Civil Code § 3342 makes dog owners liable for bite injuries regardless of the dog's history or the owner's knowledge. Most claims are paid by the owner's homeowners or renters insurance, so pursuing a claim usually does not mean bankrupting a neighbor.
What your claim covers
- Emergency treatment, stitches, surgery, and rabies protocol
- Scar revision and plastic surgery
- Infection treatment
- Psychological care, especially for children
- Lost income and pain and suffering
Steps to take now
- Get medical care and document the wounds with photos daily as they heal.
- Identify the dog and owner; get their address and insurance if possible.
- Report the bite to animal control. The report is strong evidence.
- Do not accept an informal payment from the owner.
- Call us.