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Dog Bite Lawyer in California
Bites at homes, apartment complexes, parks and sidewalks. California makes dog owners responsible.
California has a strict liability dog bite law. Under Civil Code § 3342, a dog's owner is liable for damages when the dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property, including the owner's property, regardless of whether the dog was ever vicious before or the owner knew it. Landlords and property managers may also be liable in some cases. The general deadline to sue is two years (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1).
What you may recover
- Emergency care, surgery and scar treatment
- Infection and nerve-damage care
- Lost income
- Pain, suffering and emotional trauma, especially for children
Steps after a dog bite
- Get medical care and keep the records
- Identify the dog and owner, and get witness information
- Report the bite to local animal control
- Photograph the injuries as they heal
Last reviewed: November 2026 · Ironcrest Law Firm LLP. This page is general information about California law, not legal advice for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the owner liable if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Civil Code § 3342 applies regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge, for bites in public places or where the victim was lawfully on private property.
Who pays for a dog bite?
Often the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance. We identify every available policy.
Living with unsafe conditions, or hurt because someone was careless?
Tell us what happened. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.