Are Dog Owners Liable for Bites in California

Legal procedures for lawsuits targeting dog owners appear in California law together with owner liability for criminal offenses and regulations about animal quarantines for bite incidents and dangerous canine actions. Every person that owns pets in California along with anybody who suffers from dog attacks or other pet-related injuries needs to understand the state laws affecting them.

When California Dog Owners Are Liable for Bites

A person who experienced damage from dog bites can seek compensation from the dog owner. Each state implements different regulations which determine when owners can become responsible. Under California’s strict liability law owners face legal responsibility for almost every dog bite incident.

When a victim sues under the state’s strict liability rule, it doesn’t matter: California Dog Bite Lawsuits – Civil Court Standards

If someone is injured in a California dog bite attack and files a lawsuit in response, that person must prove the following, according to the state’s jury instructions:

1. The dog that perpetrated the bite belonged to the defendant.
2. The plaintiff was bitten by the dog while present in public areas or standing lawfully on private real estate.
3. The plaintiff suffered harm.
4. Factories contributed substantially to the injury that occurred. Proof of all requirement elements by a dog bite injury victim could potentially result in recovering monetary compensation.

California Dog Bite Laws – Strict Liability

California functions as a “strict liability” jurisdiction. Under strict liability regulations people injured by dogs need not demonstrate proof of their owner’s negligent conduct to claim compensation for their injuries. A dog owner’s liability status depends on past bite incidents. The determination of dog owner liability requires evaluation of owner care to prevent dog attacks.

In essence, if a person owns the dog and the dog bites someone absent some exceptions, that dog owner will likely be liable for damages:

• Whether or not the dog had bitten someone in the past
• Whether or not the owner took reasonable precautions to prevent dog bites
• Whether or not the owner had any reason to believe that the dog could be dangerous

The owner of the dog becomes liable for dog bite injuries the moment he or she takes ownership of that dog, with the following exceptions:

• The dog bite victim was trespassing at the time of the attack.
• The dog bite attack victim provoked the dog.
• The person was injured by his or her employer’s dog while on the job.
• The victim was performing a paid service when he or she was injured.

Each dog bite attack in California follows unique circumstances. Each specific situation might require distinct norms and standards which can also produce different applicability exceptions. The complete text of California’s dog bite strict liability law exists at this legal document website.

For further discussion on your specific situation, you must consult with an expert dog bite lawyer because only a professional can guide you step by step according to your specific situation. Call us at (760) 852-7134 now to book for free consultation as soon as possible.