Dog Bite Lawyer in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and the Bay Area

Bitten or Attacked? We’ll Help You Get Justice and Compensation.

Dog bites don’t just leave physical wounds—they often come with long-term trauma, permanent scarring, and overwhelming medical costs. In California, dog owners are strictly liable for bites, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.


At Applegate Law Office, we help Santa Rosa and Sonoma County dog bite victims recover what they’re owed. Whether the attack happened in a neighbor’s yard or on a public sidewalk, we’ll fight to hold the dog owner accountable and secure fair compensation for your injuries. No fee unless we win. No pressure. Just clear answers and legal support from a trusted Santa Rosa dog bite lawyer.

When Is a Dog Owner Liable?

Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are liable when their animal bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property—regardless of the dog’s past behavior.


We handle dog bite cases involving:

Unleashed Dogs in Public Spaces

High-impact crashes involving semi-trucks often cause spinal injuries, brain trauma, or wrongful death. These cases require deep investigations into driver fatigue, federal safety violations, and maintenance logs.

Dog Attacks on Private Property

Visitors, workers, tenants, and delivery drivers who are legally present can still pursue claims—even if the dog was on its own property.

Dog Bites Involving Children

Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks and may suffer disfigurement, trauma, or long-term anxiety. We pursue full compensation with care and persistence.

Failure to Warn of Known Aggression

 If a dog has shown prior signs of aggression—and the owner didn’t warn or take precautions—they may face additional liability for negligence.

How We Handle Your Dog Bite Injury Case

01

Free Legal Evaluation

We review what happened, answer your questions, and outline next steps at no cost.

02

Case Investigation

We gather medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, veterinary records, and evidence of any prior incidents or owner negligence.

03

Settlement Negotiation or Lawsuit

Most dog bite cases involve homeowner’s insurance. We handle all communications and fight for a fair payout—whether through negotiation or legal filing.

04

Trial if Necessary

If the insurer refuses to deal fairly, we’re ready to present your case in court. Attorney Charles Applegate is a trial-tested litigator with over 20 years of experience.

What should I do after a dog bite in Santa Rosa?

01

Get medical treatment immediately

02

Report the bite to Sonoma County Animal Services

03

Take photos of injuries and the scene

04

Collect witness info if possible

Call a Santa Rosa dog bite attorney before speaking to insurance



Call for a Free Consultation

Why Hire Applegate Law Office?

  • Over 20 years of personal injury litigation experience


  • Direct access to your attorney—no staff hand-offs


  • Proven results in dog bite negotiations and court cases


  • Local insight into Santa Rosa animal control laws and homeowner policy coverage


  • No fee unless we win—guaranteed

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to prove the dog bit someone before?

    No. In California, dog owners are liable even if it’s the dog’s first bite. Prior aggression is not required to bring a successful claim.

  • How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?

    Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—so you pay nothing unless we win.

  • What if the dog owner is a friend or neighbor?

    Most dog bite claims are paid through insurance, not directly by the individual. You can recover compensation without creating personal conflict.

  • What Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Case?

    Every case is different, but you may be entitled to compensation for:


    - Emergency and ongoing medical treatment

    Covers ER visits, hospitalization, follow-up care, and long-term treatment related to the bite.


    - Lost wages or inability to work

    Compensation for missed workdays and reduced future earning capacity due to injury.


    - Plastic surgery or scar revision

    Financial support for corrective procedures to address visible scarring or disfigurement.


    - Pain and suffering

    Non-economic damages for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the attack.


    - Emotional trauma and PTSD

    Addresses anxiety, fear, and psychological distress stemming from the dog bite incident.


    - Permanent disability or disfigurement

    Compensation for lasting physical damage that affects mobility, appearance, or function.

Let’s Talk It Through

A dog attack can leave you shaken, scarred, and uncertain about your next step. We’re here to help you move forward—with answers, advocacy, and action. Call for a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Santa Rosa, CA. Serving clients throughout Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, and all of Sonoma County.


Call 707‑806‑0163 for a free consultation 

Call for a Free Consultation