California Dog Bite Law

Although dogs are known for their ability to love, protect, and play unconditionally, the loveable creatures do have the ability to injure people with their bites. There are a variety of reasons why a dog might suddenly feel the urge to bite a human being. No matter the reason, the California Dog Bite Law protects everybody from dog bites from another person’s dog.

Understanding the Law in California

The California Dog Bite Law states that a dog owner is held liable whenever their dog bites another person, no matter if the dog owner is aware of their dog’s vicious capabilities or not. The law also states that it doesn’t matter if the dog bite takes place in a public or private location, the dog’s owner is still liable. This includes the dog owner’s home. The only way an owner would not be liable is if they prove that the person who got bit did something to provoke the dog. Another way an owner won’t be held liable is if the dog belongs to the military or police and is assisting with one of the following:

• Holding of a suspect where there’s reasonable suspicion of criminal activity
• In the investigation of a crime or potential crime
• In the execution of a warrant
• In the defense of a another person

The California Dog Bite Law also holds the dog’s owner responsible for negligence, which includes mishandling the dog, allowing it to roam the streets unleashed, or improper tying or chaining the animal.

The law also requires dog owners to make sure their dogs have the required vaccinations. If a dog is not vaccinated and bites another person, that person could be subject to rabies treatment, which almost always guarantees a lawsuit.  

The law also indicates that whenever an owner’s dog has bitten a human on two separate occasions, anybody can take legal action against the owner. Officials will investigate to see if conditions of the treatment or confinement of the dog or other circumstances existing at other times of the bites have been changed. If not, officials will take strict measures in ensuring everyone’s safety, including removing the dog from the area if necessary.

In some cases, a dog might be trained to fight, attack, or kill. If this type of a dog bites a human and causes significant physical injury, anyone can take legal action against the dog’s owner. The court will take substantial measures to prevent future incidents from occurring, including removing the dog from the area if necessary.

Unfortunately, dog bites are more common in California than any other state. However, the California Dog Bite Law was designed to ensure victims who suffer injuries to take legal action against a dog’s owner. If no one is provoking a dog or involved in any criminal activity that puts them in the presence of a police dog, then they should not suffer random dog bites under any circumstances. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs do not bite anyone. They have a responsibility to the public to make sure their dog is well behaved at all times.

Los Angeles Injury Lawyer For Dog Bites Injuries

If you’ve been injured as the result of a dog bite, please contact our experienced lawyers. For a free consultation, call the Los Angeles Injury Group at (310) 954-7248 to received a no-cost evaluation of your case and discuss how best to proceed forward.