Maison Law stands up for elderly people that have been injured by a dog in California. While this usually means a bite, there’s other scenarios where you or someone you care about might get hurt by a dog–especially if it gets excited, jumps up and knocks you down. We can help you understand your options and how to move forward. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
Not every dog-related injury needs legal help. If you weren’t badly hurt and things have settled down, you might not need us. But if you were knocked down and seriously injured—or if you’re getting the runaround from insurance or the dog owner—it’s worth having someone in your corner. At Maison Law, we’ve helped many older adults who’ve been hurt in dog incidents, and we’re here to make this easier on you and your family. We’ll help you:
- Understand your next steps – We’ll listen carefully to what happened and walk you through your options—in plain language.
- Collect what you need – From medical records to photos or witness names, we’ll help gather what tells the full story of your injuries.
- Handle the back-and-forth – Dealing with paperwork and insurance adjusters is the last thing you need right now. We’ll take that off your plate.
When you’ve been knocked down and are hurting, the last thing you should have to worry about is also trying to file a claim. We’ll help you figure out the legal side—so you can focus on getting better.
Who Pays If You’re a Senior Hurt by a Dog in California?
California law is pretty straightforward when it comes to dog-related injuries: in most cases, the dog’s owner is responsible. That’s because of a rule called:
- Strict liability—which basically means the owner has to pay for the harm their dog causes. It doesn’t just apply to bites, it applies to any situation where a dog injures you.
So, if you were walking in your neighborhood, or at a family gathering and a dog knocked you down, the law is likely on your side. You don’t have to prove the dog was aggressive or that the owner was being careless. If you were legally allowed to be where you were and didn’t provoke the dog, you have the right to file an injury claim.
That’s why it’s smart to talk to a lawyer early on—especially if you’re dealing with medical bills, mobility issues, or lost independence after the incident. We know how these claims work, and we know how to stand up to insurance companies that try to lowball you or delay your claim.
What Options Do I Have For Filing a Claim After Being Knocked Down by a Dog?
When a dog knocks you down, California treats it as a personal injury—similar to a car crash or a fall on someone else’s property. That means you have the right to file a claim against the dog’s owner, most often through their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
For seniors who’ve been hurt, this can be a way to recover more than just the basic medical bills. Your options include:
- Filing a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court
Insurance is usually the first step. But just because it’s the “simpler” route doesn’t mean it’s always fair. If you were seriously hurt—say, you broke a hip, suffered a head injury, or now need in-home care—the first offer might not come close to covering everything you’re dealing with.
That’s when filing a lawsuit might be necessary. Yes, it can take longer, but it gives you the chance to seek full recovery for things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any mobility aids or in-home care you may now need.
- Lost income – This covers any loss of income that comes from your injuries. Even if you’re retired, these losses still matter.
- Damaged personal items – This reimburses you for any personal property that was broken or lost during the incident, such as eyeglasses, a cell phone, or torn clothing.
- Pain and emotional distress – This covers costs related to the physical pain from your injuries, as well as the emotional effects—like anxiety, fear of going outside, or trauma from the incident.
- Scarring or long-term complications – This includes permanent changes to your appearance, your ability to move comfortably, or your overall quality of life after the injury.
You don’t have to go through this alone—or guess what your claim is worth. California gives you two years from the date of the injury to take action. While this might seem like plenty of time, it can evaporate quickly. That’s why it’s important to be proactive right after the incident.
What Do I Need to Do After I’ve Been Knocked Down by a Dog?
As a senior, a fall risk is very real–so when there’s a situation where you’re knocked down by a dog, it only adds to the stress and pain. In the moments afterward, your health and safety come first. But there are also a few steps you (or someone helping you) can take that may make the road ahead a little easier:
- Get checked out as soon as possible – Even if you feel okay at first, falls can cause hidden injuries. A bruise today could be a fracture tomorrow, and head injuries or internal trauma might not show up right away. Try to see a doctor the same day, even if you think the pain is manageable.
- Find the dog and owner – If you’re able, try to get the name and contact details of the dog’s owner. If you’re too shaken up—or if the owner leaves—someone nearby might be able to help. Don’t assume someone else will follow up; this detail matters.
- Report the incident to animal control – Any time a dog knocks someone down or behaves aggressively, your local animal control office needs to know. They’ll look into whether the dog has a history of similar behavior.
- Document the incident and injuries – Have someone take photos of where it happened—uneven pavement, lack of leash, or anything else that helps show what led to the fall. Take pictures of your injuries and torn clothing too. Write down what you remember: the time of day, the dog’s size and breed, and how it approached you. These details are much easier to recall right away than days or weeks later.
It’s hard to think clearly right after a fall, especially when it’s caused by something sudden like a dog charging at you. But taking these small steps can make a big difference if you end up needing help with medical bills or other costs down the line.
Maison Law Supports Seniors When They’re Knocked Down by a Dog
If a dog knocked you down, it may have done more than cause pain. It can make daily tasks harder and leave you feeling nervous around dogs. These things often happen close to home—on a walk, at the park, or even while visiting someone.
After you’ve gotten medical care, Maison Law is here to help with what comes next. We’ll explain your options in plain language and help you understand your rights under California law. No pressure, and no cost to talk with us—we’re here to guide you one step at a time.
