Ley de Mordeduras de Perro en California: Lo Que las Víctimas Necesitan Saber en Los Ángeles

By Alina Bagasian

6 min read

California tiene responsabilidad estricta por mordeduras de perro — los dueños son responsables independientemente del historial previo.

California Dog Bite Law: What Los Angeles Victims Need to Know

California is one of the strictest states in the nation when it comes to dog bite liability. If you've been bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, the law is strongly on your side — but you need to act quickly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

California Civil Code 3342: Strict Liability Explained

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog biting someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. This means:

  • The owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before
  • The owner is responsible even if they had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous
  • You do NOT need to prove the owner was negligent

The only exceptions are if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.

The One-Bite Rule Does NOT Apply in California

Many states follow the "one-bite rule," which gives dog owners a free pass for their dog's first bite. California does not. Even if the dog has never shown any aggressive behavior, the owner is fully liable for the first bite.

Who Is Liable: Owner, Landlord, or Property Manager?

While the dog's owner is always primarily liable, other parties may also share responsibility:

  • Landlords: May be liable if they knew the tenant had a dangerous dog and failed to act
  • Property managers: Can be held responsible for dangerous dogs in common areas
  • Dog sitters and walkers: May bear liability if they were negligent in controlling the dog

What Damages Can You Recover?

Dog bite victims in California can recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, stitches, rabies treatment, and plastic surgery for scarring
  • Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery
  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and anxiety
  • Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scars, especially on the face or visible areas
  • PTSD and emotional distress: Fear of dogs, nightmares, and anxiety (especially common in children)
  • Property damage: Damaged clothing, glasses, or personal items

Homeowner's Insurance and Dog Bite Claims

Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. These policies typically cover $100,000 to $300,000 in liability. However, some insurance companies exclude certain breeds or cancel coverage after a prior bite incident.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

  • Seek immediate medical attention — dog bites carry infection risk
  • Report the bite to Los Angeles Animal Services (required by law)
  • Photograph your injuries and the location where the attack occurred
  • Get the owner's information — name, address, and insurance details
  • Identify witnesses who saw the attack
  • Contact a Los Angeles dog bite attorney before speaking with the owner's insurance company

Bitten by a Dog? Call (888) 585-2529

At Casa Legal, our dog bite attorneys in Los Angeles have extensive experience handling these cases. Contact us today for a free consultation — we'll fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.