If you are bitten by a dog in Anaheim or elsewhere in California, state law makes it relatively easy to seek compensation from its owner. Compared to laws in many other states, what you must prove is usually simple and straightforward. The Hicks Law Firm’s Anaheim dog bite attorneys help those with dog bites and will discuss California dog bite law and what you need to prove for a successful case.
Orange County Anaheim dog bite lawyer Aaron Hicks has helped thousands of clients with injuries caused by others, including dogs and their owners, and he can help you too. If you or a family member is bitten and injured by a dog, call the dog bite Hicks Law Firm (949) 541-9944 to schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.
What is California’s Dog Bite Law?
One section of California statutes states:
“The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of this section when he is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when he is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner.”
This gives bite victims a good chance for a successful compensation claim. If you’re on the dog owner’s property for a lawful reason and are bit, under the law, they’re liable to compensate you for your injuries. This is also true if the dog is loose or restrained by the owner and you’re bit on public land, at your home, or on someone else’s property (as long as you’re there legally).
The statute also covers situations involving police or military dogs. The legislature gives these agencies more protection from lawsuits than private owners. The law states:
Nothing in this section shall authorize the bringing of an action…against any governmental agency using a dog in military or police work if the bite or bites occurred while the dog was defending itself from an annoying, harassing, or provoking act, or assisting an employee of the agency in any of the following:
- In the apprehension or holding of a suspect where the employee has a reasonable suspicion of the suspect’s involvement in criminal activity.
- In the investigation of a crime or possible crime.
- In the execution of a warrant.
- In the defense of a peace officer or another person
If a police dog attacks you randomly or without cause or provocation, you may have a valid compensation claim. If the dog is “on the job” and properly responding to a situation, you may not be compensated for the harm done.
What is a Dog Bite?
If you’re grabbed by the dog’s mouth, it need not break the skin or cause you to bleed to be considered a bite under state law, allowing you to seek compensation. The dog owner may be responsible for other bite-related harm, such as injuries from being knocked down or if the wound becomes infected.
Dog attacks can be frightening and traumatic, especially to children, and the owner may be responsible for psychological and emotional harm. A severe bite wound may also leave long-lasting and visible scars. If you are bitten under California law, you can claim compensation for physical and emotional pain, suffering, and related costs.
How Does Insurance Affect Dog Bite Cases?
If the dog owner lacks resources or insurance to cover the claim, you’ll probably have difficulty obtaining compensation for your injuries. If they have renter’s insurance or own a home and have a homeowner’s policy, your chances of being compensated are much better.
These policies protect policy owners from liability in personal injury lawsuits, though there are exceptions in the policy and financial limits on what the carrier is obligated to pay. Dog bite claims are common, and some insurers will not cover owners of certain dog breeds.
The Insurance Information Institute reports that:
- Dog bite liability claims cost homeowner insurers $1.1 billion last year
- There were 19,062 dog bite claims nationwide in 2023. That’s 1,465 more than the prior year
- The average claim decreased from $64,555 in 2022 to $58,545 in 2023
- California has the most dog bite insurance claims in the country. There were 2,104 in 2023. Florida has the next highest number at 1,532
Insurance is critical for financial recovery after an injury, no matter how or what causes the harm. If the party who caused your car accident or is responsible for your slip and fall lacks insurance, obtaining compensation could be difficult.
Get the Help You Need from an Anaheim Dog Bite Attorney You Can Trust
California law makes it relatively simple for dog bite victims to be compensated for their injuries. These claims cost insurers more than $1 billion last year. Get the legal help you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Our team of Anaheim dog bite lawyers is experienced in handling these cases. We can help you with your claim so you can receive fair compensation as soon as possible. The Anaheim dog bite Hicks Law Firm offers FREE initial consultations, so we can answer your questions, discuss your situation, and recommend how you should move forward. Call (949) 541-9944 or complete our confidential contact form today.
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