We Win Dog Bite Cases.

Dog Bites and the Law: What You Need to Know

They say dogs are a man’s best friend, but they can also be dangerous and even deadly. More than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by a dog every year, with more than half being young children. Many times, people are bitten by a dog they know. 

Victims of severe dog bite attacks often suffer from serious injuries, which can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical treatment. There is also a high risk of infection, which can lead to dangerous illnesses. 

If you or a loved one was injured by a dog, you not only need urgent medical care – you need answers. Who is responsible? How can I cover my bills? At DK Law, our team of attorneys will fight in your corner to get back everything you deserve. 

Who Can Be Sued After a Dog Bite?

Not every dog is dangerous, but every owner is responsible. In California, pet owners can be held legally liable if their dog causes harm, whether through a bite or another aggressive act. Depending on local statutes, liability may apply even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.

Parties Who May Be Held Responsible Include:

• Dog owners who failed to control their animal
• Property owners who allowed a dangerous dog on-site
• Landlords, sitters, or walkers who ignored clear risks

In some cases, multiple parties can share liability. Identifying the right defendant(s) early helps preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

Strict Liability Law: What to Know

California is one of 36 states that follow a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never shown aggression or bitten anyone before.

Under California Civil Code § 3342, the person harmed does not need to prove the owner was negligent—only that the bite occurred while they were lawfully on public or private property.

However, there are exceptions to this rule:

• The individual was trespassing on private property
• The individual provoked the dog (e.g., teasing or attacking it)
• The dog was working in a military or police capacity at the time of the bite
• The injured person assumed the risk, such as a veterinarian or dog handler under certain circumstances

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Attack

Responding quickly can protect both your health and your legal options. Follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Treatment 

Even minor wounds can lead to infection or nerve damage. Immediately clean the wound with soap and water and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. For deeper wounds, go to the emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible. Injuries to the head, face, neck, genitals, hands, or feet are especially dangerous and require immediate treatment.

2. Get the Dog Owner’s Contact Information 

Promptly determine who owns the dog or who was responsible for it at the time of the attack. Be sure to collect their full name, address, homeowner’s insurance, and request documentation confirming the dog’s current rabies vaccination status. 

3. Report the Incident to Local Authorities 

Contact animal control and your local police department to file a report. This step helps document the attack officially, which may be critical to any legal claim you pursue

4. Photograph Your Injuries and Location

Take clear photos of all injuries, torn or bloodied clothing, and the location where the attack occurred. Visual evidence can play a key role in supporting your personal injury claim.

5. Call an Attorney 

Consult a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases. They can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies.

Common Injuries From Dog Attacks

Dog bite injuries can range from minor to fatal, depending on the severity and location of the attack. Many suffer injuries to their legs, head, face, and hands. 

Common injuries from dog attacks include: 

• Deep lacerations or puncture wounds
• Torn skin and tissue requiring stitches or surgery
• Facial or hand injuries (especially in children)
• Infection or disease (e.g., rabies, tetanus)
• Scarring or permanent disfigurement
• Psychological trauma, including fear, anxiety, and PTSD

Dog bites can be particularly traumatic for children or the elderly, often requiring longer recovery times and therapeutic support.

What You May Be Entitled to After an Injury

Compensation for a dog bite injury can range from the thousands to the millions, depending on the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment required, long-term effects such as scarring or disability, and whether the victim suffers emotional trauma or loss of income

Those injured in dog attacks may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages: 

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses resulting from a dog bite injury. These may include:

• Future costs, including therapy or reconstructive care
• Emergency medical care and follow-up treatment
• Surgical and cosmetic procedures
• Lost income during recovery

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective losses that impact the injured person’s quality of life. These include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship 

Our team works with medical professionals and financial experts to fully document and support the value of your case—ensuring all short-term and long-term impacts are factored into your compensation.

DK All the Way – How Our Team Supports You

Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts. Our role is to protect your rights and advocate for a full recovery. Here’s how we help:

• Gather all necessary documents (medical records, witness statements, vet history)
• Handle all communication with insurers
• Prepare for trial if necessary to secure maximum compensation

Many clients come to us after initially trying to handle things alone. We’re here to make the process clear and manageable – every step of the way.