Luật sư chuyên về các vụ cắn người do chó gây ra tại Long Beach

No. California Civil Code § 3342 makes a dog owner strictly liable for a bite whether or not the dog had ever bitten anyone, and whether or not the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The statute applies when you are bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own property.

Two years from the date of the bite, under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If a government agency is involved, such as a police dog or a bite on public property, a written claim is generally required within six months, so get advice quickly.

California uses pure comparative fault. Your recovery is reduced by your share of responsibility but is never barred outright, even if you were mostly at fault. Insurers routinely overstate a victim’s role, which is why evidence gathered early matters.

It depends on the severity of the injury, whether there is permanent scarring, your medical bills and lost income, and the insurance available. Facial injuries and injuries to children tend to resolve highest. Our dog bite settlement calculator gives a starting range.

Nothing up front. We handle these cases on contingency, so you owe no fee unless we recover money for you, and the case review is free.

Almost always an insurer rather than the owner personally. These claims are typically paid under the owner’s homeowners or renters liability coverage, which is why pursuing a claim rarely means going after a neighbor’s savings.