San Diego Dog Bite Lawyer: Your Rights After a Dog Attack in San Diego County
A dog bite can happen on a sidewalk in North Park, at a park in Chula Vista, or at a neighbor’s door in Escondido. California law gives bite victims strong rights, but the steps you take in the first days still matter.
In plain terms: Under California Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is generally liable for damages when their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, even if the dog never bit anyone before and the owner did not know it was dangerous. Most dog bite lawsuits must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Win Attorneys handles dog bite and animal injury claims across California, with deep roots in San Diego. Ron McMinn is a San Diego State graduate, a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of San Diego, the San Diego County Bar Association, and the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, and he speaks Spanish. Our office is fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese.
Talk to us at (562) 296-5380 or reach out through our contact page for a free case review. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.
California’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
- Who it covers. People bitten while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the owner’s property.
- No prior bite needed. The owner is liable regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge.
- Bites only. Section 3342 covers bites. Injuries from a dog knocking someone down or chasing them are usually handled as negligence claims.
- Exceptions. The statute does not cover some police and military dog uses, and defenses can apply to trespassers.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in San Diego
- Wash the wound and get medical care. Dog bites can cause serious infections.
- Get the owner’s name, address, phone, and the dog’s vaccination information.
- Report the bite. In the City of San Diego and many other cities in the county, San Diego Humane Society handles bite reports. In unincorporated areas, the County Department of Animal Services handles them. A few cities, such as Chula Vista, National City and Coronado, use their own animal control or police department.
- Photograph your injuries over time, the location, and the dog if safe.
- Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Keep medical bills, receipts, and records of missed work.
Dangerous Dog Hearings and Public Records
A bite report can lead to a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog process under local rules and state law. Those records can help show a dog’s history, but they are not always easy to find. Our article on San Diego dangerous dog hearings and disclosure explains what is and is not public.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite
- Homeowners or renters insurance often covers dog bites, even when the bite happened away from home.
- A landlord may share responsibility in some cases if they knew of a dangerous dog and could have acted.
- The owner personally when there is no insurance. See bitten on a San Diego sidewalk when the owner has no insurance.
Damages After a Dog Attack
- Emergency care, surgery, and scar treatment.
- Counseling for fear and trauma, which is common in children.
- Lost wages.
- Pain, suffering, and disfigurement.
Other San Diego guides: San Diego personal injury lawyers and premises liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dog owner always liable for a bite in California?
Under Civil Code section 3342, an owner is generally liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, whether or not the dog had bitten before. Defenses and exceptions can apply.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in San Diego?
Most dog bite injury lawsuits must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a public entity is involved, a claim may be due within six months.
Where do I report a dog bite in San Diego?
In the City of San Diego and most other cities in the county, contact San Diego Humane Society. In unincorporated areas, contact the County Department of Animal Services. A few cities, including Chula Vista, National City and Coronado, use their own agency. Call 911 for emergencies.
What if the dog knocked me down but did not bite?
Section 3342 covers bites. A knockdown injury can still support a negligence claim, depending on the facts.
Can I speak with a lawyer in Spanish?
Yes. Ron McMinn speaks Spanish, and our office is fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese.
Talk to us at (562) 296-5380 or reach out through our contact page. Office: 17291 Irvine Blvd., Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780.