California State Dog Bite Law

California civil code section 3342 3324 5.

California state dog bite law.

A 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. California has strict liability for dog bites such that liability is imposed regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner s knowledge of such viciousness. It is estimated that approximately five million persons in the u s. Are bitten by dogs each year.

California dog bite law. Below you will find a list of dog bite laws in all 50 states and the district of columbia including state statutes whether a state holds owners strictly liable for dog bite injuries and any additional provisions. California s dog bite statute california s dog bite law section 3342 of the civil code states that the owner of any dog is liable for damages if. This means the owner of a dog who bites someone is liable in a civil lawsuit for the victim s injuries even if the animal has never bitten before and the owner had no reason to believe the animal was dangerous.

California food and agricultural code section 31601 et seq. A dog bite victim in this state can recover compensation under a special statute and the doctrines of negligence negligence per se scienter and intentional tort. The dog bite can occur in a public or private place including the dog owner s property. Remember state dog bite laws are a combination of local and state laws and are subject to change.

Children are more than twice as likely as adults to be victims of dog bites. The damages were caused by a dog bite and the person bitten was in a public place or lawfully in a private place. While california s strict liability dog bite statute applies regardless of the animal s history another law makes owners responsible for taking reasonable steps needed to remove any danger of future attacks when their dogs have bitten someone in the past. Most dog bites are mild but many result in injuries and infections that need medical care.

The other set of provisions contains the relevant dog bite law. Phillips whom time magazine has called california s leading dog bite lawyer. 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. Civil code 3342 according to california law section 3342 the dog owner is liable for the damages it causes a victim who is bitten by the dog.

The vast majority of animal bites in the united states are inflicted by dogs. California dog bite law imposes strict liability on owners.