California Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
Serving Clients in San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Statewide
Dog bites can result in serious injuries both physical and emotional and victims often face high medical bills, permanent scarring, infections, and psychological trauma. California law offers protection to those injured by dog attacks, and Hillstone Law is here to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in California, our experienced personal injury attorneys will help you navigate the legal process with confidence, compassion, and skill.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
Following a dog bite incident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical treatment, even for minor injuries
- Identify the dog and its owner
- Obtain contact information for any witnesses
- Report the bite to local police or animal control
- Document your injuries with photos and detailed notes
Dog bite claims can become complicated, especially when liability is disputed or the animal has a history of aggression. Acting quickly can strengthen your case and preserve your right to seek compensation.
California Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and even if the owner had no prior knowledge of aggressive behavior.
Under California Civil Code § 3342, a victim may hold the dog’s owner responsible if:
- The bite occurred in a public place or
- The victim was lawfully on private property, including the owner’s property
Additional liability may exist if:
- The dog was unleashed or unlawfully restrained
- The owner knew of prior aggression or biting history
- A landlord, property manager, or third party knowingly harbored a dangerous dog
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dog Bite Facts & Prevention
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The dog’s owner
- Property owners or landlords who allowed a dangerous dog on the premises
- Dog walkers, sitters, or handlers who were negligent in controlling the animal
Our attorneys will investigate the facts and determine every responsible party so you can pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.
Compensation in Dog Bite Injury Claims
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages or future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Long-term disability
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or misconduct
Why Choose Hillstone Law?
- Proven experience handling dog bite injury claims across California
- No fees unless we win, we work on a contingency basis
- Aggressive representation, compassionate client care
- Free consultations and personalized case strategies
We proudly serve clients across California, including San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Riverside, Irvine, and more.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Don’t let the aftermath of a dog attack overwhelm you. At Hillstone Law, we’re here to stand up for your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call (855) 691-1691 today or fill out our free consultation form to speak with a skilled dog bite attorney near you.
Legal References:
- Civil Code § 3342 – Strict liability for dog bites in California
- Penal Code § 399 – Criminal penalties for mishandling dangerous animals
