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Spanish California is the most dangerous state for dog attacks in the country, per the most recent statistics for dog bites. Our California dog bite lawyers discuss these statistics and what you should do if you were bitten by a dog.
Dog Bites Are All Too Common in California
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), California had the highest number of dog bite claims in 2024, with 2,417. This was an increase from 2,104 in 2023. The average cost per claim was $86,229.
According to the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS), the number of dog bites is much higher than the number of dog bite claims. CalHHS received 56,941 reports of people receiving hospital treatment for dog bites in 2024 alone, with 5,008 subsequent encounters and 113 sequelae (i.e., the results of a dog bite, such as infection). CalHHS also received 2,910 reports of people seeking emergency treatment after being struck by dogs.
CalHHS does not break down dog bites by county or city. However, per data from the United States Postal Service (USPS), six of the top 38 cities for dog bites involving postal workers in 2024 were in California. USPS reported:
- 77 dog bites in Los Angeles (#1)
- 35 dog bites in San Diego (#8)
- 21 dog bites in Sacramento (tied for #16)
- 20 dog bites in San Francisco (tied for #17)
- 18 dog bites in Stockton (tied for #18)
- 18 dog bites in Oakland (tied for #18)
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) also determined that children under 10 were more likely to receive emergency medical treatment for dog bites than older children and adults, per a review of emergency room data from 2005 to 2019. The review, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, also found that male children were bitten more often.
What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog
Unfortunately, all dogs can pose a danger under certain circumstances. If you were bitten by a dog, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your right to compensation:
Protect Your Head and Neck
If a dog attacks and you are unable to get away, use your arms, hands, or any nearby object (such as a bag or jacket) to shield your head, face, and neck. These areas are especially vulnerable to serious injury. If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball and protect your vital areas until help arrives or the dog stops.
Get to Safety Immediately
As soon as you are able, move as far away from the dog as possible. Avoid making sudden movements that could provoke the animal further. If the owner is present, ask them to secure the dog with a leash or place it in an enclosed area to prevent additional harm.
Call 911 If the Injuries Are Severe
If you are bleeding heavily, feeling faint, or have sustained any wounds, call emergency services right away. Dog bites can cause significant blood loss, nerve damage, or infection.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If possible, obtain the owner’s name, address, phone number, and information about the dog’s vaccination history, especially rabies vaccination records. If the owner leaves the scene, try to take note of their description and the dog’s appearance.
Get Medical Care Right Away
If you didn’t receive care at the scene, head to urgent care or the emergency room, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can lead to infections, rabies exposure, scarring, and other complications. A medical professional can properly clean and treat the wound and document your injuries, which is important for any potential claim.
Report the Dog Bite to Local Animal Control
Notify your local animal control agency or health department about the incident. This creates an official record and helps protect others from future attacks.
Document Everything
Take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible and continue taking photos as they heal. Also, photograph torn clothing and the location of the attack. Write down everything you remember about how the attack occurred while it is still fresh in your mind.
Gather Witness Information
If anyone saw the attack, get their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable if there is a dispute about what happened.
Follow Through With Your Medical Treatment
Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow your doctor’s instructions. Failing to continue treatment can not only harm your recovery but may also affect your ability to recover compensation.
Keep All Receipts, Bills, and Records
Save medical bills, pharmacy receipts, proof of lost wages, and any other expenses related to the dog bite. These documents help establish the full extent of your damages.
Avoid Discussing the Incident With Insurance Companies Alone
The dog owner’s insurance company may contact you for a statement. Be cautious. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer.
Speak With a Dog Bite Attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney can explain your rights under California law, investigate the incident, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Can I Hold the Dog’s Owner Responsible?
In California, you can hold a dog’s owner legally responsible if their dog bites you and causes injury.
California follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that a dog owner is generally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never shown aggression before and even if the owner had no prior warning that the dog might bite.
To hold a dog owner responsible, you typically must show:
- The dog belonged to the defendant. You must identify who owned (or, in some cases, controlled) the dog at the time of the attack.
- You were lawfully on the property. You must have been in a public place (such as a sidewalk or park) or legally on private property (such as a guest at someone’s home, a delivery driver, or a worker performing job duties).
- The dog bit you and caused injury. California’s strict liability law specifically applies to dog bites. Medical records, photographs, and witness statements can help prove your injuries.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Dog Bite Law?
There are limited exceptions to strict liability. For example, owners are typically not liable if:
- You were trespassing.
- You were provoking the dog.
- The dog was a military or police dog performing official duties.
An experienced attorney can evaluate whether any exceptions may apply in your case.
What Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?
A dog bite can cause far more than a puncture wound. Victims often suffer serious physical injuries, lasting scars, infections, and emotional trauma. Under California law, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both the financial and personal impact of the attack.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover:
Medical Expenses
Dog bites frequently require immediate and ongoing medical care. You may be compensated for:
- Emergency room treatment
- Ambulance transportation
- Stitches or wound closure
- Surgery, including reconstructive or plastic surgery
- Rabies or tetanus shots
- Antibiotics to treat or prevent infection
- Hospital stays
- Follow-up appointments
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care for complications or scar revision
Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to the bacteria in a dog’s mouth. Some victims develop serious infections requiring hospitalization. Others may need multiple procedures to repair nerve damage or minimize scarring.
Future Medical Costs
Severe dog bites, especially those involving the face, hands, or arms, can require long-term treatment. Children, in particular, may need future reconstructive surgeries as they grow. Compensation can account for these anticipated medical needs.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for:
- Missed workdays
- Lost income
- Used sick days or vacation time
- Lost freelance or self-employment income
Some victims suffer injuries to their hands or arms that temporarily or permanently limit their ability to perform their jobs.
Loss of Earning Capacity
If the dog bite results in permanent damage, such as nerve injury, reduced mobility, or visible facial scarring that affects your profession, you may be entitled to compensation for reduced future earning ability.
Pain and Suffering
Dog bites are extremely painful. Beyond the initial attack, victims may endure:
- Ongoing physical pain
- Sensitivity or nerve damage
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
California law allows victims to seek compensation for the physical pain they endure.
Emotional Distress and Psychological Trauma
Many dog bite victims suffer emotional effects long after their wounds heal. This can include:
- Anxiety around dogs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Fear of going outside
- Emotional distress related to scarring or disfigurement
Children are particularly vulnerable to long-term emotional trauma after a dog attack.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Dog bites frequently occur on the face, arms, and legs. Facial scarring can be especially traumatic and may require multiple cosmetic procedures. Compensation can reflect both the physical and emotional impact of permanent scarring.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
These may include:
- Travel costs to medical appointments
- Medical supplies
- Psychological counseling
Get Help After a Dog Bite in California
If you or a loved one were one of the thousands of people bitten by dogs in California, call us today. The California personal injury attorneys at KJT Law Group can fight for the compensation you deserve.