Understanding California’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites in Public Places

Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, leaving victims with medical expenses, lasting injuries, and even psychological distress. Fortunately, California has one of the strongest dog bite laws in the country, making it easier for victims to hold dog owners accountable. Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression.

If a dog bit you in a public place, understanding your legal rights under this law is crucial to seeking compensation. That’s why our San Diego personal injury attorneys at National Injury Help are here.

What Is California’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites?

California’s dog bite law (Civil Code § 3342) holds dog owners strictly liable if their dog bites someone in:

• A public place, including a park, sidewalk, or beach.
• A private place where the victim had a lawful right to be, including a friend’s house or a business.

Unlike some states, which require victims to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous, California does not require proof of negligence or prior attacks. If a dog bites someone, the owner is automatically liable, regardless of whether the dog showed aggression before.

Does Strict Liability Apply to All Dog-Related Injuries?

Strict liability applies only to dog bites. If a dog knocks someone over, causes a cyclist to crash, or scratches someone but does not bite, the victim may need to prove owner negligence to recover damages.

What If a Dog Bite Happens in a Public Place?

Public places like parks, sidewalks, dog-friendly beaches, and outdoor shopping areas are common locations for dog bites. Whether the dog was leashed or off-leash, if it bites someone in a public space, the owner is still liable under California law.

Common public places where dog bites occur include:

• Dog Parks – Off-leash areas often lead to unpredictable dog interactions.
• Public Sidewalks and Streets – Joggers, walkers, and children can become unintended victims.
• Beaches and Hiking Trails – Many dog-friendly outdoor spaces see frequent bite incidents.
• Outdoor Dining Areas – Restaurants that allow pets may expose patrons to untrained or aggressive dogs.

Are There Exceptions to California’s Strict Liability Law?

Yes, strict liability does not apply in some instances, including:

• If the victim provoked the dog – If someone intentionally teased, hurt, or antagonized the dog before the bite, the owner may not be liable.
• If the victim was trespassing – Strict liability only applies if the victim was in a public place or had permission to be on private property.
• If the dog was a working police or military dog, If a police or military dog bit someone while performing official duties, the owner is generally not liable.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Although California’s strict liability law favors dog bite victims, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the victim.

An experienced San Diego personal injury attorney can:

• Gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and incident reports.
• Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
• File a lawsuit if necessary to recover maximum compensation.

National Injury Help Can Fight for You

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in a public place in California, you have the right to seek full compensation under the state’s strict liability law. At National Injury Help, our San Diego County personal injury attorneys have the experience and dedication to hold negligent dog owners accountable.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our proven results, client feedback, and testimonials highlight our dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to securing positive outcomes for our clients in San Diego, California, and nationwide.