Bitten by a Dog in LA? California Law Is on Your Side.

California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Under California Civil Code § 3342, the owner of a dog is liable for damages suffered by any person who is bitten while in a public place or lawfully in a private place — including the dog owner's property. The law applies regardless of:

• Whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before
• Whether the owner knew or suspected the dog was dangerous
• Whether the owner tried to restrain or control the dog

This is different from many other states that require proof the owner "knew" the dog was dangerous. In California, one bite is enough to trigger liability. You do not need to prove negligence — only that the bite occurred and you were lawfully present where the attack happened.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?

Dog bite injuries can be severe, requiring surgery, skin grafts, and long-term therapy. Victims in California may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses — ER care, wound treatment, plastic surgery, infection treatment
• Future medical costs — reconstructive surgery, ongoing therapy, scarring treatment
• Lost income — wages lost while you recover
• Pain and suffering — physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD
• Disfigurement and scarring — compensation for permanent physical changes
• Psychological injuries — anxiety, fear of dogs, depression following the attack

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Los Angeles

Dog attacks can result in a wide range of injuries depending on the size of the dog, the force of the bite, and the location of the attack on the body:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Nerve damage affecting sensation and movement
• Tendon and muscle damage, particularly to hands and arms
• Infections, including cellulitis and, in serious cases, sepsis
• Rabies exposure requiring post-exposure prophylaxis
• Facial injuries and scarring, especially in attacks on children
• Eye injuries
• Fractures from falls during an attack
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lasting psychological trauma

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?

In most cases, the dog's owner is liable. However, California courts have also found liability in situations involving:

• Landlords — if a landlord knew about a dangerous dog on their property and failed to act
• Dog walkers and handlers — third parties who were controlling the dog at the time of the attack
• Property owners — in some premises liability cases involving dogs kept on the property

Most dog bite claims in LA are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance policy. An attorney can identify all potential sources of recovery and make sure your claim is filed correctly.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Los Angeles

• Seek medical attention immediately — even bites that appear minor can become seriously infected
• Identify the dog and owner — get the owner's name, address, and insurance information if possible
• Report the bite — file a report with Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control or the LAPD
• Document your injuries — photograph wounds before and after treatment
• Collect witness information — names and contact info of anyone who saw the attack
• Contact an attorney — before accepting any settlement offer from the owner or their insurer

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in California

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. For minors, the clock generally does not start until they turn 18. Do not wait — evidence disappears and witnesses become harder to locate over time.

Defenses Dog Owners Use — And How to Counter Them

Even with strict liability, insurance companies will look for ways to reduce or deny your claim. Common defenses include:

• Provocation — the owner claims you teased, hit, or provoked the dog
• Trespassing — the owner claims you were not lawfully on the property
• Assumption of risk — relevant if you were a professional handler or veterinary worker

An experienced dog bite attorney can anticipate these defenses and build the evidence to counter them. Don't let an insurance adjuster's version of events go unchallenged.