Dog bites happen fast—but the consequences can last a lifetime. If you or a loved one was bitten, you might be wondering: who’s legally responsible, and what can I do about it? In California, the law is clear—and strict. You might be elegible to pursue fair compensation with a Dog Bite Claim.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
- California dog owners are strictly liable for most dog bites—even if it’s the first time the dog has bitten someone.
- Owners often try to avoid blame by claiming trespassing, provocation, or minimal injury.
- Victims can file a dog bite claim and may recover medical costs, lost wages, and emotional damages.
- You typically have 2 years to file, but only 6 months if it involves a government-owned dog (like a police K-9).
- A recent case in Brentwood, CA resulted in a $1 million payout after a police dog severely injured a woman.
- A qualified dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and maximize compensation.
🛑 What defenses do dog owners use to avoid liability?
Dog owners (and their insurance companies) often try to dodge responsibility with these common arguments:
- You were trespassing at the time of the bite
- You provoked the dog—even unintentionally
- The dog was protecting its owner or property
- The bite didn’t cause serious injury
But California law is a strict liability state. That means owners are typically responsible even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. If you were lawfully on public or private property, you likely have a valid claim.
📝 How do I file a dog bite claim in California?
Filing a claim starts with evidence and documentation:
- Get medical care and save all treatment records
- Report the bite to local Animal Control or law enforcement
- Identify the dog owner and verify rabies vaccination status
- Contact a dog bite lawyer to file a claim with the owner’s homeowner or renter’s insurance
Having a lawyer on your side can make the difference between a lowball settlement and full compensation.
👉 More info on our Dog Bite Injury page
💰 What damages can I recover after a dog bite?
Victims may be entitled to:
- Medical bills (including plastic surgery and rehab)
- Lost wages and loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
- Permanent scarring or disability
A seasoned dog bite lawyer can help calculate both financial and emotional losses.
📰 Real Case: California City Pays $1 Million After Police Dog Bite
In one recent case, the City of Brentwood, CA agreed to pay nearly $1 million to a woman who was bitten on the scalp by a police K-9 during an arrest. The woman required more than 200 stitches and suffered traumatic brain injury and PTSD. A key issue was the duration of the dog bite, which raised concerns about excessive force.
➡️ Read the full story from AP News
This case highlights how even government entities can be held liable for dog attacks—especially when excessive force or negligence is involved.
⏳ What is the statute of limitations for dog bite claims in California?
Under California law, you have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit (CCP § 335.1). If the dog was owned by a government agency (e.g., police dog), you may have as little as 6 months to file a government tort claim.
🚨 What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Act fast to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek medical care, even for minor bites
- Take photos of your injuries and the location
- Get contact info for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Report the incident to local authorities
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you speak to a lawyer
👨⚖️ Why hire a dog bite lawyer in Pasadena?
Dog bite cases can get complicated fast. An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate and gather medical and legal evidence
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit if necessary to recover damages
At Westside Injury Lawyers, we fight for maximum compensation—and you don’t pay unless we win.
📞 Call for a free consultation: (626) 323-8393
📍Located in Pasadena, CA — serving all of California
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
