Legal Guide to Dog Bites in California

Do You Really Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite?

Not every dog bite leads to a legal case. If the bite was minor and you’ve fully recovered, you may be able to handle things on your own. But if your injuries are more serious—or you’re running into pushback—it might be time to talk to our experienced dog bite lawyers at Maison Law. We can help you do the following:

• Figure out your options. We’ll take a close look at what happened and walk you through what you can do next—legally and practically.
• Get the right evidence. Photos, witness accounts, medical records–whatever it takes to show what really happened.
• Deal with the paperwork and insurance. Claims can get tricky. We’ll handle the back-and-forth so you don’t have to.

Our goal is simple: to make things easier for you and your family while you focus on recovering. Dog bites are upsetting enough—getting help shouldn’t be.

Who’s Most at Risk of a Dog Bite in California?

Dog bites can happen to anyone, but certain people tend to face a higher risk—either because of their age, job, or how they interact with dogs day to day. Understanding who’s most vulnerable can help prevent incidents before they happen.

• Children – Children are, unfortunately, the most frequent victims of a dog bite. They’re more likely to approach dogs without recognizing warning signs, and their smaller size makes facial injuries more common.

   

• Delivery workers and service professionals – Mail carriers, food delivery drivers, landscapers, and utility workers regularly enter unfamiliar yards or homes where dogs may feel territorial or protective.

   

• Older people – Older adults may have slower reflexes or limited mobility, making it harder to avoid or defend against a sudden bite.

   

• Dog owners – Ironically, many bite victims are the dog’s own owners or family members. Even well-meaning handling—like interrupting a fight or touching an injured pet–can lead to a bite.

   

• People with disabilities – Individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities may have difficulty reacting quickly or recognizing when a dog is showing signs of distress or aggression.

   

Being aware of these risk factors doesn’t mean living in fear—it just means staying alert. That said, it’s equally important to know where dog bites usually happen.

Where Do Dog Bites Usually Happen in California?

Dog bites can happen almost anywhere, but there are certain locations where they’re more common—especially here in California where dogs are often part of daily life.

• Houses or apartments – Most dog bites happen on private property—often in a friend’s house, a relative’s apartment, or even shared spaces like condo walkways or patios.

   

• Neighborhood streets and sidewalks – Whether you’re walking your dog or just passing by, loose or improperly restrained dogs can create dangerous situations.

   

• Public parks and dog parks – These spaces are great for dogs to play, but when owners don’t keep close watch, tensions between dogs—or between dogs and people—can escalate quickly.

   

• Retail spaces or workplaces – Some businesses allow dogs, and in high-traffic or stressful environments, even well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably.

   

• Delivery areas and service calls – Postal workers, delivery drivers, landscapers, and other service workers face a higher risk when entering properties with dogs—especially if no one warned them in advance.

   

• On bike and motorcycle riders – Dogs sometimes chase after moving wheels. Cyclists and even motorcyclists have been bitten when a dog darts into the street or lunges during a stop. This can lead not just to bites but also dangerous crashes.

   

When you think about just how often you interact with a dog in your daily life, it’s easy to see how a bite could happen to you–or someone you care about. In the moment, it’s easy to focus only on the shock of what just happened. But what often makes a dog bite more complicated are the injuries you’re left dealing with–some of which may not show up right away.

What Steps Do I Need to Take After I’m Bitten by a Dog?

In the chaos that follows a dog bite, your first priority should always be your safety. But there are also a few key things you can do in the moment (and shortly after) that can make a big difference in how you recover, both physically and emotionally:

• Get medical care right away – Even if the wound doesn’t look bad, dog bites can easily become infected. Head to an emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor as soon as you can.

   

• Try to find the dog and its owner – If possible, try to get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. If the owner isn’t there or won’t cooperate, the next step is critical.

   

• Report the bite to animal control – Reach out to your city’s animal control or public health department to report the bite. They’ll take steps to find the dog, figure out its vaccination status, and check for any prior incidents.

   

• Document everything about the bite – Take photos of your injuries, the location where it happened, and any torn clothing or property damage. If you remember specific details–like the time, weather, or how the dog approached—write them down while they’re still fresh.

   

It’s not always easy to think clearly in the aftermath of something so upsetting. But taking these steps can help protect your health—as well as your potential claim.

Who Has to Pay For My Dog Bite Injuries?

California law makes it clear: in most situations, the dog’s owner is responsible when their dog bites someone. This is what’s known as strict liability, and it’s laid out in Section 3342 of the California Civil Code. But you might be wondering what this means in real terms. Basically, it means that

• The dog owner is legally responsible for paying for your injuries and losses, whether the dog has bitten someone before or not. Moreover, you don’t have to prove the dog was dangerous or the owner was negligent with strict liability.

   

While this is fairly straightforward, there are some exceptions. You may not have as strong of a case if:

• You were trespassing when the bite happened.
• You provoked or antagonized the dog before it bit you.

   

These situations fall under what’s called “comparative negligence.” This means if you’re found partly at fault, your potential financial support might be reduced by that same percentage. This is one reason it’s important to talk to someone who understands the law early on. Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you, but we can stand up for you.

What Are Your Options For a Claim After a Dog Bite in California?

Legally speaking, a dog bite falls under the umbrella of a personal injury claim. This means that it’s effectively like a car accident or a slip-and-fall—meaning you can file a claim against the person or group that’s responsible and recover damages.

With a dog bite and strict liability, this is usually going to be done through the dog owner’s homeowner or renter’s insurance. While this is a bit different, your actual options are the same:

• Filing an insurance claim out of court
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit

   

Obviously, strict liability clears up a lot in terms of the process, but it’s still about going up against an insurance company that’s worried about protecting its bottom line first. While it’s quicker, their initial offer might not cover all your needs—especially if your injuries are more serious. At that point, filing a lawsuit might be your best bet. It takes longer, but it gives you a fairer chance at “damages” like:

• Medical bills -This covers the cost of emergency care, surgery, medication, physical therapy, follow-up visits, and any other treatment needed to help you recover.

   

• Lost wages – This provides costs related to income you missed out on while recovering, including time away from work or reduced hours due to your injuries.

   

• Pain and suffering – This includes costs for the physical pain that comes from your bite injuries, as well as costs associated with the psychological impact of the bite—such as fear, anxiety, and distress–even after the physical wounds have healed.

   

• Scarring and long-term effects – This accounts for permanent changes to your appearance, mobility, or quality of life caused by the bite.

   

• Damaged property – This reimburses the cost of any personal items damaged during the attack, like torn clothing, broken glasses, or a destroyed phone.

   

Every case is different, but your right to take action is clear. If you’ve been bitten in California, you’re not expected to just deal with it on your own. The law is on your side, but you have to file within two years of the date of the bite itself.

What Kinds of Dogs Are Usually Involved in Bites?

Any dog can bite you if the conditions are right—but there are certain kinds of dogs that are more often involved in bites. While a lot of this isn’t the dog’s fault, it can be helpful to know these breeds and how you might protect yourself in a situation where you interact with one. DogBite.org collected data on reported attacks between 2012 and 2023, finding that the following breeds were most often involved in a bite attack:

• Pit Bull – 4,888 bites
• Labrador – 2,407 bites
• Chihuahua – 1,709 bites
• German Shepherd – 1,487 bites
• Australian Cattle Dog – 765 bites
• Boxer – 508 bites
• Husky – 471 bites
• Rottweiler – 303 bites

   

This obviously covers a wide swath of data, but it’s important to point out that dog bites among all other breeds topped out at 9,505, while dogs of unknown breed totaled at 1,150 bites in the selected date range.

However, the data that’s available also points out something important about dog bites in California. According to CalHHS data, there were:

• 48,596 emergency room visits statewide for dog bites in 2022 alone.

   

When you look at the numbers, it’s clear dog bites are a real problem in California—and not just because of the physical harm they cause. Being bitten by a dog can be shocking, painful, and emotionally upsetting, no matter your age or how comfortable you are around animals. It can be overwhelming, but your first step should always be your health. But again, this can be difficult—especially when the bite is more serious.

What Are the Levels For Different Dog Bites?

Every dog bite is going to cause some level of injury, but they’re not all the same. In fact, there’s a scale for assessing how serious a particular bite is. It ranges from Level 1 to Level 5, and here’s a quick breakdown:

• Level 1 – The dog snaps or lunges but doesn’t actually touch you. There’s no injury, but it’s still cause for concern—especially if it happens around kids or in crowded spaces. It’s a sign the dog could bite under the right (or wrong) conditions.

   

• Level 2 – The dog makes contact but doesn’t break the skin. You might end up with a red mark or bruise, but no puncture. It’s what many would call a warning bite—often coming from fear, stress, or lack of training.
• Level 3 – The bite breaks the skin, usually with a few shallow puncture wounds. There may also be some bruising or tearing. At this point, it’s a real injury that needs medical attention and carries a risk of infection.

   

• Level 4 – The dog bites down hard, leaving deep puncture wounds. You may see bruising or signs the dog held on and shook. This level of bite is serious and often requires stitches, antibiotics, or even surgery. It’s also a red flag about the dog’s behavior.

   

• Level 5 – The dog delivers several deep bites or causes major tearing or crushing injuries. These bites can lead to broken bones, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. They usually mean a trip to the ER and a long recovery. In most cases, the dog is considered dangerous, and legal consequences often follow.

   

This bite level system isn’t just for vets or animal control—it’s also used by doctors, public safety officials, and insurance companies. Knowing the level of your bite can help determine how serious your injury is, what kind of medical care you’ll need, and how your claim might be handled if you decide to take legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a deadline to file a claim after I’ve been bitten?

Yes. You usually have two years from the date of the bite. But if it happened on public property—like a park or city sidewalk—you might only have six months. It’s best to ask early so you don’t miss your window.

Can I still file a claim if I know the dog’s owner?

Yes. Even if the dog belongs to someone you know–like a friend or relative—you can still file a claim. In most cases, their insurance covers it, not them personally. You’re just asking for help with medical costs, not trying to get them in trouble.

How much is my dog bite claim going to be worth?

It depends on how badly you were hurt. A minor bite might lead to a smaller claim. But if you needed medical treatment, missed work, or have lasting scars or emotional stress, the value goes up. We look at everything before giving you an estimate.

Maison Law Helps Dog Bite Victims Across California

A dog bite doesn’t just leave a mark—it can interrupt your routine, affect your sleep, or change how you feel about being around dogs at all. Whether it happened while walking your neighborhood, biking through town, or visiting someone’s home, you have rights under California law. Once you’ve gotten your health in order, we can help you take the next steps. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your options clearly–and help you decide what makes sense for you.