If a dog bit you in California, the law is overwhelmingly on your side. Unlike many other states, California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, which means the dog owner is liable for your injuries even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. California Civil Code section 3342 makes this crystal clear: a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property. There is no one free bite rule in this state, and the owner cannot escape responsibility by claiming they had no warning that their dog was aggressive.
The exceptions to strict liability are extremely rare. They only apply if you were trespassing unlawfully on private property, if you provoked the dog, or if the dog was performing military or police work at the time of the bite. For the vast majority of bite victims, especially those bitten in public parks, on sidewalks, or as invited guests onto private property, these exceptions simply do not apply. This is why California consistently ranks among the best states in the country for dog bite victims who are seeking full and fair compensation.
Strict liability simplifies your claim in a powerful way. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent, you do not need to dig up prior complaints about the dog, and you do not need to demonstrate that the owner knew the animal was dangerous. You only need to prove that the bite happened and that you suffered damages as a result. At Dog Bite LA, we have built our entire practice around California’s strict liability statute, and we know exactly how to present your case to maximize your recovery. From medical bills and lost wages to pain, suffering, and deep emotional trauma, we fight to ensure every single dollar you are owed is paid.
Bitten in Los Angeles? Call us today. The law protects you — and so do we.
