What Is California’s Dog Bite Law?
California has a strict liability dog bite law, meaning a dog owner is legally responsible if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property.
You do not have to prove negligence or that the dog had a history of aggression. You also do not have to show that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the bite occurred and you were legally allowed to be where you were, the owner is generally liable.
This protection applies to:
- People in parks, sidewalks, and other public areas;
- Guests invited onto private property; and
- Workers such as delivery drivers or utility employees performing their duties.
There are exceptions. If someone was trespassing or intentionally provoking the animal, that may affect the claim. As San Diego dog bite attorneys, we investigate what happened and apply the law to your situation.
What Do I Do After a Dog Bite?
After a dog bite, you should take specific steps to protect your health and your legal rights.
Get Immediate Medical Treatment
Your health comes first. Even if the wound seems minor, dog bites can cause deep tissue damage and infection. Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
A medical provider can properly clean the wound, assess for nerve or muscle damage, and determine whether you need stitches, antibiotics, or a rabies evaluation. Medical records from this visit also create important documentation linking the injury to the bite.
Report the Incident to Local Authorities
After seeking medical care, report the bite to local animal control or law enforcement. In San Diego County, this is typically San Diego County Animal Services.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If possible, obtain the dog owner’s information, including their:
- Name,
- Address,
- Phone number, and
- Proof of rabies vaccination for their dog.
If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
Do not argue with the owner or discuss fault at the scene. Simply gather information. These details may be critical when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Document Your Injuries and Recovery
Take clear photographs of your injuries as soon as possible and continue documenting the healing process. Keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, bills, and follow-up treatment plans.
It can also help to keep notes about pain levels, missed work, emotional distress, or difficulty performing daily tasks. Dog bite injuries often involve more than just physical wounds, and thorough documentation helps show the full impact.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies
The dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance carrier may contact you quickly. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer an early settlement.
Before speaking with an adjuster or signing anything, understand that their goal is often to limit the amount paid on the claim. Accepting a quick settlement may prevent you from recovering additional compensation if complications arise later.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
Reaching out to a San Diego dog bite lawyer early can make a significant difference. An attorney can explain your rights under California’s strict liability dog bite law and evaluate the strength of your claim.
How Do I Report a Dog Bite in San Diego County?
In San Diego County, a dog bite must be reported to local health authorities as soon as reasonably possible. County rules require the bitten individual, or their parent or guardian, to notify the Department of Animal Services or the County Health Officer after the incident.
Reporting the bite is not just a formality. It allows officials to:
- Confirm the dog’s rabies vaccination status,
- Determine whether quarantine is required, and
- Create an official record of the bite.
An official report strengthens your claim by documenting the date and location of the incident. If you have questions about the reporting process or need help obtaining a copy of the report, we can assist you.
What Compensation Is Recoverable in a Dog Bite Case?
The compensation recoverable in a dog bite case depends on how the injury has affected your health, income, and daily life. You may be able to pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Scarring and disfigurement, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
We review medical records, evaluate long-term impact, and calculate damages carefully so your claim reflects the full scope of what you have experienced, not just the immediate aftermath of the incident.
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