California Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

If you were bitten by someone else's dog in California, you may be entitled to money from the dog owner (or his or her insurance company) to pay you for costs related to your dog bite injury.

California Strict Liability

California has what are known as strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites.

Strict liability means that the dog owner is responsible for any injury caused by the dog regardless of whether the dog had a history of biting.

Exceptions to strict liability laws mean that a dog owner probably is not responsible if their dog bites:

• A person who is trespassing on their property without permission
• A person who is provoking the dog to respond aggressively

In addition to California, Georgia, Florida, and Illinois are among the states that have strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites.

If You Are a California Dog Bite Victim

If you are the victim of a dog bite in California, you may be able to recover money from the dog's owner (or his or her insurance company) to compensate you for:

• Medical bills, including medication and future treatment for scar reduction
• Lost wages
• Torn clothing
• Pain and suffering
• Mental health counseling

Whether you live in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Fremont, or elsewhere in California, your California dog bite attorney can help you understand your legal options, negotiate a settlement, or file a lawsuit against the dog's owner.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim in California?

California law gives you two years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim against the dog's owner. (This time limit is known as the statute of limitations.)

If you and your California personal injury lawyer are unable to negotiate a settlement with the other party (or their insurance company), you should consider filing a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. If you allow more than two years to pass, you cannot legally file a lawsuit against the dog's owner to collect money for your injuries.

Where Do You File a California Dog Bite Lawsuit?

For California dog bite injury claims worth more than $7,500, you would file your lawsuit in the appropriate California Superior Court.

If your California dog bite claim is for less than $7,500, you would file your personal injury lawsuit in the California Small Claims Court that has jurisdiction.

Your California dog bite lawyer can tell you which specific court is the appropriate court to resolve your dispute.

Additional California Dog Bite Resources

Personal injury in California

Preventing & avoiding dog bites

Los Angeles County Rabies Control Manual

Lawyers.com dog bite information