, he really helped us, the negotiation was a very pleasant experience, his mastery in this art contributed to us receiving what was appropriate, always attentive, responding to our calls and our questions, I loved it because his service is a gentleman, if you need a Lawyer, I fully recommend him, thank you Arthur for such good attention.
Arthur and his paralegal helped me through my injury case. It was a real pleasure having their legal advice available to me in a time when I couldn’t think straight or even figure out what to do after my accident injury.
I couldn’t be happier with the results at the end of the case. It did take some time, but as did my medical treatments after my injury. My faith was well placed.
Thank you Arthur for taking the time to help me through one of the toughest situations in my life. You guys are incredible!
(Verified excerpts from Google reviews for Djougourian Law Corporation)
FAQ – Dog Bites in Pasadena
Do I really need a lawyer after a dog bite?
Yes — many dog-bite injury claims involve hidden medical issues (infection, nerve damage), future care needs, and complex liability questions. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your full damages are pursued.
What if I was bitten on my own property?
If you are lawfully present (for example as a guest, contractor, or homeowner) and the dog bit you, you may still have a claim under Civil Code §3342.
What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?
We may still pursue the owner personally, or identify other sources of liability (landlords, property owners, animal-control violations).
How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, for personal injury, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline could bar your claim.
Will the dog’s breed matter?
Not necessarily — California’s strict-liability statute doesn’t require you to prove prior bites or a vicious breed, only that you were lawfully present and bitten. Breed may affect insurance or damages, but it’s not required for liability.
Call to Action — Legal Help After a Dog Bite in Pasadena
If you were bitten by a dog in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, or the surrounding area, don’t wait. The sooner you seek medical treatment and speak with a law firm, the better your chances of full recovery and fair compensation.
Contact Djougourian Law Corporation today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle dog-bite cases on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis.
📍 Pasadena, CA
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
You don’t have to face this alone — let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
