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CALIFORNIA DOG BITE LAWYERS

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and they’re commonly referred to as “man’s best friend.” However, once in awhile, a dog may bite a person causing serious and debilitating injuries. There are several possible reasons why a dog may bite a person, but California law imposes “strict liability” for dog bites. Imposing “strict liability” means that the owner of a dog who bites a person is liable for that person’s injuries even if the dog has never bitten someone before and the owner did nothing wrong. Other states have a “one bite rule,” where the owner is only held liable if the dog had bitten someone before or the dog had a violent character; California does not follow this rule.

California Civil Code section 3342 makes dog owners liable for injuries to others where:

  1. The person did not provoke the dog; and

  2. The person was bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property (i.e., not trespassing).

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be able to recover compensatory damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our office today, for a free consultation with a California dog bite attorney.

below are answers to the most commonly asked questions

  1. Are there instances when you cannot sue for a dog bit in California?

    Yes; a victim usually cannot recover for damages from a dog bite in California if:

    (a) They were trespassing on private property;

    (b) They provoked the dog;

    (c) The dog was protecting its owner or another person in accordance with California’s self-defense laws; or

    (d) The dog was a military or police dog and the bite occurred as a result of the dog acting within the agency’s written policy.

  2. What is the “one-bite” rule?

    The “one-bite” rule does not impose liability to the owner of a dog who bites someone, unless the owner had notice that the dog had previously bitten someone or is otherwise dangerous. Some state, such as Nevada, follow this “one-bite” rule.

  3. Does California follow the “one-bite” rule?

    No. California imposes strict liability on the owner for dog bites. In other words, a victim does not need to prove that the owner knew the dog had a propensity for being violent, or that the owner was negligent.

  4. How long do I have to sue for a dog bite in California?

    The deadline (or in legal terms, the “statute of limitations”) to sue for a dog bite in California is two years. The two-year time period begins on the date the dog bite or attack occurred.