4.7 million people in the United States suffer from a dog bite each year. Out of this 4.7 million, about 50% are children under the age of ten. Here in California, we rank #1 in the nation for the highest amount of dog bites. Even closer to home, Sacramento ranks number three among cities with the highest amount of dog bites in postal workers.

California law establishes strict liability on dog owners if their dog attacks or bites a person that is on public property or is lawfully on private property. Strict liability means that the owner is absolutely responsible for the actions of their dog, even in cases of first time bites. California Civil Code 3342 establishes that the owner is liable “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or owner’s knowledge of such viciousness”. Finding out if the owner of the dog has homeowner’s insurance or not is another key factor in dog bite cases as this is the vehicle that will pay for your injuries.

If a person handling the dog is not the dog’s owner, they may still be liable for injuries if they are aware of previous dangerous actions from the dog or if they are negligent while taking care of the dog.

In California, the law imposes a statute of limitations which sets a maximum amount of time that legal proceedings can occur after the date the incident. Each year at our Law Office, people call me to ask me for help that have legitimate cases, only to find their statute of limitations has run out. It is one of the most difficult things for me to tell them I can’t help because they waited too long. If you or someone you love have been bitten or attacked by a dog, please contact my Law Office as soon as possible to ensure your case will be handle. I look forward to helping you.