dog bites

California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

California Civil Code Section 3342 makes dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog's bite, regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge of aggression. This means you don't need to prove the owner was careless or that the dog had bitten before.

This law applies as long as the bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle

• Dog bites to adults and children
• Attacks by unleashed or unsupervised dogs
• Bites at parks, sidewalks, and public areas
• Attacks on delivery workers and postal carriers
• Bites by dogs with known aggressive history
• Scarring and disfigurement cases
• Emotional trauma from dog attacks

Common Dog Bite Injuries

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Facial and hand injuries
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Infections (including rabies and tetanus)
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones (especially in children and elderly)
• Emotional and psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement. Children often suffer the most severe injuries and emotional impact, and we fight especially hard for young victims and their families.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Report the bite to local animal control
• Document your injuries with photos
• Get the dog owner's contact and insurance information
• Do not sign anything from the owner's insurance company
• Contact Johnson Injury Law for a free consultation