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Hiring a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer Orange County residents trust is important for protecting your rights after an attack. California strict liability laws hold dog owners responsible for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before. Introduction California has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the nation. Under the state’s strict liability statute, dog owners are liable for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before or shown aggressive tendencies. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Orange County, understanding your legal rights is essential to securing fair compensation. California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Statute (Civil Code §3342) California Civil Code §3342 establishes strict liability for dog owners. This means the dog owner is automatically liable if the bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property. Unlike many states, California has no ‘one bite rule’ — the owner is liable even for a first-time bite. What Must Be Proven You were bitten by the defendant’s dog. You were in a public place or lawfully on private property (invited guest, mail carrier, etc.). You suffered injuries and damages. Who Is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries? The dog’s owner is primarily liable. However, landlords may be liable if they knew the dog was dangerous and had the ability to remove the animal. Dog sitters, walkers, or kennels may be liable for negligent supervision. Damages Available in Dog Bite Claims Medical treatment (emergency care, surgery, antibiotics, rabies treatment), […]