A dog bite often leaves victims, especially kids, needing far more than an apology. The law requires owners to make it right.
Dog bite injuries are traumatic physically and emotionally, and children carry the scars, visible and otherwise, the longest. California's strict liability law means an owner can be held responsible even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
We handle the homeowner's or renter's insurance claim, document the injuries and any resulting scarring, and pursue full compensation for medical care and emotional distress.
California's strict liability rule
California Civil Code section 3342 makes a dog owner liable for bite injuries in most circumstances, whether or not the dog ever bit anyone before and whether or not the owner was careless. If the bite happened in a public place or while you were lawfully in a private one, the owner is responsible. There's no free first bite in California.
Compensation usually comes from the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not their pocket, which means pursuing the claim rarely has to damage a relationship with a neighbor or acquaintance. It also means a professional insurance company is on the other side, working to minimize what it pays.
Why these cases deserve careful handling
Bite injuries carry consequences that outlast the wound: infection risk, scarring that may need future revision surgery, and, especially for children, lasting fear and trauma. A fair settlement accounts for all of it, including future treatment and emotional distress, not just the first round of medical bills. We document the full picture before any number gets discussed.