If you’ve been bitten by a dog in California, you might be asking yourself if you can sue. The good news is that yes, you can—California has victim-friendly laws and strong legal protection.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Bringing a Claim and Getting Paid for a Dog Bite
1. Knowing Your Legal Rights
Under California Civil Code § 3342, owners are strictly liable for the harm caused by their dogs. That is:
- Victims do not have to establish that the owner was negligent.
- Owners become liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone.
2. When Can You Sue?
You may sue if:
- The bite resulted in medical costs, lost income, or emotional trauma.
- The dog owner refuses to accept fault.
- Insurance rejects your claim or settles for low value.
You cannot claim if:
- You were trespassing or teasing the dog.
- The bite is caused by a police or military dog acting within official duties.
3. What to Do If a Dog Bites You?
- Get medical care – Even small bites can cause infection.
- Find out who the dog belongs to and who owns it – Take their name, address, and vaccination status.
- Document the accident – Take pictures of injuries, get witness statements, and retain medical bills.
- Report the bite – Report to Animal Control or the police.
- Call a personal injury lawyer – A lawyer can assist you in getting maximum compensation.
4. How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
California’s statute of limitations for dog bite claims is two years from the time of the attack. If you wait too long, you can lose your right to sue.
5. What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful dog bite case can allow you to recover:
- Medical bills (hospitalization, physical therapy, medication).
- Lost income (if you are absent from work because of your injuries).
- Pain and suffering (including emotional trauma and PTSD).
- Permanent disfigurement compensation (if scarring results).
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a California dog, you are entitled to pursue legal action. A personal injury lawyer will assist you in filing a lawsuit and obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.
This article was written by Alla Tenina. Alla is one of the best tax attorneys in Los Angeles California, and the founder of Tenina Law. She has experience in bankruptcies, real estate planning, and complex tax matters. Click here for more information. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
