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How long do I have to file a dog bite claim if I was injured in San Marino?
If a dog bites you in San Marino, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if the dog owner was a public entity, like the City of San Marino or Los Angeles County, you must present a formal claim to that entity within six months of your injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). Missing these deadlines means you give up your right to pursue compensation.
What kinds of dog bite cases do you handle for San Marino residents?
We represent San Marino residents who have suffered injuries from dog bites in various situations. This includes attacks occurring on public sidewalks, in parks, or even on private property where you were lawfully present. California law imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites their dogs inflict, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog had a history of aggression (Civ. Code § 3342(a)). This means the owner is typically responsible for your injuries, even if their dog had never bitten anyone before.
What should I do after a dog bite incident?
After a dog bite, taking specific steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
**Seek Medical Attention:** Even minor-seeming bites can lead to infection or other complications. Get immediate medical care for your injuries.
**Identify the Dog and Owner:** If possible and safe, get the owner's contact information, including their name, address, and phone number. Also, try to get the dog's breed and name.
**Gather Witness Information:** If anyone saw the incident, ask for their names and contact details. Their testimony can be valuable.
**Document the Scene and Injuries:** Take photos of your injuries, the location where the bite happened, and any damage to your clothing. Keep a record of your medical treatments and any expenses.
**Report the Bite:** Notify San Marino animal control or the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. This creates an official record of the incident.
**Do Not Discuss Fault:** Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters or discussing fault with the dog owner. Anything you say could be used against your claim.
**Consult with an Attorney:** Speak with an attorney who focuses on dog bite claims to understand your rights and options.
Where do I file a dog bite lawsuit if I live in San Marino?
Personal injury cases for dog bites originating in San Marino are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local rules, these cases are assigned to the Northeast District's Personal Injury Hub department at the Pasadena Courthouse. The Pasadena Courthouse is located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101. A personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's specific department for such cases.
What are the deadlines for a dog bite claim, and what can I recover?
The deadline to file a dog bite lawsuit is usually two years from the injury date (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if the party responsible for the dog is a government agency, you must first present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2). This six-month deadline applies to claims against public entities such as the City of San Marino or Los Angeles County. While the deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor under CCP § 352, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities per § 352(b).
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering. The total amount you recover depends on the specific facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your life.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with us means we handle the legal complexities of your dog bite claim while you focus on recovery. We investigate the incident, gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We have experience with claims in cities across Los Angeles County, including San Gabriel and Santa Fe Springs. If you were injured in a dog bite, whether in San Marino or further afield in Santa Ana or Santa Clarita, we can help you understand your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a case if I was bitten by a dog in San Marino?
California law states that dog owners are strictly liable for bites their dogs inflict, regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner's knowledge (Civ. Code § 3342(a)). This means if a dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property in San Marino, the owner is generally responsible for your injuries, and you likely have grounds for a claim.
What if I was bitten by a dog owned by a public entity in San Marino?
If a dog owned by a public entity, such as a city, county, or state agency, bites you in San Marino, a special six-month deadline applies. You must present a formal written claim to that public entity within six months of the injury date (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit. Failure to meet this deadline means you cannot pursue compensation from that public entity.
What kind of compensation can I receive for a dog bite in San Marino?
For a dog bite injury in San Marino, you may be able to recover compensation for your economic damages, which include medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. You can also claim non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Where in Los Angeles County will my San Marino dog bite case be heard?
A dog bite case arising from an incident in San Marino will generally be heard in the Northeast District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, cases are assigned to the Personal Injury Hub department at the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101, following local court rules for filing personal injury cases.
If a dog bite has turned your life upside down, call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. There are no attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.
Serving San Marino
Our attorneys represent clients throughout San Marino and the greater Los Angeles area.
Where a San Marino claim is filed
A personal injury claim arising in San Marino is filed in Pasadena Courthouse, Northeast District of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles County a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
Catchment boundaries change. Confirm the filing courthouse on the court's official locator before relying on it.
Source: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles — Local Rules, Chapter 2 (verified August 23, 2026).
Deadlines that apply in San Marino
The California filing deadlines that apply to an incident in San Marino (Los Angeles County) come from state statute, not a local rule. These are the deadlines cited most often.
2 years — personal injury lawsuit
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1 — two years from the date of injury for most personal injury and wrongful death claims.
6 months — claim against a public entity
Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2 — a written claim must be presented to the public entity within six months for claims involving death or injury to person or personal property, before a lawsuit may be filed.
Injured minors
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352 — the limitations period is generally tolled while the injured person is a minor, but the six-month government claim deadline is not tolled the same way.
This is general information about California law, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines change with the facts and with who the defendant is — a claim against a city, county, transit agency, or the state triggers a much shorter deadline, and delayed discovery, tolling, and other exceptions apply. Casa Legal Los Angeles is licensed to practice in California. Confirm any deadline with an attorney.
Sources: California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1; California Government Code § 911.2 (verified August 23, 2026).