Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, both physical and emotional. In California, the law is on your side if a dog has bitten you, thanks to strict liability laws that place dog owners responsible for the harm their pets cause. Whether you've suffered from medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional trauma, it's essential to understand how a California dog bite attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
In this blog, we'll explore several vital questions surrounding dog bite cases in California, including the compensation you may be entitled to, the potential for punitive damages, and how a skilled attorney can support your case.

How much can I sue for a dog bite in California?

In California, the amount you can sue for a dog bite relies on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Victims may be eligible for economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and additional out-of-pocket charges like travel to appointments. These damages aim to cover the direct financial costs of the injury. 
Non-economic damages, which are harder to quantify, may also be awarded for pain and misery, emotional torment, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Suppose the injury is severe, such as broken bones or nerve damage, or causes long-term harm like permanent disability or PTSD. In that case, the compensation can be substantial considering the physical and psychological effect of the attack.

Can I get punitive damages for a dog bite in California?

In California, the amount you can sue for a dog bite depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Victims may be entitled to economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life.
For severe injuries such as broken bones, nerve damage, or facial disfigurement, compensation can be significant. If the bite results in long-term or permanent harm, like a disability or emotional trauma such as PTSD or cynophobia (fear of dogs), larger settlements may be awarded to account for both physical and psychological suffering.

Does California have a “one-bite” rule?

Unlike many other states, California does not follow the "one-bite rule," where the owner can avoid liability unless their dog has bitten someone previously or shown dangerous tendencies. In California, the law enforces stern liability on dog owners. If a dog bites a person, the owner is liable for the victim's injuries, even if the dog has never bitten anyone in the past and the owner had no basis to believe the dog was harmful.
California's Civil Code Section 3342 is the key statute that governs dog bites. It holds the dog owner responsible for injuries caused by their dog, as long as the victim was not trespassing, provoking the dog, or engaging in any behavior that would defend the dog's attack.
This strict liability method states that dog owners are roughly always liable for damages in dog bite cases, streamlining the process for victims to receive compensation for their injuries.

Can I press criminal charges?

A dog bite case is typically handled through a civil lawsuit, but criminal charges could also be filed if the dog's behavior was particularly aggressive or if the owner was negligent. California law allows for criminal penalties, especially if the owner failed to control a dangerous dog or if the attack involved animal cruelty or dog fighting. Charges such as animal cruelty (Penal Code 597 PC) may be applicable if the attack resulted in serious injury or death.
While pursuing criminal charges is separate from the civil lawsuit, a conviction could strengthen your case for compensation. A California dog bite attorney may advise filing a police report to set in motion an investigation into the dog's behavior, potentially leading to criminal charges. However, the primary goal for most victims is to seek compensation for their injuries through the civil legal process.

How long do I have to sue for a dog bite in California?

Time is crucial when pursuing a dog bite claim in California, as the statute of limitations is two years from the incident date for personal injury cases. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, you could lose your right to recover damages. It's important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure timely legal action, as this allows your attorney to gather evidence and interview witnesses before crucial details are lost.
If the dog bite occurred on someone's property and you were invited, you can generally pursue a lawsuit for compensation. However, if you were trespassing at the time of the attack, it may be more difficult to file a claim, as dog owners are typically not liable for injuries to trespassers.

What are the common defenses for a dog bite case?

While California's strict liability laws make it easier for dog bite victims to receive compensation, there are still common defenses that dog owners may use to avoid responsibility. Some of the most common defenses in dog bite cases include:
Provocation: If the victim enraged the dog in any way, such as by teasing, hitting, or startling the animal, the dog owner may argue that the bite was a result of the victim's actions, not the dog's aggressive behavior.

• Trespassing: California law does not hold dog owners liable for injuries to trespassers. If the victim was on the dog owner's property without permission, they may be unable to recover damages.
• Assumption of Risk: In certain cases, dog owners may assert that the victim intentionally assumed the risk of injury by being in close proximity to a dog, especially if the dog was known to have aggressive tendencies.
• Contributory Negligence: The dog owner may claim that the victim's own negligence contributed to the incident, such as failing to take reasonable steps to avoid the dog.

How can a California dog bite lawyer help me?

A California dog bite attorney can offer invaluable support and legal expertise over the entire process of your case. Here's how an experienced attorney can help:

• Case Evaluation: Your attorney will review the evidence of your case, assess medical records, and determine the best course of action for your claim.
• Investigation: A lawyer will investigate the incident, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts (such as medical professionals) to strengthen your case.Negotiation: Most dog bite cases settle before reaching trial. An attorney will manage negotiations with insurance companies and the dog owner's legal team to secure a fair settlement for you.
• Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be made, your attorney will represent you in court, using their experience and knowledge of dog bite laws to fight for the best possible outcome.
• Peace of Mind: A dog bite injury can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. A California dog bite attorney will deal with the legal complications, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

If a dog bite has injured you, contact a skilled lawyer specializing in these cases. Their expertise will help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve. For guidance on dog bite claims or personal injury defense in California, Bulldog Law offers expert legal support. Reach out to a trusted attorney today to seek the justice you deserve.