Dog Bites

Dog bite incidents are governed by statute and case law. In San Diego, the owner is strictly liable for the dog bites that his or her dog causes. There are, however, exceptions to every rule.

If a dog attacks you, a loved one, or anyone you know, the first thing to do is identify the dog and the owner or person in control. Make sure the authorities are called. Call the police and/or animal control. Please do the best you can to document the scene of the attack and, if possible, take photographs.

Do not delay in seeking medical attention, if necessary. In addition to lacerations and cuts, infections frequently occur in dog attacks.

When interacting with your healthcare providers, please make sure you tell them about all things you are dealing with, both physical and psychological. If you have nightmares associated with the attack, please let your healthcare providers know about this. Also, consult with plastic surgeons if you have noticeable scars.

California’s Dog Bite Liability Laws

In California, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or on private property where the victim was lawfully present. This means the victim does not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner acted carelessly. If a bite occurred, the owner is typically responsible.

However, there are exceptions. If the injured person was trespassing, provoking the animal, or acting unlawfully at the time of the incident, the owner may challenge liability. These situations often require legal analysis and supporting evidence.

An experienced dog bite attorney can help you understand which laws apply to your case, assist with the animal control report, and work with witnesses to preserve key facts. Early action can make a difference in the outcome of your claim.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in San Diego

If a dog bites you, follow these essential steps:

• Identify the dog and the owner as soon as possible.
• Report the incident to animal control or local law enforcement.
• Seek medical attention, even if the injury appears minor.
• Take photographs of the injuries and the scene.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety, or nightmares.
  

We also encourage victims to speak with specialists like plastic surgeons when injuries involve visible scarring. Mental health care is equally important. Emotional trauma can be a valid part of your injury claim, especially if the incident affects your sleep, daily routine, or quality of life.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and permanent injury
  

In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance will cover these damages. We handle communication with the insurance company and advocate for fair compensation. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible while protecting your legal rights.

Long-Term Impacts of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can leave more than just surface wounds. In many cases, victims experience complications that persist long after the initial injury has healed. Deep puncture wounds may cause nerve damage, and infections can require long-term medical care or result in permanent tissue damage. When scarring occurs on visible areas of the body, it can also affect a person’s self-esteem or professional life.

Emotional trauma is another serious and often overlooked consequence. Some victims develop a fear of dogs, anxiety in public spaces, or symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress. These effects are especially common among children and may require professional counseling or therapy. Emotional recovery can take months or even years.

We take all of these long-term effects into account when handling a dog bite claim. Compensation is not only about immediate expenses. It should also reflect the lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by the attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dog owners automatically liable for bites in California?

Yes. California follows strict liability laws that generally hold dog owners responsible for bite injuries. This generally applies when a person is bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. A dog bite attorney can review the circumstances if questions arise about where the incident occurred or whether an exception may apply. 

Does insurance usually cover dog bite injuries?

Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance often covers dog bites, but some policies have exclusions based on the breed or circumstances. Coverage can also depend on the policy terms, limits, and facts surrounding the attack. Reviewing the available insurance information can help determine what coverage may be available for medical bills and other losses. 

What if a dog bites me, but I don’t know who owns it?

We can help investigate the incident by working with animal control, reviewing footage, and locating witnesses. Photographs of the dog and the location may also provide useful identifying information. Reporting the incident promptly can create a record of the attack and may help identify the person responsible for the animal.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?

Under California law, you typically have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation. It’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and begin the legal process. Certain circumstances may affect the applicable deadline, so a dog bite lawyer can evaluate the timing of a particular claim. 

What should I do if a child is bitten by a dog?

Seek appropriate medical care and document the child’s injuries as they heal. Parents should also pay attention to emotional effects such as nightmares, anxiety, fear of dogs, or changes in behavior. Photographs, treatment records, and information about ongoing symptoms may become important when evaluating the full impact of the attack.

Can I make a claim if the dog belongs to a friend or relative?

Yes. Knowing the dog owner personally does not automatically prevent an injured person from pursuing compensation. In many cases, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may respond to the claim. The available coverage will depend on the policy, its exclusions, and the circumstances in which the bite occurred.

What evidence should I keep after a dog bite?

Keep photographs of the injuries, medical records, animal control reports, witness information, damaged clothing, and any communications related to the incident. If surveillance or doorbell-camera footage may exist, identifying it early can also be helpful. Records of missed work and other financial losses may document how the injury affected daily life.

Can I recover compensation for scars caused by a dog bite?

Scarring and permanent changes to appearance may be considered when evaluating a dog bite claim. Photographs taken throughout the healing process can document how the injury develops over time. Medical records and evaluations from appropriate healthcare providers, including plastic surgeons when necessary, may also help establish the extent of the scarring.

Does emotional trauma matter in a dog bite claim?

Yes. A dog attack may cause fear, anxiety, nightmares, or other emotional symptoms in addition to physical injuries. Victims should discuss these symptoms with their healthcare providers so they can receive appropriate care and create a medical record of how the attack has affected them.

What can you do to recover maximum damages after a vicious dog attack?

Not surprisingly, a dog cannot be sued. Under California law, typically, the dog owners are responsible for the actions of their animals. Typically, homeowners’ insurance would cover the harm caused by the insured’s dog.

San Diego-based dog bite attorney Keith J. Stone has helped hundreds of victims of dog bites in many areas over the years.

Keith J. Stone believes in a team effort. The more involved you are in the case, the better!

Call Keith J. Stone for a free personal consultation. You will receive explanations and have the whole process explained to you in clear and straightforward terms.