Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries, especially when the attack happens without warning or involves a child. In Honolulu, dog bites often occur in neighborhoods, parks, apartment complexes, and other public spaces where people expect to feel safe. If you were bitten because an owner failed to control or restrain their dog, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Hawaii law.

At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., we represent people who have been injured in dog attacks and help them understand how Hawaii dog bite law applies to their situation. Dog bite claims can raise questions about responsibility and long-term recovery, particularly when scarring or infection is involved. 

Our role is to guide you through the process and pursue compensation for medical bills and the injury’s lasting effects. Call us today at (800) 451-1002 for a free case review.

Why choose Shaheen & Gordon for your Honolulu dog bite case?

Shaheen & Gordon provides the strength of a large firm while maintaining a personal, client-focused approach. We handle injury claims carefully and methodically, with attention to how the injury affects your daily life.

Our attorneys work on Honolulu dog bite cases involving disputed responsibility, questions about whether a dog was properly restrained, and insurance companies that minimize the seriousness of bite injuries. Each case is built around the facts of your injury and what recovery looks like moving forward.

Shaheen & Gordon represents injured people, not insurance companies. Dog bite cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for your injury.

What types of dog bite cases do we handle in Honolulu?

Dog bite injuries often happen in everyday situations when a dog isn’t properly restrained or supervised. We represent people injured by loose or roaming dogs, incidents where leashes or enclosures were not used, and attacks that occur in crowded places where a dog was placed in an unsafe situation.

Dog bites are a recurring public safety issue on Oahu. According to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, responders handled about 300 calls for possible dog bites between September 2023 and September 2024, nearly a 20% increase from the previous year. Incidents like these highlight how quickly a routine outing in a park or neighborhood can turn into a serious injury situation.

Our team also handles cases involving children, who are especially vulnerable to serious injuries, as well as situations where a dog had displayed aggressive behavior before the attack. In these cases, understanding what happened before the bite matters just as much as the incident itself.

When responsibility is disputed, we look closely at the dog’s history and the circumstances leading up to the attack. Prior behavior and any involvement by animal control or the Honolulu Police Department can help clarify whether the bite was a one-time event or part of a broader pattern. 

How does Hawaii dog bite law work?

After a dog bite in Hawaii, the injured person may be able to pursue a claim for the harm the attack caused. These cases will often involve gathering evidence like medical records and identifying who owned or controlled the dog.

Most dog bite claims are handled through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Insurance companies will review details of the incident before deciding on how a claim will be evaluated or whether compensation may be available.

Is a dog owner automatically responsible for a bite in Hawaii?

In many Honolulu dog bite cases, the dog owner can still be responsible even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. If someone is bitten while lawfully present and not provoking the animal, the law may place responsibility on the dog’s owner.

That said, the details of the situation still matter. Questions about provocation or trespassing can affect how a dog bite claim is evaluated. 

What defenses do dog owners raise in Honolulu dog bite cases?

Dog owners and insurance companies sometimes try to shift blame onto the person who was bitten. They may claim the dog was provoked or that the person was trespassing onto property they shouldn’t be on.

These arguments do not put an end to the claim on their own, but they can influence how it is evaluated. Acting quickly to document the details of what happened can help you ensure that you have an accurate record of events as they occurred.

What injuries are common in dog bite cases?

Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, deep tissue damage, infections, nerve injuries, and even permanent scarring. Some victims require surgery or extended follow-up care, particularly when bites involve the face or limbs. Emotional effects, including fear of dogs or anxiety in public places, are also common after a serious attack.

Getting medical care after a dog bite right away and keeping detailed records can support your recovery and any injury claim.

How much is a Honolulu dog bite claim worth?

The value of a dog bite claim depends on how serious the injury is and how it affects your day-to-day life. Compensation may cover time away from work during your recovery and the physical, mental, and emotional effects of the injury.

There is no set amount of restitution for dog bite cases. Each claim is evaluated based on medical evidence and insurance coverage.

How do we build a strong Honolulu dog bite case?

A strong dog bite case begins with a clear understanding of what led to the attack and who may be responsible. Getting to that point involves confirming who owned or controlled the dog and showing how the injuries affected your health and recovery. Medical records and firsthand accounts help tell that story.

In some cases, responsibility may extend beyond the dog’s owner. When safety rules were ignored or a known risk was allowed to continue, landlords or property managers may also be involved.

We work to gather as much information as possible and handle conversations with insurance companies, so you are not rushed into decisions before the full impact of the injury is understood.

What our results show

Shaheen & Gordon has helped clients recover compensation in serious personal injury cases, including claims involving permanent injury and wrongful death.

• $140k settlement in a dog bite case 
• $275k settlement in a premises liability case
• $1 million settlement in a slip & fall case involving a traumatic brain injury

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is different, and case results referred to in this website are not intended to be, nor should they be understood as, a representation that equivalent results will be achieved in any given case.

What our clients say