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California holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries, meaning victims can recover damages without proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Oakland dog bite victims can pursue claims for medical expenses, lost income, scarring, and emotional trauma—even if the dog had no history of aggression. If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Oakland, California, you have legal rights to seek compensation from the dog’s owner.
TopDog Law connects dog bite victims with an experienced Oakland dog bite lawyer who understands California’s dog bite laws and is committed to holding negligent pet owners accountable.
California Civil Code Section 3342 holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries.
This means the owner is responsible for damages caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before or whether the owner was aware of the dog’s potential to cause harm.
This strict liability applies when the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property. You’re considered lawfully on private property if you were invited by the owner, performing a lawful duty like delivering mail, or otherwise had permission to be there.
California’s strict liability law makes dog bite cases simpler than many other personal injury claims. You don’t need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. You only need to prove that the dog bit you, you suffered injuries, and the defendant owned the dog.
Understanding these legal protections is important because dog bites can cause serious, life-altering injuries that require immediate and long-term medical care
Among the most common physical injuries involving dog bites are puncture wounds and lacerations, which frequently require medical intervention such as stitches or even surgery to close the wounds.
A significant concern with dog bites is the risk of infections. These can include life-threatening diseases like rabies and tetanus, as well as various bacterial infections that can spread rapidly if not treated promptly with antibiotics.
The long-term effects of dog bites often include scarring and disfigurement. These can be particularly distressing when they occur on visible areas, such as the face and hands, as they can be permanent and significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Dog bites can cause severe nerve damage, leading to chronic pain, numbness, or loss of function. The force of an attack can also cause broken bones, necessitating extensive medical treatment.
In cases where the eyes are involved, dog bites can cause severe eye injuries, ranging from corneal abrasions to more serious trauma, ultimately leading to vision loss.
Dog attacks cause lasting psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and cynophobia. Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for half of all dog bite victims, often sustaining severe face and head injuries.
While California’s strict liability statute applies to dog owners, other parties may also be held responsible depending on the circumstances.
The dog owner is automatically liable under strict liability for bites. They may also be liable under negligence theories for other injuries caused by the dog.
Property owners and landlords can be held liable if they knew the dog was dangerous and could have removed it or required the tenant to control it, but failed to do so.
Dog keepers or those who harbor a dog temporarily may also face liability. Animal control facilities, kennels, or veterinary clinics can be liable if they negligently allow a dangerous dog to escape.
Parents of minors who own dangerous dogs may be held liable for damages caused by the dog.
The attorneys in our network thoroughly investigate to identify all potentially liable parties and maximize your recovery options.
California’s strict liability favors victims, but dog owners can defend by claiming trespassing, provocation, or assumption of risk if they knew the dog was dangerous. They might also deny ownership or control. Dog bite attorneys counter these defenses by collecting evidence, including witness statements, photographs, veterinary records, prior incident reports, and expert testimony, to establish liability.
Dog bite cases are complex. TopDog Law connects Oakland victims with experienced attorneys who build strong claims. Our network’s attorneys are familiar with California’s dog bite statutes, case law, and Oakland’s local ordinances, understanding what evidence is required and how to counter common defenses effectively.
California doesn't follow the one-bite rule. Dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries, regardless of whether they have prior knowledge of the dog's potential to cause harm or have been involved in previous incidents. This simplifies victim compensation. For non-bite injuries (e.g., being knocked down), negligence may need to be proven. Dog bite attorneys understand these legal distinctions.
If a dog owner lacks insurance, you can pursue compensation from their personal assets; however, this may be challenging if they have limited financial resources. Check your own insurance; health insurance covers medical expenses, and homeowners' or renters' insurance might offer additional coverage. Dog bite attorneys will explore all recovery options.
Generally, yes, you can still recover compensation even if you were petting or interacting with the dog at the time it bit you. California's strict liability law applies as long as you were lawfully on the property and didn't provoke the dog. Simply petting a dog doesn't constitute provocation.
Contact TopDog Law or phone (510)399-2705, and we’ll connect you with an experienced Oakland personal injury lawyer from our network. They will protect your rights, build a strong case proving liability, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue the compensation you need for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
66 Franklin St Suite 300C
Oakland, CA 94607
TopDog Law is known for its relentless pursuit of justice. Our experienced team fights tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for our clients, ensuring every case is handled with dedication and determination.
We understand the emotional and financial toll that personal injuries can take. That’s why we prioritize open, compassionate communication and provide tailored support throughout the legal process. With free consultations and a contingency fee model, you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
With TopDog Law on your side, you can rest assured that you have a tenacious, experienced team fighting to get you the compensation you deserve, no matter where you’re located.
TopDog Law is a national marketing network for law firms, including Helm Law Group, LLC, which license the TopDog Law name and separately operate in states where they are each licensed. James Helm is licensed to practice in Arizona and Pennsylvania. Helm Law Group, LLC operates in Arizona.
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