{"id":371772,"date":"2016-12-01T16:22:22","date_gmt":"2016-12-01T21:22:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-dog-bite-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-20T12:21:56","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T17:21:56","slug":"california-dog-bite-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-dog-bite-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Nobody expects their family pet to attack someone. But the sad truth is that every dog is capable of aggressive behavior and can cause dog bite injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 4.5 million Americans suffer some sort of dog bite injury every year<\/a>. Given the trauma involved, a dog attack victim might be unsure of their legal rights in the incident\u2019s aftermath. As the owner of a dog accused of biting someone, it\u2019s natural to wonder what possible defenses you might be able to use for your furry friend.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll focus on California dog bite laws, what to expect if you\u2019ve suffered dog bite injuries<\/a>, and who is responsible in a dog bite case. Read on to learn about these topics and much more.<\/p>\r\n

Determining Dog Bite Liability in California<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If you\u2019re the victim of a dog attack<\/a>, it\u2019s important to know how you\u2019ll be covered for your medical expenses. It\u2019s usually easy to determine who is at fault in California dog bite cases.<\/p>\r\n

Strict Liability<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

California\u2019s strict liability laws apply to most dog bite cases<\/a> in the state. The strict liability<\/a> standard means that, except for certain conditions, the owner of a dog that bites someone will be liable for damages and medical expenses. Some states have the one-bite rule<\/a> in place, which means that if the dog hasn\u2019t bitten anyone, the owner isn\u2019t automatically held liable.<\/p>\r\n

This is not the case in California. The state applies strict liability<\/a> whether or not the dog has previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior. While the state doesn\u2019t impose a universal leash law, municipalities in California set local restrictions on pets. For example, in Los Angeles, no dog can be at large, meaning off a leash, in any public area<\/a>. Think twice about letting your dog romp on the beach unless there\u2019s a well-marked area allowing it.<\/p>\r\n

If your dog bites someone, there\u2019s a good chance that you\u2019re covered by your homeowner\u2019s insurance policy. Most policies have between $100,000 to $300,000 of <\/a>coverage. But check with your insurance company or your agent to be sure. This will often be enough to cover the injured person\u2019s medical bills and any dog bite lawsuit that might be filed.<\/p>\r\n

If your dog is considered a potentially dangerous dog<\/a> or a vicious dog<\/a>, your responsibilities will be increased. Both your civil and criminal liabilities can increase as well.<\/p>\r\n

Negligence<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

While California is a strict liability state, an injury suffered by a dog attack that isn\u2019t an actual dog bite injury can fall under negligence. For example, if an unleashed dog was chasing you in a public place and you broke your arm during a bad landing as you tried to jump to safety, you might be able to seek relief under negligence statutes<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In the example above, you\u2019d have to prove the following to have a successful negligence case:<\/p>\r\n