SANTA CLARITA DOG BITE ATTORNEY

If you've been bitten or otherwise injured by a dog in Santa Clarita, California, you may be entitled to compensation regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before. California has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country, and understanding how it works can make a real difference in your claim. Call or text today for a free consultation.

California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard for bite injuries. This means an injured person generally does not need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous — a dog's first bite can still result in full liability for the owner. The key points of California's dog bite law include:

• Strict liability: In most cases, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner's knowledge of any prior aggression.
• Public and private property: The law applies both in public places and when the injured person was lawfully on private property, including the dog owner's own property (for example, as an invited guest).
• Comparative negligence: While the owner is usually strictly liable, if the injured person's own conduct contributed to the incident — provocation or trespassing, for example — any damages awarded may be reduced in proportion to their share of fault.
• Beyond bites: Strict liability under Section 3342 applies specifically to bites. Injuries caused by a dog that didn't bite — for example, being knocked down or chased — may still be pursued, but typically under ordinary negligence or premises liability principles rather than strict liability.

Who Can Be Held Responsible
Liability isn't always limited to the dog's owner. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may also involve:

• A landlord, if they knew about a dangerous dog on the property and had the ability to have it removed
• A dog sitter, walker, or temporary custodian, who may share responsibility depending on the circumstances
• Homeowners' or renters' insurance, which frequently covers dog bite claims — meaning your claim is often against the insurance policy, not directly against the dog owner personally

What You Need to Prove
To prevail in a California dog bite claim, you generally need to establish:

1. Injury — you suffered an actual injury from the dog bite
2. Ownership or control — the person you're pursuing a claim against owned or had control over the dog
3. Causation — the dog's bite caused your injuries
4. Location — the bite occurred in a public place, or you were lawfully on private property
5. Damages — documented losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Common Dog Bite Injuries

• Puncture wounds, which can become infected if not promptly treated
• Lacerations, varying in severity depending on the size of the dog and force of the bite
• Bruising and underlying tissue damage
• Fractures or broken bones, particularly if the victim was knocked down during the attack
• Infections such as cellulitis or abscesses
• Emotional trauma, including lasting fear of dogs or PTSD symptoms, especially in children

What To Do After a Dog Bite

1. Seek medical attention immediately — infection risk from dog bites is significant
2. Document the injury — photos of wounds, torn clothing, and the scene
3. Report the incident to animal control or local police
4. Get witness contact information if anyone saw the attack
5. Preserve records of all medical treatment, diagnoses, and expenses
6. Consult an attorney before speaking with the dog owner's insurance company

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to prove the dog had bitten someone before?

No. California's strict liability law does not require you to show the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

What if I was partly at fault — for example, if I provoked the dog?

California applies comparative negligence principles. If your own conduct contributed to the incident, any damages awarded may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault, but you may still be entitled to recover.

Can I make a claim if I was on the dog owner's property as a guest?

Yes. The law applies both in public places and when you were lawfully on private property, including the dog owner's own home.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?

In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. It's important to consult an attorney promptly, as exceptions can apply.

Serving Santa Clarita and Surrounding Communities

We assist clients throughout Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, and Stevenson Ranch.

Talk to a Santa Clarita Dog Bite Attorney Today
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Contact the Law Office of Robert M. Mansour to understand your rights, evaluate your claim, and get honest, straightforward guidance. Call or text today for a free consultation.

​​Santa Clarita dog bite attorney Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

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