Maison Law works with people in Chico when they’re injured in accidents. It’s never a good situation when you’re injured, but certain kinds of incidents–like dog bites–are especially upsetting. No one expects to be bitten by a dog, but when it happens, the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. Our Chico dog bite team is here to walk you through the claims process and make sure you have the support you need to move forward. If you’re dealing with this situation, we can start with a free consultation to go over your options.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
Dog bites don’t just happen in far-off places—they happen right here in Chico. Maybe you were walking through Bidwell Park, visiting a friend in Barber, or simply sitting in your own backyard when a dog lashed out. While most dogs are gentle, any dog can bite if it feels threatened. Sometimes the injury is a small scratch. Other times, it means stitches, medical treatment, or even missed work.
So, do you need a lawyer? That really depends on what you’re facing. If the bite was minor and didn’t lead to medical bills or lost income, you may not need legal help. But if you’re dealing with pain, mounting medical costs, or long-term injuries, talking with a lawyer can make a big difference. Here’s how we can help if that’s your situation:
- Take a closer look at what happened and why
- Determine who’s legally responsible under California’s dog bite laws
- Explain what kind of financial support you may be able to claim
Dog bites turn your day upside down in a matter of seconds. Knowing your legal rights is the first step to getting things back on track—and that starts with understanding how California law applies here in Chico.
What Evidence Can Help My Dog Bite Claim?
California law is on your side after a dog bite, but the law alone doesn’t win a case. What really matters is the story the evidence tells. The more details you can hold onto, the easier it is to show exactly what happened and how it’s affected your life. Here are some things that can really help:
- Medical records and bills – From your ER visit at Enloe to any follow-up care, prescriptions, or therapy, these records connect the dots between the bite and your recovery.
- Photos and videos – Pictures can say what words sometimes can’t. Snapshots of your injuries, the dog, or even the spot where it happened—like near Bidwell Park or on your own street—help paint a clear picture.
- Incident reports – If animal control or the police came out, their report backs up your story. If not, writing down what happened while it’s still fresh—time, place, and details—can be just as useful.
- Witness statements – If someone else saw what happened, their perspective can carry a lot of weight. A quick note of their name and contact info is often enough.
- Damaged belongings – Things like torn clothes or broken glasses might not seem important, but they can be part of showing the full impact of the attack.
Gathering this kind of evidence can feel like a lot, especially when you’re focused on healing. That’s where we step in—we’ll help make sure nothing gets missed and that your story comes through clearly.
How Does California Law Handle Dog Bites?
California is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to dog bite liability. Under the state’s strict liability law, a dog owner is usually responsible for a bite, even if their dog has never acted aggressively before. Unlike other states, you don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous—you only have to show:
- The dog bit you
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property when it happened
There are a few exceptions—for example, if you were trespassing or provoking the dog—but most situations fall under “strict liability.” That means if you’re bitten, the owner is typically responsible for the costs that follow, whether the attack happened at home, on the street, or in one of the city’s parks.
What Damages Can I Get in a Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bites range from small punctures to serious injuries that need surgery, stitches, or even reconstructive care. But the impact doesn’t stop at the physical wound. Many people also deal with lasting emotional effects, like anxiety around dogs or difficulty going out in public. A claim can help you recover for both.
Importantly, a dog bite falls under personal injury, so the actual process for filing your claim is the same as a car accident or a slip-and-fall. That means you can either file:
- An insurance claim out of court.
- A personal injury lawsuit in court.
From there, it’s all about your “damages.” That’s just the legal term for everything you’ve lost because of the bite, with a focus on things like:
- Medical expenses – These cover everything from ER visits and stitches to follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and even long-term care if the bite caused nerve or muscle damage.
- Lost wages – This provides financial support if you had to miss work while recovering, or if the injury affects your ability to earn in the future.
- Property damage – These cover personal items like torn clothing, broken glasses, or anything else damaged in the attack.
- Pain and suffering – This provides recognition for the physical pain and emotional toll of being bitten.
- Emotional distress – These cover the fear, anxiety, or lasting unease you might feel around dogs after the incident.
- Reduced quality of life – This provides support if your injury keeps you from enjoying everyday activities you used to love, like hiking, biking, or even playing with your own pet.
Like any claim, your damages are meant to reflect the real impact the bite has had on your health, your work, and your day-to-day life. But even with law on your side, you still need to be prepared–and that means looking at where dog bites usually happen?
Where Do Dog Bites Usually Happen in Chico?
A dog bite can happen just about anywhere, but there are a few places in Chico where we tend to see them more often:
- Homes – Many bites happen at a friend’s or neighbor’s house, usually with a dog that seemed friendly right up until the moment it lashed out.
- Parks and trails – Busy outdoor spots like Bidwell Park or the Chico Seed Orchard bring together lots of dogs and people. Unfortunately, an off-leash dog or one that gets startled can turn a relaxing walk into an unexpected injury.
- Dog parks – Places like DeGarmo Park or Baroni Park are designed for dogs to play freely, but not every pet there is well-trained or well-socialized. A single scuffle can quickly lead to someone getting bitten.
- Neighborhood streets – Residential areas—like South Campus or Chapman—sometimes have dogs that slip loose from a yard or leash, leading to bites right in the middle of an ordinary day.
- Public spaces – Downtown sidewalks, the Farmers’ Market, and other community gathering spots are full of dogs. But not every dog owner keeps a close eye, which can put others at risk.
No matter where it happens, a dog bite is more than just a sudden injury. It can leave behind medical bills, stress, and even fear of being around dogs again. That’s why it’s so important to know what steps you can take afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dog belongs to a friend or family member?
This is more common than you’d think, and it can feel awkward. But in most cases, you’re filing a claim against the owner’s insurance, not asking your loved one to pay out of pocket.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the bite to take legal action. Acting sooner helps preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.
What if the bite happened on public property?
If a government agency was involved—for example, if the bite happened on city property with a stray dog—you may face shorter deadlines. Our team can guide you through those rules.
Maison Law Helps Dog Bite Victims in Chico
A dog bite is painful, stressful, and disruptive—but you don’t have to face the aftermath on your own. At Maison Law, we help Chico residents who’ve been injured by dogs, whether the attack happened on a neighborhood walk, at a family gathering, or in one of our local parks.
We’ll walk you through your options, handle the legal side of things, and fight for the financial support you need to heal and move forward. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
