Menifee Dog Bite Attorney

Understanding California’s "Strict Liability" Dog Bite Laws

Laws governing dog bite liability vary from state to state. Some states operate under “negligence” rules in which an owner is only liable if they had prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressiveness or were otherwise negligent in their handling of the animal. 

California handles dog bites under the “strict liability” standard. This means that an owner is liable for the violent actions of their dog regardless of whether they had any prior knowledge of the animal’s aggressive behavior. In other words, an owner cannot claim that they had no idea the animal was capable of aggressive action and thereby escape liability. 

If you are bitten by a dog and suffer resulting injuries, you may be entitled to damages under “strict liability” rules if two separate conditions are met: 

• Your injuries must be the result of a dog bite
• You were bitten in a public place or you were bitten while legally present in a private place

Note that you may still be able to recover damages if you suffered injuries from a dog attack but not specifically a dog bite. For example, an enormous dog may suddenly jump on you on the sidewalk, calling you to fall and break your wrist. In these cases, you are not protected under “strict liability” rules and will have to prove the owner was negligent in their handling of the animal.

“Public places” include parks and neighborhood sidewalks. Dog bites often occur in the yards or homes of private residences, however. In these situations, whether strict liability rules apply depends on whether you had permission to be on private property. If you cut through a yard without the owner’s permission and were bitten by their dog as a result, for example, strict liability does not apply. If you were invited over to a friend’s house and the friend’s dog bit you, however, the strict liability statute does apply.

Understanding how the state’s dog bite rules impact your ability to recover compensation sometimes be confusing. As a Temecula dog bite attorney, I can evaluate your situation and determine whether you have a strong case. 

The Impact of Dog Bites on Victims

Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries, especially when the victim is a child or a vulnerable adult. In addition to the physical pain and scarring, dog bite victims may experience trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries can have a significant impact on the victim's quality of life and may require ongoing medical treatment and therapy.

When you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, it's important to seek legal representation from an experienced Temecula dog bite attorney. At Law Office of Rob Schelling, we understand the complexities of California's "strict liability" dog bite rules and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Why Choose Us for Your Menifee Dog Bite Case?

Our diligent legal representation and personalized approach to each case set us apart from other law firms. We take the time to listen to your story, investigate the incident, and build a strong case on your behalf. We have a proven track record of obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients and will fight tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected.

Our videos, featuring attorney Rob Schelling, provide insight into California's dog bite laws, insurance policies, and how to prevent dog bites. We believe that education is key to preventing future dog bite incidents and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Contact us today to learn how our California accident lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation for your dog bite injuries.