California Is a Strict Liability State. That Matters for Your Case.
Under California Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their animal whenever the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the bite. The law does not require proof that the owner was negligent, and it does not require a history of aggression. There is no one bite rule in California. The owner is liable from the first bite.
California Civil Code section 3342 applies to every dog owner in the state. The strict liability rule — which holds owners responsible for bites regardless of prior history — is a statewide law. We handle dog bite and animal attack claims throughout California, not only on the Central Coast. Cases involving serious injuries, significant facial or hand scarring, children, or disputes with homeowners insurers are pursued wherever in California the attack occurred. No fee unless we recover.
This makes California one of the most protective states in the country for people injured by dogs. In practice, it means that if you were bitten on a public trail, a neighborhood sidewalk, a beach, a park, or while visiting someone's home as an invited guest, the owner is almost certainly liable for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any permanent scarring or psychological effects from the attack.
The question is not usually whether the owner is liable. It is how much, and whether you have legal representation to get a fair number rather than the insurance company's opening offer. Dog bite claims handled without an attorney typically settle for 10 to 20 percent of what represented claimants receive. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover.
What Compensation Are You Entitled to After a Dog Bite in California?
How Dog Bite Claims Work in Practice
The majority of California dog bite claims settle without going to trial. In most cases, the dog owner's homeowners insurance covers the claim. We file the injury claim directly with the insurer, document damages thoroughly with medical records and photographs, and when appropriate engage expert testimony for permanent injuries. We then negotiate toward a settlement that reflects the real value of your case.
The first offer from an insurance company is almost never fair. Adjusters make low initial offers because they know most unrepresented claimants will accept before understanding what their case is worth. When insurers won't settle fairly, we are prepared to file suit in SLO County Superior Court or Santa Barbara County Superior Court and take the case as far as necessary.