Dog Bite Liability in California
Whether a dog owner in California is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for damages to anyone bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the owner's property), regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious. Cal. Civ. Code § 3342
| Dog bites | Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for damages to anyone bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the owner's property), regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious. A person is lawfully on the owner's property when carrying out a legal duty (such as mail delivery) or when invited, expressly or impliedly. There are limited exceptions for police and military dogs. Source: Cal. Civ. Code § 3342 |
|---|---|
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for injury to a person (for example, accidents, assault, battery, or negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress) must generally be filed within 2 years from the date of the injury. If the injury was not discovered right away, the time generally starts when it was discovered or should reasonably have been discovered. |
More California personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in California
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in California
- Medical Malpractice Rules in California
- Car Accident Claims in California
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in California
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in California
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in California
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in California
- Bicycle Accident Claims in California
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in California
- All California personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in California?
Strict liability. A dog owner is liable for damages to anyone bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the owner's property), regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious. A person is lawfully on the owner's property when carrying out a legal duty (such as mail delivery) or when invited, expressly or impliedly. There are limited exceptions for police and military dogs.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in California?
A lawsuit for injury to a person (for example, accidents, assault, battery, or negligent or intentional infliction of emotional distress) must generally be filed within 2 years from the date of the injury. If the injury was not discovered right away, the time generally starts when it was discovered or should reasonably have been discovered.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.