Dog Bite Laws in California: Do I Need a Lawyer?

A Guide to Making an Informed Choice in the State of California on Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

Perhaps nothing is more lovable than a dog. They are playful, loyal, and always eager to please. What’s not to love? Unfortunately, like any other animal, dogs sometimes snap and behave unpredictably, which may lead them to bite someone. Suppose you have been bitten by a dog in the State of California. In that case, you may be wondering whether you need a lawyer to help you recover financial compensation for medical bills and any pain and suffering.

In this article, we answer key questions to help you determine if hiring an attorney is an ideal option for your situation. If you have questions about your dog bite case, contact us today for a free consultation.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog in California, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights. Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, infections, and significant financial burdens. Following the proper steps after a dog bite can make a big difference in your recovery and your ability to pursue a dog bite claim under California dog bite laws.

1. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Your first priority after a dog bite should always be your health. Even if the dog bite appears minor, it’s essential to get prompt medical treatment. Dog bites can cause deep wounds, broken bones, and infections such as rabies or tetanus. Keep detailed records of your medical expenses and any treatments you receive, as these will be important if you decide to file a dog bite lawsuit.

2. Report the Dog Bite to Authorities

Contact your local animal control agency or police department to report the dog bite. This is especially important if the dog’s owner is unknown or if the dog is a stray. Reporting the incident creates an official record, helps identify the dog’s owner, and may prevent future dog bite attacks by the same animal.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are able, collect as much information as possible about the dog bite incident. Take photos of your dog bite injuries, the location where the dog bite occurred, and the dog itself, if possible. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the dog attack. Save all medical records, bills, and any correspondence with the dog’s owner or their insurance company.

4. Identify the Dog’s Owner

Try to determine who owns the dog that bit you. If the dog’s owner is present, ask for their name, address, and contact details. If the dog is loose, ask neighbors or witnesses if they know who the dog belongs to. Identifying the dog’s owner is essential for pursuing a dog bite claim and holding the responsible party strictly liable under California dog bite law.

5. Consult a Dog Bite Attorney

Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled dog bite attorney can help you understand your legal rights, navigate California’s strict liability laws, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney will guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and seeking compensation for your dog bite injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

6. Understand Your Rights Under California Dog Bite Laws

California dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused when their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior before. This means that as a dog bite victim, you may be entitled to compensation even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or the owner had no prior knowledge of such viciousness.

7. File a Dog Bite Claim

With the help of your dog bite attorney, you can file a dog bite claim against the dog’s owner, a property owner, or any other liable party. Your lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed within the required time limits and that all necessary evidence is included to support your case.

8. Pursue Compensation for Your Losses

Work closely with your attorney to seek compensation for all damages related to your dog bite injury. This may include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses you have suffered as a result of the dog bite attack.

Remember, as a dog bite victim in California, you have necessary legal rights. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified dog bite attorney to discuss your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Taking these steps after a dog bite can help protect your health, your finances, and your future.

Why Should I Get a Lawyer If a Dog Bites Me?

According to 2025 insurance statistics, California has the highest number of dog bites in the nation. Most dog bites go unreported, but dog attacks can cause severe physical and psychological damage. Further, a dog’s bite can result in substantial economic loss to a victim who cannot work because of the injury. Of course, the injured person’s first concern should be obtaining expert medical care and therapy as needed. The legal options available to an injured person depend on the circumstances of the attack, including whether the bite occurs on public or private property, and whether the injured person was lawfully in a private place at the time.

The legal concerns, on the other hand, should be entrusted to attorneys with experience handling dog bite cases in California, especially given the complexities of California law and local regulations in areas like Los Angeles.

A. Dog bite laws vary from state to state.

Many states have a one-bite rule. This means that the owner of the dog is not liable for his or her dog’s bite unless the dog has bitten someone before. California, however, is a strict liability state. Under California’s strict liability, if the bite happens in public or in a private place where the dog bite victim was lawfully permitted, such as the dog owner’s property or other private property, this statute holds the dog’s owner strictly liable for the dog’s bites. In other words, a dog that bites someone does not have to have a history of biting for you to obtain a recovery. California law imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning they can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the owner knew of prior viciousness or negligence. If a person owns the dog, the owner is generally accountable for any attack or bite, whether on public or the owner’s property.

Still, there are a few exceptions to strict liability that you should be aware of, including:

• Someone caring for a dog, who is not the owner, cannot be held strictly liable.
• Since they have assumed the risk inherent in their employment, veterinarians and kennel employees cannot sue owners for strict liability if they are bitten.
• When a dog bites a person as a consequence of provoking, annoying, or harassing the dog, an owner cannot be held strictly liable.

California law also recognizes that liability may not apply if the injured person was not lawfully in a private place or on private property, such as trespassing on the dog owner’s property or other such property.

In addition, county ordinances, case law, and city regulations may affect how your dog bite is treated under California law. For example, Los Angeles may have specific rules regarding dangerous dog classifications. An experienced attorney can provide you with the guidance necessary to navigate the legal twists and turns successfully. For example, despite the above-mentioned exceptions to strict liability, even if strict liability doesn’t apply, a claim based on negligence can be pursued. In some cases, the United States District Court has ruled on issues involving dog attacks, especially those involving police or military dogs.

Dog owners may also face criminal liability if their dog causes serious injury or death, or if the dog has attacked on two separate occasions or more. Criminal liability can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the incident and the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous nature. The law distinguishes between minor injuries, which may result in lesser penalties, and serious injuries, which can lead to more severe consequences, including potential jail time.

California law classifies dogs as dangerous, potentially dangerous, or vicious based on their behavior and history of attacks. If a dog has bitten people on separate occasions, or if the dog is found to be vicious, the owner may be required to take reasonable precautions to prevent future animal attacks and may even face the dog’s removal or euthanasia. Owners are expected to exercise reasonable precautions if they know their dog is potentially dangerous or a dangerous dog.

B. Insurance companies have been known to exploit victims’ lack of knowledge of the personal injury claims process.

You can rest assured that dealing directly with an insurance company on your own will result in a bureaucratic runaround, not to mention a low-ball offer for your compensation. Insurance companies are adept at structuring deals that sound kosher to the untrained claimant. Someone unfamiliar with insurance agreements might be duped into thinking they are fair. This is by design.

But you can rest assured that when an insurance company is dealing with an experienced dog bite law firm, you have your best chance to recover compensation for your medical expenses, injuries, economic loss, and pain and suffering. Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to ensure you are fully compensated for damages resulting from dog attacks or other animal attacks.

What Kind of Lawyer Handles Dog Bites?

Technically, any lawyer can handle a dog bite case. However, in choosing your attorneys, you want a law office with a track record of obtaining substantial verdicts or settlements for dog bite cases. Therefore, your best alternative is to seek the services of a personal injury lawyer who specializes in and understands the legal nuances involved in dog bite attacks. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the attorneys you intend to hire have the resources to pursue a case against a dog owner. 

What Does a Dog Bite Attorney Do?

Your dog bite attorney will:

• Advise you as to your rights to compensation for your injuries
• Investigate the facts and circumstances of your case, including identifying all potentially liable parties. In some cases, a government agency may be liable if the dog was under their care, such as a stray from an animal shelter or animal control agency.
• Negotiate dog bite claims.
• Interview eyewitnesses
• Recover photographic evidence (if any)
• Recover medical evidence

Dog bite attorneys can also handle cases involving injuries caused by a police dog during law enforcement operations.

Your dog bite attorney will be able to determine if there is any insurance coverage for the injury and, if so, contact the company to negotiate a settlement that adequately compensates you. Suppose the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith. In that case, your attorney can bring a civil action in court against the dog owner (and the insurance company if one is involved in covering the injury).

An experienced dog bite attorney can also refer you to medical experts to assist in your treatment and to physical therapists for your injury.

What Percent Does a Lawyer Make from a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

At Owen, Patterson & Owen (OPO), we charge 33 1/3% if the case is resolved before litigation and 40% if a lawsuit must be filed. However, there are exceptions for minors.  If there is no award or settlement, there is no fee. In other words, the attorney does not get paid unless you get paid. And the fee you pay comes directly from your settlement monies or from the judgment you are awarded by the Court. 

Who Is the Best Lawyer in California for Dog Bites? 

While any firm can claim to be the best, the reality is that experienced and aggressive (when necessary) legal representation matters more than an unsupported claim by an attorney.

For forty years, OPO has come to the aid of dog bite victims. Our firm ensures that clients receive maximum compensation. OPO is known throughout the State of California for providing personal attention and compassionate understanding to its clients who have suffered dog bite injuries.

As dog bite attorneys, our firm has significant investigatory experience to prepare the best case for you, to gather the evidence, documents, and witnesses needed to present your strongest position in settlement negotiations and, where necessary, at trial. The insurance companies are familiar with the quality of representation offered by OPO and the results we have obtained.  The insurance community stands up and takes notice when OPO stands up for you and your dog bite case. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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