English 
Spanish 
The Unseen Risks of Man’s Best Friend
California is home to millions of dogs—and while most are friendly companions, dog bite injuries are more common than you might think. In fact, California leads the nation in dog bite claims, according to State Farm, accounting for nearly 14% of all dog bite-related insurance payouts in the United States.
Whether it’s a large dog or a small one, any breed can become dangerous under the right (or wrong) circumstances. This article breaks down your rights under California dog bite law, what to do after an attack, and how our attorneys at State Law Firm can help.
The Law: California’s Strict Liability Rule for Dog Bites
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, the state follows a strict liability standard for dog bites. This means:
The owner is liable for a dog bite, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before.
There’s no “one bite” rule like in other states. As long as the bite occurred in a public place or lawfully on private property, the dog owner can be held legally responsible.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
This legal protection extends to delivery workers, mail carriers, house guests, tenants, and children—not just passersby.
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Dog Attacks
Dog bites can occur for many reasons, often stemming from owner negligence or stressful environments for the animal. Contributing factors may include:
- Lack of leash or enclosure
- Poor socialization or training
- Dogs left unsupervised in public
- Territorial behavior or fear responses
- Anxiety triggered by loud environments or unfamiliar people
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S.
- Half of those victims are children, often suffering bites to the face and neck.
- Roughly 800,000 dog bites require medical attention annually.
Exceptions: When a Victim May Not Be Eligible to File
While California law is strong in favor of victims, there are a few important exceptions where a dog owner may not be held liable:
- Victim was committing a felony at the time of the incident (e.g., burglary).
- The victim provoked or abused the dog, causing it to react defensively.
- Victim trespassed on private property or was not lawfully present.
- The dog was a working police or military animal, acting in accordance with its duties.
Each case is fact-specific. If you’re unsure whether these exceptions apply, our attorneys will evaluate your claim during your free consultation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in California
Taking the right steps after an attack is critical to protecting your health and strengthening your legal case:
Step 1: Get Medical Attention
Even seemingly minor bites can lead to infection or nerve damage. Document all injuries and save your medical records.
Step 2: Identify the Dog and Owner
Try to get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information. If possible, take photos of the dog, the location, and your injuries.
Step 3: Report the Incident
File a report with local animal control or law enforcement. This creates a paper trail and may help prevent future attacks.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney
The sooner you speak to a personal injury lawyer, the better. Evidence fades, and dog owners may dispute your version of events.
Who’s Liable and What If the Dog Has Bitten Before?
In some cases, a dog may have a history of aggression, which can lead to additional claims under negligence laws or local ordinances. Some counties in California require dogs that have bitten in the past to be registered as dangerous.
If a dog has bitten someone previously or was involved in a serious attack, we can often pursue enhanced damages or penalties.
We may also explore liability against:
- Landlords (in some cases, if they knew about the dog’s behavior)
- Dog walkers or pet sitters (if they failed to control the animal)
- Homeowners’ insurance carriers
If your case involves multiple parties, we will help you pursue all potential avenues for recovery.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Dog bite claims are not always straightforward. Insurance companies may minimize your injuries, blame you for the incident, or try to settle quickly and cheaply.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney gives you the leverage you need. Learn more about the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney and how we protect your rights from day one.
Additional Support for Complex Cases
We’ve represented clients ranging from small children bitten at public parks to service workers injured in apartment complexes. If your case overlaps with other areas of injury law—such as premises liability or third-party negligence—we will build a comprehensive legal strategy to maximize your recovery.
Free Consultation with Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers
At State Law Firm, we treat every client with compassion—and every case with intensity. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, our team is ready to help you pursue justice and full financial compensation.
📞 Call us today at (818) 477-0773 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
