Dog Bite Lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA
California is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable for injuries their dog causes by biting another person in a public place or while the injured person is lawfully in a private place — regardless of whether the owner knew or had any reason to know the dog had aggressive tendencies. This is a meaningfully different, more favorable standard for victims than many other states, which still apply a "one bite" rule requiring proof the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Key Points
- California’s strict liability dog bite statute applies regardless of the dog’s prior history — a first-time bite is just as actionable as one from a dog with a known history of aggression
- The statute specifically covers bites; injuries caused by a dog in other ways (being knocked down, chased) may still be actionable but generally fall under ordinary negligence rather than strict liability
- The injured person must have been lawfully on the property (or in a public place) at the time of the bite — trespassers generally cannot recover under the strict liability statute
- Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance frequently covers dog bite liability, which is often the practical source of any recovery
Considerations
- Scarring and disfigurement, especially in bite cases involving the face or hands, can be a significant element of damages beyond medical costs
- Animal control or public health department bite reports are often important documentation and should be filed and obtained promptly
- Some municipalities have additional local leash and dangerous-dog ordinances that can support an ordinary negligence claim alongside the strict liability claim
California Law Note
California Civil Code § 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bite injuries in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property — unlike many states, California does not require proof the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, often called abolishing the "one bite rule."
Related Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the date of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). Claims against a government entity have a much shorter deadline — generally six months to file an administrative claim before any lawsuit can proceed. Some claim types (such as certain product liability or medical malpractice matters) can have different rules. Because the right deadline depends on the specific facts, it’s worth confirming yours directly rather than assuming the general two-year rule applies.
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