We love dogs and are dog owners ourselves! But remember that dogs are animals and ultimately the dog owner is responsible for their animals and complying with the laws that are designed to protect the public AND protect our dogs. Dog attacks and dog bites are seldomly the “fault” of the animal, and typically the result of a careless dog owner.
Suffering a dog bite or dog attack can leave a lasting physical, emotional, and psychological impact, with victims often facing significant physical injuries and deep emotional wounds (especially for children and those who suffer disfigurement).
In the aftermath of a dog bite, understanding your legal options becomes essential. California’s dog bite laws are as unique as they are complex, and navigating them on your own can be challenging. Partnering with a knowledgeable attorney is crucial for pursuing the maximum compensation available for the suffering and losses you have endured.
At Jassim Law, our 21 years of experience and deep familiarity with California’s dog bite laws empower us to advocate effectively for justice on your behalf. Our principal attorney, Pajman Jassim, recognizes the challenges that victims of dog bites face. He is committed to providing unwavering support throughout the legal process, ensuring each client receives the attentive and personalized representation they deserve. When you choose our firm, you can trust us to fight aggressively for your rights and interests.
California’s California’s Dog Bite Liability Laws
Under the California Civil Code, owners are typically held liable for any bites that occur in public spaces or on private property where the victim has a legal right to be. This responsibility extends to incidents that take place at the owner’s residence, provided the victim is there legally, whether through invitation or permission.
“My Dog Was Never Violent Before!!”
California’s approach to dog bite liability does not take into account the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness. Unlike some states where liability is determined by whether the dog has bitten someone in the past, California enforces strict liability. This means that dog owners are responsible for all bites, irrespective of the dog’s previous conduct or the owner’s suspicion of the dog’s propensity to bite. This means there is no “one free bite” rule in California.
However, there are a few exceptions to California’s strict dog bite liability laws. Dog owners are not held liable for attacks on trespassers unless the plaintiff can prove the owner was acting negligently. Additionally, dog owners may be able to lessen their percentage of liability by alleging the victim provoked the dog or was partially responsible for the injuries they suffered.
California’s California’s Leash Laws
While there is no statewide mandate for keeping dogs on leashes in California, most urban counties enforce local ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed in public spaces.
For instance, San Diego County requires dogs to be restrained with leashes on public and shared private properties, as specified in Sec 62.669. Dogs can be off-leash only on private property with the owner’s permission. Even then, if your dog is off-leash and escapes your property and injures someone, whether through a bite or not, you can be held liable.
In other words, the dog owner always has a responsibility to control their animals, and take reasonable measures to protect others from injuries, attacks, and bites.
It’s essential to adhere to your county’s leash requirements when outdoors with your dog. Exemptions are typically limited to designated off-leash areas like dog parks or certain beaches. Failure to comply with leash laws can be a significant factor in dog bite cases, helping establish the dog owner’s liability. Our attorneys can investigate every detail of your case to determine liability and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance Typically Cover Dog Attacks and Personal Injuries
Did you know that if you are injured by a dog, you can typically file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s, renter’s or personal liability/umbrella insurance policy? If you are injured, you will likely be pursuing an insurance claim as opposed to pursuing the personal financial assets of the dog owner, in most cases.
Contact a Skilled Dog Bite Attorney at Jassim Law
If you have suffered an injury due to a negligent dog owner, it’s critical to act quickly to protect your legal rights. At Jassim Law, we understand the challenging nature of your injuries and the importance of securing proper documentation to support your claim. Under the dedicated guidance of Attorney Pajman Jassim, our team will help ensure your unique needs are thoroughly addressed.
Don’t hesitate to seek the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today at (619) 630-2680 for a free consultation or fill out our contact form. Let us focus on your case so you can dedicate 100% of your energy to your recovery.