California Dog Bite Laws 2024 – Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Understanding Dog Bites / Animal Bites Law in California

Dog bite injuries have dramatically increased over recent years. In California, approximately 675,000 people are bitten annually. Children under the age of 15 account for almost 65 percent of those victims. More than 70% of victims receive serious head, facial, and neck wounds. A dog attack can cause severe and permanent injuries, as well as emotional trauma that can last a lifetime. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries, contact Freeman & Freeman, LLP. At Freeman & Freeman, LLP, our experienced Woodland Hills dog bites attorneys will aggressively fight to protect your rights and secure compensation for your injuries.

If you are the victim of a dog bite or other kind of animal bite in California, you need to understand the laws that affect your situation before making any decisions about compensation or settlement. Dog and animal bite situations can range anywhere from relatively harmless to life-changing. You will need to take several factors into account and speak with an attorney to learn your options and understand how to navigate the complicated legal process.

To put it simply, California law is quite clear, in Civil Code section 3342 that dog owners are liable for any physical damage suffered by a person in a public or reasonable private residence or dwelling. So, if you are a dog owner, it’s important to make sure your dog is obedient and well-trained. Conversely, if a dog or animal bites you while you are acting reasonably, you are perfectly within your rights to seek compensation that aligns with your scope of pain and injuries.

With the right legal and medical analysis, victims of dog and animal bites can increase their chances of a swift and fair judgement for compensation in a court of law, if necessary. In the best outcomes, victims can reach a settlement without the need for a court appearance. If you experience a dog or animal bite, we can help you determine the best next steps you can take as a reasonable course of action.

Please know, there are times when you may not have a case…

California law is quite clear about the instances when dogs or animals can bite without breaking the law. For instance, if you are bit by a canine working for law enforcement, you may not hold the agency liable if you were breaking the law or inciting the animal in any way that proved the attack. Also, if you are being held as the suspect in a crime and get bit, you will not have.

The main takeaway is you need the advice of experienced lawyers who handle dog and animal bite cases before settling with the owner of an attacking animal. We specialize in helping citizens of Los Angeles and several surrounding areas, including: San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, Encino, Thousand Oak and North Hollywood. Contact us to talk about your situation as soon as possible. Sometimes, the longer you wait, the weaker your case.

Who is Liable For A Dog Bite Injury in California?

Laws are different in every state, but the common law of all states holds a person responsible for a dog bite if the owner knowingly kept a dog that had previously bitten someone or that had exhibited a tendency to bite someone. This is generally known as the “one free bite” rule because dog owners are not liable if their dog had never bitten anyone before and they were unaware of any vicious tendencies. A dog handler could also be liable if he or she was negligent in controlling the dog at the time of the injury. Some states, such as California, have passed stricter laws concerning dog bites.

California’s Strict Liability Statute

The “one free bite” rule has been eliminated in California. State statutory law now holds a dog owner liable even if his or her dog has never bitten anyone or shown a tendency to bite. Liability is based upon ownership and the dog’s past behavior does not matter. In California, a victim of a dog bite must show the following in order to recover:

• The dog was owned by the defendant,
• The biting incident took place on public property or while the victim was lawfully on private property,
• The victim was actually bitten by the dog, and
• The victim suffered an injury.

Dog Owner Defenses

A dog owner may have a defense under the statute if he or she can prove any one of the following:

• Trespass: if the victim trespassed on the property where the dog bite occurred, the owner may claim this defense. However, this is a defense under the statute only, and the owner may be sued for common law negligence.
• No bite: the statute applies only to injuries caused by an actual bite. If the victim was injured by being jumped on or knocked down, there is no liability under the statute (again common law negligence may be alleged).
• Assumption of the risk: if the victim assumed the risk of injury, such as intentionally provoking the dog, the owner would not be liable.

Other Responsible Parties

The California statute applies to the “owner of any dog.” However, when the dog is under the control of another person at the time of the injury, a keeper or handler may still be liable. Liability is based not upon the statute, but upon common law rules. In contrast to an owner, a keeper or handler must have had some prior knowledge of the dog’s vicious tendencies (such as a prior bite) to be liable. Liability can also be shown if the keeper or handler was negligent in handling or controlling the dog. Landlords may also be responsible for injuries in situations where they had knowledge of a dog’s vicious tendencies.

Learn Your Options Today

A dog bite can result in serious physical injury, as well as traumatic emotional wounds (especially in children). If you or a loved one has been bitten in a dog attack, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. This may include, but is not limited to, past and future medial costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages. Contact our experienced attorneys today for a free case evaluation at 818-992-2919.