Sacramento Dog Bite FAQ

Dogs will most commonly attack a victims face, nose, arms and legs. Injuries such as puncture wounds, bruising and emotional scarring are common, however, children and elderly adults are much more susceptible to suffering broken bones, eye injuries, and deep bruising. Additionally, infection can be a serious problem if the victims wounds are not treated as soon as possible.

If you have suffered a dog bite you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical treatment you received and may continue to need, lost wages, and mental anguish. Many victims of dog bites suffer psychological damage and develop anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder following a vicious attack.

California has some of the strictest laws in the nation on animal ownership. For example, first-generation wolf hybrids are not permitted as pets. Certain dog breeds are not permitted in some communities, but not necessarily throughout the state. Some communities do not permit the public to have Rottweilers, Pitbulls and other breeds considered more dangerous than others.

Some state laws dictate that a dog should be put down after an attack, particularly if this dangerous dog has bitten more than one person. However, laws vary from state to state and it is likely that the owner will be cited and held responsible for their dogs actions.

Yes, California is one of many states where strict liability applies. According to the California Civil Code, section 3342, the owner of any dog is liable to the damages suffered by any person who was bitten while in a public or private place including the owners home regardless of how vicious that dog was known or not known to be.

Strict liability means the owner of the dog will be held liable if their dog caused an injury, regardless of whether or not the owner thought the animal was dangerous. In California, the strict liability statute specifically applies to dog bites although some states cover all kinds of dog-inflicted injuries.

There is no specific type of dog bite injury insurance; however, some homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites that occurred on the insurers property. Also, some insurance companies are not willing to cover all dog breeds and will sometimes shy away from covering a breed that is considered dangerous.