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Who is Legally Responsible for a CA Animal Bite Injury?

By Renee Nordstrand on August 8, 2012

brown pit bull chained up

Many people are bitten by animals every day. These injuries, when serious, can result in pain, nerve damage, infection, scarring, and physical and emotional suffering.

The most common types of animals that bite are dogs. California has enacted “dog bite” laws that hold the owner responsible if their pet injures someone. Depending on where the attack occurred, a tenant, homeowner or management company may also be responsible for compensating injured victims of animal bites. However, proving fault is often a big part of a complicated legal process.

According to California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is liable for damages suffered by an individual who is bitten by the dog:

  • in a public place;
  • lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner; or
  • apart from any previous events of the dog acting aggressively or the owner’s knowledge of such aggression.

It’s important for individuals injured in a dog bite attack to be fully aware of their legal rights and options for holding negligent parities legally responsible.

The Santa Barbara dog bite attorneys at the Law Office of Renee Nordstrand have successfully represented many clients injured due to animal attacks and other personal injuries. Our practice is focused in Santa Barbara and the San Fernando Valley. Call us today at (805) 962-2022 for a free consultation.