A dog attack is terrifying and it often leaves more than physical wounds. California law protects victims through strict liability statutes, but you still need to know your rights, the legal process, and how to maximize your recovery.
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are automatically responsible for bite injuries if:
It doesn’t matter if the dog never bit before or had no history of aggression. This means victims do not have to prove that the owner was negligent, only that the bite occurred under qualifying conditions. The law applies to bites that happen in parks, sidewalks, businesses, and even in the owner’s own yard. Owners cannot escape liability by claiming they “didn’t know” the dog was dangerous. This makes it easier for victims to recover damages quickly and without unnecessary legal hurdles. However, these cases still benefit greatly from legal representation to ensure full compensation and protection against low settlement offers.
Dog attacks can cause serious physical and psychological harm, even when the bite appears minor at first. Because dogs have powerful jaws and carry a wide range of bacteria, injuries often require immediate medical treatment and can lead to long term complications. The effects of a dog bite extend beyond the initial wound and may impact mobility, appearance, and mental health for months or even years.
After a dog bite, the actions taken in the first hours and days can significantly impact both your health and your legal claim. Proper documentation, prompt medical care, and notifying the correct agencies help protect your safety and preserve evidence. These steps also strengthen any future injury claim by creating clear records of what happened and how the attack has affected you.
Although California generally holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries, there are limited circumstances where an owner may try to avoid responsibility. These defenses are not automatic, and the burden is on the dog owner to prove them with credible evidence. Most claims still succeed because many of these defenses are difficult to establish and narrowly interpreted.
Possible Defenses Include:
However, these defenses must be proven by the dog owner and are not assumed.
Dog bite victims may face significant medical, financial, and emotional burdens long after the initial attack. California law allows injured individuals to recover both economic and non economic damages to help restore their health, financial stability, and quality of life. The exact compensation available depends on the severity of the injuries, necessary medical treatment, and the long term impact on daily living.
At The Injury Partners, we offer aggressive representation backed by compassion and experience. We understand what’s at stake and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
We operate on a contingency fee basis — you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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