Sacramento Dog Bite Law

We’ve all heard that dogs are “man’s best friend,” and most canines live up to this description. Sadly, there are times when dogs inflict serious injuries on individuals, particularly children. Dog bites can cause deep wounds, leave permanent scars, and result in disfigurement. The most tragic cases are fatal.

If a dog in Sacramento has bitten you, can you file a claim for compensation against the dog’s owner? In many cases, the answer is yes. Keep reading to learn more from the dog bite lawyers in Sacramento at Demas Law Group, P.C.

What Are Sacramento Dog Bite Laws?

All dog bite incidents must be reported and investigated in Sacramento County. That doesn’t mean the dog will be immediately taken away from its owners. Officials will need to verify that it is licensed and up-to-date on vaccines, though.

Under California’s dog bite laws, a dog’s owner can be held liable for any injuries resulting from a bite. This is true regardless of whether the dog had a history of biting or aggressive behavior or its owner thought it could be dangerous. As long as the bite caused verifiable harm and the victim was in a public place or lawfully allowed on private property at the time of the attack, dog owners can be held liable for any resulting injuries.

Does California Have a “One-Bite Rule”?

Some states allow dog owners to avoid liability for a dog bite injury if it does not have a prior history of bites or other dangerous behavior. This law is commonly known as the “one-bite rule.” However, California imposes a strict liability standard on dog owners in cases involving dog bites, which means the one-bite rule does not apply. You can file a claim against a dog’s owner regardless of whether it has bitten before.

Who Is Not Eligible to Sue for Dog Bite Injuries in California

California’s dog bite laws apply solely to bites, not other types of injuries. For example, if a large dog jumps up and knocks you over, the state’s dog bite laws would not apply to any injuries you suffered in the fall if there was no bite. However, you may be able to file a general personal injury claim for your fall-related injuries.

Dog bite laws also do not apply when someone is trespassing. Any dog bite injuries inflicted on public property fall under California’s strict liability standard, but if you are on someone else’s property illegally, you generally cannot file a lawsuit if their dog bites and injures you.

Dogs that bite while working, such as law enforcement or military dogs, are exempt from California dog bite statutes. You will also struggle to collect compensation if evidence shows that you provoked a dog in some way before it bit you.

Damages in a Sacramento Dog Bite Claim

Compensation in a successful dog bite claim may include money for:

How Long Do I Have to Sue for a Dog Bite in California?

You have two years from the date you were injured to file a dog bite claim. It’s crucial to meet this deadline. Otherwise, you risk being barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries.

Still have questions about California’s dog bite laws? Contact Demas Law Group, P.C., today for a free initial consultation.