---
title: What If a Dog Bite Causes Permanent Scarring?
canonical: "https://www.calljacob.com/blog/what-happens-if-a-dog-bite-causes-permanent-scarring-or-disfigurement/"
description: Learn what happens when a dog bite causes permanent scarring or disfigurement and how a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help.
---

Dog bites can cause harm that lasts long after emergency medical treatment. In some cases, dog bites cause permanent scarring and disfigurement that have significant financial and emotional effects on victims.

## Can a Dog Bite Victim Recover Compensation for Permanent Scarring?

It is possible to recover compensation for dog bite scars in California. [California Civil Code § 3342](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=3342.&lawCode=CIV) imposes strict liability for many dog bites and holds owners responsible regardless of negligence or a history of dangerous behavior. In other words, victims generally do not need to prove that the owner was negligent.

Instead, a claim typically requires showing that:

- The defendant owned the dog.
- The bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property.
- The dog bit and harmed the victim.
- The victim suffered damages as a result.

The owner may not be liable under this statute in certain cases, such as when the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. The strict-liability statute also has exceptions involving military and police dogs and does not govern scars caused by a non-bite injury. Other liability theories may still apply depending on the facts.

## What Types of Scarring and Disfigurement Can Dog Bites Cause?

Dog bites can cause a range of scars and disfigurement, some of which may qualify as a catastrophic injury:

- **Hypertrophic scars:** Raised, thick, pink, or red scars that remain within the original wound boundaries.
- **Keloid scars:** Thick, dark scars caused by collagen overproduction during healing that extend into healthy surrounding tissue.
- **Contracture scars:** Scars that shrink and tighten as they heal over joints, potentially restricting mobility and function.
- **Nerve and muscle damage:** Significant punctures and force may tear or sever nerves and muscles, causing permanent numbness, neuropathic pain, paralysis, muscle weakness, atrophy, or loss of function.
- **Tissue loss:** Deep tears or crush injuries that permanently alter specific features or tissues.
- **Avulsion injuries:** Skin grafts used to repair tissue torn away from the body may leave permanent color and texture differences.
- **Permanent hair loss:** Scalp scarring may destroy hair follicles.
- **Partial amputations:** Severe injuries may cause the loss of fingers, toes, or parts of a limb.

## Why Facial Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Especially Serious

Facial dog bites range from superficial wounds to deeper injuries involving muscles, tissue, nerves, bones, and sensory organs. These injuries can be complex and high-risk for several reasons:

- **Physical and tissue damage:** A dog's powerful jaws may cause crush and avulsion injuries to facial bones and tendons, including orbital and nasal structures. Even a relatively limited attack can cause permanent facial asymmetry and functional impairment.
- **Bacterial infections:** Tapered teeth can push bacteria deep into a wound and may require treatment to prevent a serious or systemic infection.
- **Aesthetic and emotional effects:** Recovery from a facial injury can be prolonged and complicated, with a higher risk of abnormal scar formation. Visible facial scarring or disfigurement may also cause significant emotional distress.

## What Medical Treatment May Be Needed for Serious Dog Bite Scars?

Treatment for serious dog bite scars and disfigurement may include:

- Dermabrasion or laser resurfacing
- Dermal fillers or injections
- Skin grafts
- Medical tattooing
- Scar revision surgery
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling

Serious dog bites are often accompanied by other injuries from the incident. Deep bites may sever or crush nerves and lead to permanent numbness or neuropathic pain. Severe scars or tissue damage can permanently restrict range of motion and mobility.

## How Does Permanent Scarring Affect the Value of a Dog Bite Claim?

The value of a dog bite disfigurement claim varies according to factors such as:

- The scar's location and visibility
- The victim's age and individual circumstances
- The severity and permanence of the injury
- The need for future medical treatment
- Effects on daily activities and employment
- Psychological and emotional effects

No formula determines the value of a permanent scar. Medical opinions, photographs, treatment estimates, testimony about daily limitations, and evidence of emotional harm all help document the loss.

## Can You Recover Future Medical Costs for Scar Treatment?

Victims may claim future medical costs for scar or disfigurement treatment made necessary by a dog bite. Attorneys and healthcare providers use treatment recommendations and cost estimates to document the economic value of future care. Recoverable expenses may include:

- Hospital stays
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Psychological counseling
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Travel to medical appointments

Because scars can change as they mature, a doctor may wait before determining whether revision surgery or another procedure is appropriate. A settlement reached too early may fail to account for that future treatment.

## Can You Recover Emotional Distress Damages for Permanent Disfigurement?

California permits dog bite victims to pursue compensation for emotional distress when supported by the facts and evidence. Permanent scarring may contribute to:

- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Body-image concerns and low self-esteem
- Embarrassment, anxiety, or shame about an altered appearance
- Depression or social isolation
- A new fear of dogs that disrupts daily activities or employment

Treatment records and testimony from mental health professionals can help connect these effects to the attack. Journals, family observations, and evidence of changed activities may also help show how the injury affects daily life.

## What Evidence Can Help Document Permanent Scarring?

Evidence for disfigurement or permanent scars must connect the dog bite with the resulting harm. Useful records may include:

- Medical records, invoices, and future treatment estimates
- Opinions or recommendations from physicians, therapists, and other healthcare providers
- Dated photographs and notes documenting the healing process
- Employment records showing reduced work capacity or lost income
- Witness statements about the attack
- Animal control or police reports
- Receipts for other out-of-pocket costs related to the injury

Take clear photographs throughout the healing process, not only on the day of the bite. Consistent images can show how a wound developed into a lasting scar.

## What If a Child Suffers Permanent Scarring from a Dog Bite?

According to the [California Department of Public Health](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/SACB/Pages/Dog-Bites.aspx), children visit emergency departments for dog bite injuries more often than any other age group. Children are also especially vulnerable to bites involving the head and face.

These claims may be valued differently because growth, developmental effects, and future medical needs are uncertain. Scars or disfigurement from dog bites may require revision surgeries and other ongoing treatment as a child grows.

California law also generally provides additional time for claims involving minors. Although adults commonly face a two-year deadline for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations may be paused while a victim is under 18 ([Code of Civil Procedure § 352](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=352.&lawCode=CCP)). Exceptions and shorter government-claim deadlines may apply, so families should not rely on tolling without legal advice.

## Does Homeowners or Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bite Scarring Claims?

Homeowners or renters insurance may cover a dog bite scarring or disfigurement claim through the policy's personal liability coverage. Such policies may cover incidents on or away from the insured property, depending on their terms and whether the injured person was lawfully present.

Coverage is not automatic. Some insurers exclude particular dogs, breeds, prior bite incidents, or animal liability altogether. Policy limits may also be insufficient when an attack causes reconstructive surgery, lasting disability, or substantial emotional harm. Our guide to [insurance coverage and legal fees in dog bite cases](/blog/can-insurance-cover-legal-fees-in-dog-bite-cases/) explains these disputes in more detail.

## What Should You Do After a Dog Bite That May Leave a Permanent Scar?

Take these steps after a dog bite that may cause a permanent scar or disfigurement:

1. If it is safe, obtain the dog owner's name and contact information and request proof of rabies vaccination.
2. Clean the bite wound and seek prompt medical treatment.
3. Report the bite to the [Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control](https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/) or the appropriate local animal control agency.
4. Photograph and record your injuries, the location of the attack, and other relevant details.
5. Keep all medical records and receipts, and maintain a detailed journal of your pain, emotional state, activities, and other symptoms.
6. Follow wound-care instructions and attend recommended follow-up appointments.

Our guide to [what to do after a dog bite](/blog/what-to-do-after-a-dog-bite/) covers these immediate steps in more detail.

## When Should You Contact a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer?

Support from a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer can help you communicate with insurers, gather evidence, and account for the full value of damages in a California dog bite claim. Consider speaking with an attorney when a case involves:

- Severe injuries
- Injuries to a child
- Permanent scars or disfigurement
- High medical bills or future treatment
- Low settlement offers that do not account for plastic surgery or other care
- Disputed liability or insurance coverage

California generally allows two years to file a lawsuit for personal injury ([Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=335.1.&lawCode=CCP)), but exceptions can shorten or extend that period. Our guide to the [California statute of limitations for dog bite injuries](/blog/california-statute-of-limitations-for-dog-bite-injury/) explains common timing issues.

## Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite can leave a lasting physical reminder of a frightening attack. If you suffered permanent scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, or another serious injury, The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani can review the incident, available insurance, medical evidence, and future treatment needs.

Learn more about our [animal attack practice](/personal-injury/animal-attacks/), send the details through our [case evaluator](/case-evaluator/), or call [(888) 952-2952](tel:+18889522952) for a free consultation.

*This article provides general information, not legal advice about a specific case.*