California Dog Bite Attorneys Fighting for Injured Victims

Dog bites cause serious physical and psychological injuries. California law makes dog owners strictly liable when their animal bites someone, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten before or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

At The Accident Network Law Group, our dog bite attorneys represent victims in Riverside, Costa Mesa, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Victorville, and throughout Southern California. Attorney Damoun A. Yazdi brings 12+ years of personal injury experience and the courtroom skills of a former law clerk at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to every case.

California law gives you two years from the date of injury (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1). Contact us today for a free consultation. Se habla espanol.

California Dog Bite Law and Strict Liability (Civil Code Section 3342)

California Civil Code Section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners. Under this statute, the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. Unlike states that follow the one-bite rule, California dog owners are liable for the first bite even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You only need to prove you were bitten, you were lawfully present at the location, and the defendant is the dog’s owner.

Victims on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or those invited onto private property are all protected under Section 3342. This includes postal workers, delivery drivers, neighbors, and guests.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites are among the most physically traumatic personal injuries. The force of a dog’s jaws, combined with tearing and crushing motions, causes damage well beyond the visible wound.

Puncture wounds and lacerations: Deep puncture wounds from teeth often carry bacteria deep into tissue, creating a serious infection risk. Lacerations may require stitching, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery.

Nerve damage: Bites on the hands, face, and neck can sever or compress nerves, causing permanent numbness, weakness, or loss of function.

Scarring and disfigurement: Facial bites can leave permanent scars that require years of reconstructive procedures and have profound psychological impacts.

Infections: Dog mouths harbor bacteria including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Deep bites carry a real risk of serious infection, cellulitis, or sepsis.

Psychological trauma: Many dog bite victims, especially children, develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs. These psychological injuries are legally compensable.

What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?

California law entitles dog bite victims to full compensatory damages.

Economic damages include emergency room and hospital bills, surgery costs, wound care and follow-up treatment, reconstructive surgery and scar revision, physical therapy, lost wages during recovery, and loss of future earning capacity for serious permanent injuries.

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological trauma including PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disfigurement and scarring, and loss of consortium.

When dog owners acted with malice or oppression, California Civil Code Section 3294 allows punitive damages.

California does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Your recovery is not artificially limited.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in California

• 1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even small bites should be evaluated. Infection sets in quickly.
• 2. Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and contact information. Ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
• 3. Report the bite. File a report with animal control or the local police department.
• 4. Photograph your injuries. Document wounds before treatment and continue photographing throughout healing to document scarring.
• 5. Document witness information. Anyone who witnessed the attack can provide valuable testimony.
• 6. Do not accept settlement offers without legal advice. Dog bite injuries often worsen over time as infection develops or nerve damage becomes apparent.
• 7. Contact our firm promptly. California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the bite under CCP Section 335.1.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Dog Bite Claims

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim? Two years from the date of the bite under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. For minors, the statute of limitations is tolled until the child turns 18.

What if I was on private property when I was bitten? If you were lawfully on private property as a guest, invited visitor, mail carrier, or delivery driver, you are protected under California Civil Code Section 3342.

What if the dog’s owner has no homeowner’s insurance? We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including renter’s insurance policies and landlord liability if the landlord knew of a dangerous dog on the property.

My child was bitten. What are their rights? Children have full rights to compensation under California’s dog bite statute. As a parent, you can bring a claim on your child’s behalf.

How Accident Network Handles These Cases

When you contact The Accident Network Law Group, here is what you can expect.

Free consultation: We review the details of your case at no charge with no obligation.

Personalized attention: Attorney Attorney Yazdi personally reviews and handles each case. Our team is dedicated to keeping you informed throughout the process.

Evidence preservation: We act quickly to secure the evidence that matters, including accident reports, camera footage, expert analysis, and medical documentation.

Insurance negotiation: We handle all communications with insurance carriers. If they do not make a fair offer, we file suit.

No recovery, no fee. We work on a contingency basis and only get paid when you recover compensation. Se habla espanol.