Bitten by a Dog in California? You Have Legal Rights.
Dog bites happen every day across Los Angeles — from neighborhood walks and apartment courtyards to cafés and dog-friendly beaches. Victims often face not just physical pain but scarring, trauma, and a dismissive insurance company claiming, “It wasn’t our fault.”
The U.S. Postal Service reports over 4.5 million dog bites annually, and the Insurance Information Institute confirms dog-bite claims now make up more than one-third of all homeowner liability payouts.
At Rulsky Law Group, we understand the emotional and physical toll of a dog attack. We represent victims of bites, maulings, and knockdowns caused by negligent owners, landlords, and even improperly trained security K9s.
California’s Strict Dog Bite Law
Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone who is:
- In a public place (street, sidewalk, park), or
- Lawfully on private property (guest, delivery driver, postal worker).
Unlike many other states, California does not follow the “one-bite rule.”
The owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten before.
The California Supreme Court confirmed this principle in Johnson v. McMahon (1998) 68 Cal.App.4th 173, explaining that §3342 “imposes liability without proof of prior viciousness or owner’s knowledge.”
In short — if you were legally present and bitten, the law is on your side.
Establishing Fault Beyond the Owner
While most claims are against the dog’s owner, liability can extend further:
- Landlords and property managers who knew of a dangerous dog but failed to act (Uccello v. Laudenslayer (1975) 44 Cal.App.3d 504).
- Businesses that allow uncontrolled animals on premises.
- Security companies or K9 handlers when trained dogs attack without cause (City of Huntington Beach v. Superior Court (1978) 78 Cal.App.3d 333).
Our firm routinely identifies every responsible party and their insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.
How We Build Winning Dog Bite Cases
- Animal Control & Prior Incidents
We obtain Los Angeles Animal Services reports for any prior complaints, leash-law violations, or “dog-at-large” citations. - Veterinary Records
We subpoena full vet files, including handwritten notes like “will bite” or “use muzzle.” These notations often prove a known history of aggression. - Behavioral & Expert Analysis
Bite patterns, wound spacing, and photos can show whether the dog launched an unprovoked attack or acted defensively. Our behavior experts often testify to confirm the difference. - Landlord & Property Negligence
When a landlord ignored prior complaints, we use depositions, maintenance logs, and emails to establish notice and liability.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can lead to catastrophic injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds and muscle damage
- Facial disfigurement requiring plastic surgery
- Nerve injury or loss of mobility
- Infection, including MRSA or tetanus
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
We ensure every injury — physical and emotional — is fully documented and presented with expert testimony.
Compensation in California Dog Bite Cases
Our California dog bite lawyers pursue:
- Medical bills and reconstructive surgery costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma / PTSD treatment
- Permanent scarring
- Punitive damages in reckless or intentional cases
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Under §3342 and Johnson v. McMahon, prior bites don’t matter. The owner is still strictly liable.
Failure to leash or restrain a dog violates local Los Angeles leash ordinances and supports a negligence per se claim (Evid. Code §669).
Yes — if they knew of the dog’s danger and failed to act, Uccello v. Laudenslayer allows recovery against landlords who permit known vicious animals to remain on the property.
