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Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlements

Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scars—and navigating the legal aftermath isn’t always straightforward. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in California, you likely have questions about your rights, what your case is worth, and how the legal process works. This FAQ breaks down the key factors that influence dog bite settlements, how California law protects victims, and what to expect as you pursue compensation.

See Our Dog Bite Results What's My Case Worth?

A settlement is an agreement between the injured party and the responsible party (or their insurer) to resolve the case without going to trial. It includes a negotiated payment in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement or permanent injuries

No. Every case is different. Settlements range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand depending on the severity of the injury, the parties involved, and available insurance coverage.

Key factors include:

Severity of your injuries
Age of the victim
Medical costs and long-term care
Permanent scarring or disability
Who was legally responsible
Insurance policy limits

Not always. California’s strict liability law means you don’t need to prove negligence—just that the dog bit you in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.

Yes. Under the scienter doctrine and negligence law, caretakers, landlords, or kennels who knew of the dog’s dangerous behavior or failed to control the dog may also be held responsible.

Most homeowner or renter insurance policies cover dog bite claims up to a certain limit. The available coverage often sets the upper limit for your potential compensation—unless the responsible party has other assets or policies.

Yes. An experienced attorney can assess your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers to recover the full value of your claim—especially if permanent injuries or multiple liable parties are involved.