Dog Bite Lawyer
Holding Pet Owners Accountable for Animal Attacks
California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws Protect Victims
Dog bite attacks can cause devastating physical and emotional injuries. Unlike many other states, California has a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners are held responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before or shown aggressive behavior in the past.
At Frank Penney Injury Law, our experienced dog bite attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these attacks take on victims and their families. We fight aggressively to hold negligent pet owners accountable and secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
Dog attacks can cause a wide range of serious injuries. Our attorneys have experience handling cases involving all types of dog bite injuries.
Puncture Wounds
Deep bite wounds that can damage muscles, tendons, and blood vessels.
Lacerations
Torn skin and tissue requiring stitches or surgical repair.
Facial Injuries
Devastating injuries to the face, especially common in children.
Nerve Damage
Permanent loss of sensation or function from damaged nerves.
Infections
Bacterial infections, including rabies, tetanus, and sepsis.
Scarring/Disfigurement
Permanent scars requiring reconstructive surgery.
Emotional Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs following an attack.
Child Injuries
Children are most vulnerable to severe dog bite injuries.
California Dog Bite Law
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their dogs biting another person. This law applies when:
- The victim was bitten by the dog
- The victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property
- The victim did not provoke the dog
Unlike the "one bite rule" in some states, California does not require proof that the owner knew their dog was dangerous. The owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Compensation You May Recover
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Reconstructive and plastic surgery
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD treatment
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
Why Choose Frank Penney Injury Law
When you've been attacked by a dog, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for you.
Proven Track Record
With over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have the experience and results to back up our reputation. We've helped countless dog bite victims get the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs and only get paid when you receive compensation for your dog bite injuries.
Compassionate Support
We understand the trauma that dog bite victims experience, especially children. Our team provides compassionate, personalized attention while aggressively pursuing your case.
Insurance Expertise
Dog bite claims often involve homeowner's or renter's insurance policies. We know how to navigate these claims and negotiate maximum settlements with insurance companies.
Thorough Investigation
We investigate every aspect of your case, including the dog's history, the owner's negligence, and the full extent of your injuries to build the strongest possible claim.
Local Expertise
With offices and service areas across California, we know the local courts, judges, and insurance adjusters. This local knowledge gives our dog bite clients a strategic advantage.
Liability in Dog Bite Claims
Under California's strict liability statute, the dog's owner is responsible — but insurance often covers the claim. Understanding who pays is key to maximizing your recovery.
Insurance Coverage
Most dog bite claims are paid through insurance, not out of the dog owner's pocket. The most common sources include:
- Homeowner's Insurance — Covers dog bites on the owner's property and often off-property as well. Most policies include $100,000–$300,000 in liability coverage.
- Renter's Insurance — Similar liability coverage for tenants whose dogs injure someone.
- Commercial Liability — If a dog bite occurs at a business (kennel, pet store, dog park), the business's commercial policy may apply.
Potentially Liable Parties
The Dog Owner
Under Civil Code §3342, the owner is strictly liable regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous.
Landlords
A landlord may be liable if they knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to act — for example, by not enforcing a "no dangerous breeds" lease clause.
Animal Keepers & Handlers
Dog walkers, pet sitters, and kennel operators can share liability if their negligence contributed to the attack.
Exceptions in California Dog Bite Lawsuits
While California's strict liability law strongly favors bite victims, there are limited defenses that dog owners may raise. An experienced attorney can counter these arguments.
Trespassing
Strict liability under §3342 only applies if the victim was lawfully on the property. If the injured person was trespassing, the owner may not be liable under the statute — though a negligence claim may still apply.
Provocation
If the victim provoked the dog — by hitting, teasing, or tormenting it — the owner may argue reduced or eliminated liability. However, young children are generally held to a lower standard of behavior.
Comparative Fault
California's pure comparative negligence system means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you ignored warning signs and were found 20% at fault, your award is reduced by 20%.
Police & Military Dogs
Government-owned dogs performing official duties (law enforcement, military operations) are exempt from strict liability, provided the bite occurred during legitimate police or military work.
How Long Do Dog Bite Claims Take?
Every case is different, but most dog bite claims follow a general timeline:
Your attorney will wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before calculating the full value of your claim. Rushing this step undervalues your case.
Once your damages are documented, your lawyer sends a demand letter to the insurance company. Most cases settle during negotiation within a few months.
If the insurer refuses a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit. Litigation can add 12–18 months but often results in a significantly higher recovery.
Is It Worth Filing a Dog Bite Claim?
Many dog bite victims underestimate the value of their claim. Even a seemingly minor bite can lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and lasting scarring.
Statute of Limitations
In California, you generally have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. For claims against government entities, the deadline is just 6 months.
Acting quickly preserves critical evidence — witness memories fade, surveillance footage gets deleted, and medical records become harder to connect to the incident.
Our consultations are always free, and we work on contingency — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
California Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know
California is a strict-liability state for dog bites, which strongly favors victims. Here is what to know.
Two-Year Filing Deadline
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. The sooner you act, the easier it is to document the injury and identify the dog's owner.
Strict Liability (Civil Code § 3342)
California Civil Code § 3342 makes a dog owner strictly liable for bites that happen in public or while you are lawfully on private property — even if the dog never bit anyone before. California does not follow the old 'one free bite' rule.
Defenses & Comparative Negligence
An owner may argue you provoked the dog or were trespassing. California's pure comparative negligence rule can reduce — but usually not eliminate — recovery if you were partly at fault.
Not sure what your claim could be worth? Try our case value calculator, read the latest California accident news, or explore our injury law blog. We serve clients in Sacramento, Roseville, Oakland, and across Northern California.
Dog Bite FAQs
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
In California you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and identify the dog and its owner.
Is the dog owner automatically liable in California?
In most cases, yes. California Civil Code § 3342 makes owners strictly liable for bites that occur in public or while the victim is lawfully on private property, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. California does not follow the 'one free bite' rule.
What if I provoked the dog or was trespassing?
Strict liability may not apply if you provoked the dog or were trespassing. Even then, California's pure comparative negligence rule often allows a reduced recovery rather than barring your claim entirely.
How much does it cost to hire Frank Penney Injury Law for a dog bite case?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is always free.
Bitten by a Dog? Get the Compensation You Deserve.
California law protects dog bite victims with strict liability — but insurance companies still fight to minimize your claim. Let our experienced attorneys handle the fight for you.