Personal Injury Attorneys
California Dog Bite Lawyers
A dog attack can leave lasting physical scars and deep emotional trauma, especially for children. California law strongly protects bite victims: owners are strictly liable under Civil Code section 3342, meaning you do not have to prove the dog was dangerous or the owner was careless. At Mousavi Law, we handle these claims with sensitivity and secure the compensation you need for treatment, scarring, and recovery.
What We Handle
Common Causes & Scenarios
Owners Who Fail to Restrain Their Dogs
Many bites happen because an owner lets a dog off leash, leaves a gate open, or fails to control a dog around guests. Under California law, that owner is strictly liable for the resulting injuries.
Bites on Working Professionals
Mail carriers, delivery drivers, meter readers, and utility workers are frequently attacked while lawfully doing their jobs on a property. These workers are protected by the strict liability statute.
Attacks on Children
Children are the most common dog bite victims and often suffer bites to the face and head. Because kids may not read a dog's warning signs, owners bear responsibility for keeping them safe.
Unsecured Dogs in Public
Dogs walked without a leash or in violation of local leash laws can lunge at passersby. A bite in a public place triggers the owner's strict liability regardless of prior behavior.
Dogs Left with Visitors and Guests
A dog that seems friendly can bite a guest without warning. Owners cannot escape liability by claiming the dog had never bitten anyone before.
Poorly Contained Aggressive Dogs
Broken fences, faulty gates, or dogs chained near walkways create dangerous conditions. When these failures let a dog reach a victim, the owner is responsible for the harm.
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Call Now: 844-MOUSAVIWhy Choose Us
No Fee Unless We Win
We take dog bite cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you, so there is no financial risk in getting help.
We Know California's Strict Liability Law
We use Civil Code section 3342 to hold owners accountable without having to prove prior aggression, and we pursue the full value of scarring and trauma.
Compassionate, Personal Attention
Dog attacks are traumatic, especially for children. You work directly with an attorney who handles your case with care and keeps you informed at every step.
Attorney-Led Representation
Counsel is assigned to every case, even in pre-litigation.
Selective Case Acceptance
We accept fewer matters to maintain focus and precision.
Strategy Over Volume
Decisions are deliberate, not automated.
Arvin Mousavi
Founding Attorney
Arvin Mousavi founded Mousavi Law Firm after beginning his career at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, a Vault 10 firm representing Fortune 500 companies. He left big law to put that training to work for consumers and injury victims, with attorney-led representation on every case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dog owner automatically liable for a bite in California?
California is a strict liability state for dog bites under Civil Code section 3342. If a dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable for the damages even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and showed no prior signs of aggression. The victim does not have to prove the owner was careless.
Do I have to prove the dog was dangerous before the bite?
No. Unlike the old 'one bite' rule used in some states, California's strict liability statute does not require proof that the dog had bitten before or that the owner knew it was dangerous. The owner's lack of knowledge of any vicious tendency is not a defense to a bite claim under section 3342.
Who actually pays for a dog bite claim?
In most cases the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers dog bite injuries. This means compensation usually comes from an insurance company rather than out of the owner's own pocket, which often helps preserve relationships when the owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in California under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. Claims involving a child may be handled differently, and it is best to consult an attorney early to protect your rights.
What if I was partly at fault for the dog bite?
California follows pure comparative negligence, so even if you are found partly at fault, you can still recover, with your award reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Note that strict liability generally does not apply if the injured person was trespassing or provoked the dog, so the specific facts matter and should be reviewed by an attorney.
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