Masjedian Law Firm · Accidents
Dog Bite Injuries
California holds dog owners strictly liable for bites — no “one free bite.” Compensation usually comes from homeowner’s insurance, not the owner’s pocket.
California holds dog owners strictly liable for bites — no “one free bite.” Compensation usually comes from homeowner’s insurance, not the owner’s pocket.
Dog attacks combine physical trauma with lasting psychological injury — particularly for children, who make up a large share of serious bite victims and often carry facial scarring and fear long after wounds close. California law is unusually protective of bite victims, and most recoveries are paid by insurance rather than by the dog’s owner personally.
Strict liability — no “one free bite.” Civil Code § 3342 makes a dog owner liable for a bite in a public place or while the victim is lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge. There is no requirement to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Beyond bites, knock-downs and attacks can be pursued through negligence and leash-law violations.
Where the money actually comes from. Homeowner’s and renter’s policies typically cover dog liability. That matters: victims are frequently bitten by dogs belonging to friends, family, or neighbors and hesitate to make a claim. The claim is against a policy purchased for exactly this purpose — pursuing it rarely means bankrupting anyone you know.
Damages we develop. Emergency care, reconstructive and scar-revision surgery, infection treatment, rabies protocol where records are missing, therapy for post-traumatic fear (especially in children), lost work, and pain, suffering, and disfigurement. For minors, settlements receive court oversight and can be structured to fund future revision procedures.
Why this firm. Insurers minimize scarring cases with quick early offers — before revision needs are known. We document the full arc of care first, then demand accordingly.
Yes. California Civil Code § 3342 imposes strict liability for bites — the dog’s history and the owner’s knowledge are irrelevant to liability for a bite in a public place or where you were lawfully present.
The claim is almost always presented to their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which exists to cover exactly this. Most cases resolve without a lawsuit against the person and without money coming from their pocket.
Children’s cases receive additional protection: the statute of limitations is tolled during minority, settlements require court approval, and damages properly account for scar revision as the child grows and for psychological care.
California’s general statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of injury (CCP § 335.1). Shorter deadlines can apply — notably a six-month government claim requirement when a public entity is involved — so it is best to speak with an attorney promptly.
These cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis. You pay nothing up front and owe no attorney’s fee unless the firm recovers money for you.
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