California's Strict Liability Law Protects You

A dog bite can cause devastating injuries — deep lacerations, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and lasting emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been attacked, you have powerful legal rights under California law.

No "One Free Bite" Rule in California

Under California Civil Code § 3342, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for injuries caused by a bite — even if the dog has never shown aggression or bitten anyone before. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent. You only need to show that you were bitten, you were lawfully present, and the defendant owned the dog.

This strict liability standard means dog bite cases in California are among the strongest personal injury claims available. At Taylor Solano & Associates, we use this legal advantage aggressively on your behalf — pursuing full compensation from the responsible parties and their insurers.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

The steps you take immediately after an attack can significantly impact your case. Here's what we recommend:

1

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even minor bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, or scarring. Prompt treatment also creates critical medical documentation for your claim.

2

Report the Bite to Animal Control

File a report with your local animal control agency. This creates an official record and may trigger a quarantine of the animal — evidence that supports your case.

3

Photograph Your Injuries

Take photos of your wounds at every stage of healing — from the initial injury through recovery. Also photograph the location where the attack occurred.

4

Identify the Dog's Owner

Get the owner's name, address, and contact information. If witnesses were present, collect their information as well.

5

Call an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

Before speaking with any insurance company, contact Taylor Solano & Associates. We'll protect your rights and handle all communication with insurers on your behalf.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Dog bite injuries often involve significant damages well beyond initial medical bills. We pursue every category of compensation available under California law:

✦ Past and future medical expenses
✦ Plastic surgery and scar revision
✦ Lost wages and earning capacity
✦ Pain and suffering
✦ Emotional distress and PTSD
✦ Disability and disfigurement

Don't Worry About Whether the Owner Can Pay

Many dog bite victims hesitate to pursue a claim because they assume the dog's owner can't afford it. In reality, the vast majority of dog bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy — not out of pocket. These policies typically provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage, and umbrella policies can push that figure significantly higher. Insurance companies pay approximately $1 billion annually in dog bite claims nationwide. If there's a policy, we'll find it — and we'll make sure it pays what you're owed.

We Build the Strongest Case Possible

At Taylor Solano & Associates, we leave nothing to chance. Our team works to identify every responsible party, fully document the extent of your injuries, and build a case that demands maximum compensation. When needed, we work with professional photographers, medical experts, and plastic surgeons to present the true impact of what happened to you.

Many of our dog bite clients are children — who are disproportionately targeted in attacks and often suffer the most severe physical and emotional consequences. We handle these cases with particular care and compassion, ensuring young victims and their families receive the compensation they need for a full recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. California Civil Code § 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners. Unlike states that follow a "one free bite" rule, California holds the owner responsible for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog has any prior history of aggression or biting. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
In most cases, the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers the claim. Typical homeowner's policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. If the owner has an umbrella policy, additional coverage may be available. Our job is to identify every available source of recovery and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Potentially, yes. If the landlord knew — or should have known — that a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to address the risk, the landlord may share liability. This is particularly relevant in apartment complexes and rental properties where landlords have control over common areas and pet policies. We evaluate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is generally two years from the date of the injury. For minors, the deadline is typically extended until two years after they turn 18. However, there are important exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline, so we strongly recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after an attack.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule — meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, although your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages. Strict liability under § 3342 applies as long as you were lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.
Absolutely. Taylor Solano & Associates proudly serves the Spanish-speaking community throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley. We provide consultations and case support in Spanish and have a dedicated Spanish-language website at lineadeayuda.com.