California Dog Bite Attorney
Are You a Dog Bite Victim? Call the Attorneys at CZ Law Today! Serving Southern California
Dogs bite about 4.5 million people every year in the United States, and it’s estimated that half of the victims are children between the ages of 5 and 9. Dog bites often have unforeseen consequences, affecting victims in numerous ways. Physically, they range from simple scratches to severe injuries that can lead to nerve damage or infections. Psychologically, the trauma of an attack can lead to long-term fears and anxieties. Knowing your options can alleviate some of the stress involved in the aftermath and help ensure you receive proper compensation for both visible and invisible scars.
At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our personal injury litigation team has fought for injured victims across California since 1995. Having recovered over $3 billion in settlements and verdicts across all personal injury matters, our trial attorneys understand how to hold negligent dog owners and homeowners insurance companies fully accountable.
We don't settle for quick, lowball insurance payouts. Our litigators prepare every dog bite claim for trial, ensuring our clients receive maximum financial compensation for their physical injuries and trauma.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to understand your legal rights so you know who to hold liable for your injuries, contact us today.
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Understanding California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws
Unlike states that follow a "one-bite rule"—where an owner may avoid liability if the animal had no prior history of aggression—California operates under a strict liability statute.
Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable for damages if:
- The bite occurred while the victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the dog owner's property).
- The victim did not provoke the animal.
Under strict liability, you do not need to prove that the dog owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. If the dog bit you while you were lawfully present, the owner is financially responsible for your damages. Our trial attorneys leverage this legal standard to negotiate directly with homeowners and renters insurance providers on your behalf.
The Role of Homeowners and Renters Insurance in Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite settlements are ultimately paid out through the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy, since these policies typically include liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. This is one reason working with an experienced attorney matters: insurance companies handling dog bite claims often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing the severity of injuries, arguing provocation, or delaying the claims process.
It's worth noting that some insurers exclude coverage for specific dog breeds or dogs with a prior bite history, which can complicate recovery. When a policy doesn't provide coverage, or coverage limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of injuries, our attorneys explore every other legal avenue available, including pursuing the dog owner's personal assets or identifying additional liable parties.
Who Else May Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
While the dog's owner is typically the primary liable party under California's strict liability statute, other individuals or entities may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the attack:
- Landlords and property managers, if they knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable action
- Dog walkers, sitters, or boarding facilities, if they were responsible for the dog's control at the time of the attack
- Employers, in cases where an employee's dog attacks someone on business premises or during work-related duties
- Businesses using guard dogs, if the dog was inadequately trained, restrained, or warning signage was insufficient
Identifying every potentially liable party matters because it can open up additional avenues of compensation, particularly in cases where the dog owner has limited or no insurance coverage. Our attorneys investigate the full circumstances of each attack to make sure no responsible party is overlooked.
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Hear What Our Clients Are Saying
“This was my first time doing any of this and they helped me through step by step.”
Carpenter & Zuckerman team was very helpful and informative. Especially Edward Cherkezian and Disha Bhagwat. This was my first time doing any of this and they helped me through step by step. Would recommend!
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Why Choose Carpenter & Zuckerman for Your Dog Bite Case?
Dog bite claims can be more complicated than they first appear, particularly when insurance companies dispute liability or attempt to minimize the extent of an injury. Here's what sets our approach apart:
- Deep knowledge of California's strict liability statute and the exceptions insurers frequently try to exploit
- Experience valuing both visible and invisible injuries, including scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma
- A track record of holding multiple parties accountable, from individual dog owners to property owners and businesses
- No upfront costs, since we work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if we recover compensation for you
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, our team is ready to review your case and help you understand every legal option available.
We know when to take cases to trial to secure maximum compensation for our clients.