Dog Bite Personal Injury Lawyers In Honolulu, Hawaii

Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical complications. What may begin as a routine walk in a neighborhood park or along a Honolulu sidewalk can quickly turn into a painful and frightening experience.

If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Honolulu or elsewhere on Oʻahu, you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, and the lasting effects of the injury. A dog bite personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights while you focus on healing.

What Should You Do Immediately After A Dog Bite In Honolulu?

After a dog bite in Honolulu, you should seek medical attention right away, report the incident to local authorities, and document your injuries if possible. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection and ensures proper medical documentation.

Important steps include:

• Washing the wound thoroughly
• Seeking urgent medical care
• Reporting the bite to Honolulu Animal Control
• Obtaining the dog owner’s contact information
• Photographing injuries and the scene
• Preserving medical records and bills

Even minor bites can become infected, and deeper wounds may cause nerve damage or permanent scarring.

Who Is Responsible For A Dog Bite Injury In Hawaii?

In Hawaii, a dog owner may be held legally responsible if their dog bites someone and causes injury. Liability typically depends on whether the owner failed to properly control or restrain the animal.

Dog owners have a duty to:

• Keep dogs properly restrained
• Follow leash laws
• Prevent known aggressive behavior
• Protect others from foreseeable harm

Responsibility may also extend to property owners or landlords in certain circumstances.

What Injuries Are Common In Dog Bite Cases?

Dog bites can cause both visible and hidden injuries. Some injuries require surgery or long-term treatment.

Common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Facial injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Infections such as rabies or tetanus
• Emotional trauma, especially in children

Children are particularly vulnerable due to their height and proximity to dogs’ faces.

What Compensation Is Available After A Dog Bite Injury In Hawaii?

Compensation after a dog bite injury may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs.

Damages may cover:

• Emergency room visits
• Stitches or reconstructive surgery
• Infection treatment
• Psychological counseling
• Lost income during recovery
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

The severity of the injury often determines the value of the claim.

Are Dog Owners Strictly Liable In Hawaii?

Hawaii law generally holds dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their animals, particularly when the dog was not properly restrained. However, each case depends on specific facts, including whether the injured person was lawfully present and whether the dog was provoked.

Because liability can vary, a case evaluation is often important.

Where Do Dog Bite Incidents Commonly Occur On Oʻahu?

Dog bite incidents may occur in:

• Residential neighborhoods
• Public parks
• Beaches
• Apartment complexes
• Sidewalks and walking paths
• Shared housing properties

In busy areas such as Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu, close proximity between residents, tourists, and pets can increase risk when dogs are not properly controlled.

What If A Child Was Bitten By A Dog?

When a child is bitten by a dog, the legal claim may involve additional considerations, including long-term scarring, emotional trauma, and future medical care.

Because children may require reconstructive procedures as they grow, careful evaluation of long-term impact is especially important.

Parents or guardians may file claims on behalf of a minor.

What If The Dog Owner Does Not Have Insurance?

Many dog bite claims are handled through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. If coverage is unavailable or disputed, other legal options may be explored depending on the circumstances.

An attorney can review available insurance policies and identify potential avenues for recovery.

How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Lawsuit In Hawaii?

Under Hawaii law, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years of the date of injury under Hawaii Revised Statutes §657-7. You can review the statutory language by clicking here.

Because deadlines are strict, speaking with an attorney promptly helps protect your legal rights.

How Can A Honolulu Dog Bite Lawyer Help?

A Honolulu dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, gather medical documentation, identify insurance coverage, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the injury.

Legal assistance may include:

• Reviewing animal control reports
• Interviewing witnesses
• Negotiating with insurers
• Calculating future treatment costs
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary

Dog bite cases can be especially sensitive when they involve neighbors or community members, and respectful legal handling is important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Accidents

1. Do I need to report a dog bite in Honolulu? 

Yes, you are required to report a dog bite to Honolulu Animal Control. This helps ensure public safety and establishes an official record of the incident, which is important for any future claims.

2. What if the bite happened on private property?  

Even if the bite occurred on private property, you may still have a valid claim provided that you were lawfully present there at the time of the incident. 

3. Can I recover compensation for emotional trauma?

Absolutely. Dog bites can lead to lasting emotional effects, especially in children. Compensation may be available for psychological harm as part of your overall claim.

4. What if I was partially at fault?

Hawaii operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that if you are found to be partially responsible for the incident, your compensation may be reduced accordingly based on your level of fault.

5. What if the injury results in permanent scarring?

If the injury leads to permanent scarring or disfigurement, this can significantly increase the value of your claim. The long-term impact on your quality of life and appearance is taken into serious consideration during the compensation process.

Contact Dog Bite Personal Injury Lawyers in Honolulu

If you or your child has suffered a dog bite injury in Honolulu or elsewhere on Oʻahu, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone.

Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner represent injured individuals throughout Hawaii and are committed to providing respectful, professional guidance.

Call us at 808-537-2525 today for a free consultation.