Dog Bite Injuries and Homeowner Liability in Riverside: Know Your Rights

Riverside's neighborhoods, parks, and outdoor spaces are home to countless dogs. While most are friendly family pets, dog attacks occur with alarming regularity. According to the CDC, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, with nearly 900,000 requiring medical attention. California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of dog bite claims.

If you've been bitten or attacked by a dog in Riverside, California law provides strong protections for victims. Understanding your rights under California's strict liability dog bite statute is essential for obtaining fair compensation.

California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

California Civil Code Section 3342 establishes strict liability for dog owners:

The Strict Liability Standard

Unlike many states that follow a "one bite rule," California holds dog owners strictly liable for bites. This means:

• The owner is liable even if the dog never bit anyone before
• You don't have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous
• You don't have to prove the owner was negligent
• The dog's past behavior is irrelevant to establishing liability

Elements Required

To succeed in a California dog bite claim, you must prove:

1. The defendant owned the dog

2. The bite occurred in a public place OR while you were lawfully on private property

3. You suffered damages from the bite

Lawfully Present Requirement

You must have been lawfully present where the bite occurred:

• Public places: Parks, sidewalks, streets—always lawful
• Private property: You're lawful if invited (expressly or impliedly) or performing a legal duty (mail carriers, meter readers, etc.)

Trespassers

Strict liability generally doesn't protect trespassers. However, if you were trespassing, you may still have a claim based on negligence if the owner knew of the danger and failed to warn.

Beyond Dog Bites: Other Animal Attack Injuries

While strict liability applies specifically to bites, other dog attack injuries may be recovered through negligence claims:

Knockdown Injuries

When dogs jump on or knock people down:

• Broken bones from falls
• Head injuries
• Hip fractures (especially in elderly)

Chase Injuries

People injured while fleeing dogs:

• Running into traffic
• Falling while running
• Bicycle accidents

Psychological Trauma

Fear of dogs (cynophobia) and PTSD can develop from attacks, even without physical injury.

Attack Without Biting

Dogs that maul, scratch, or injure without technically "biting" require negligence claims rather than strict liability.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

Dog bite claims can result in significant compensation:

Types of Damages

Medical Expenses:

• Emergency room treatment
• Surgery (reconstructive, plastic)
• Wound care and infection treatment
• Rabies shots and preventive care
• Physical therapy
• Future medical needs

Lost Income:

• Work missed during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity from scarring/disability

Pain and Suffering:

• Physical pain from the attack
• Emotional trauma
• Fear and anxiety
• PTSD symptoms

Disfigurement and Scarring:

• Permanent scarring
• Cosmetic surgery needs
• Psychological impact of visible scars

Punitive Damages:

In cases of extreme recklessness (knowing vicious dog), punitive damages may be available.

Factors Affecting Case Value

• Severity of injuries
• Location of bites (face, hands worth more)
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Victim's age (children often receive higher awards)
• Psychological impact
• Medical expenses incurred
• Insurance coverage available

Average Settlement Ranges

• Minor bites (no scarring): $10,000 - $30,000
• Moderate injuries: $30,000 - $100,000
• Serious injuries with scarring: $100,000 - $300,000+
• Severe maulings/disfigurement: $300,000 - $1,000,000+
• Fatal attacks: $1,000,000+

Statute of Limitations in Riverside

Personal Injury: Two Years

You have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit.

Minors

For children, the statute of limitations typically doesn't begin until they turn 18. However:

• Parents can file on behalf of minors
• Prompt action preserves evidence
• Early filing benefits the case

Government-Owned Dogs

If bitten by a police dog or other government animal in improper circumstances, you must file an administrative claim within six months.

Who Is Liable for Dog Bites?

Dog Owners

The primary defendants under California's strict liability statute.

Property Owners

Landlords and property owners may be liable if they:

• Knew of a dangerous dog on the property
• Had the ability to remove the dog
• Failed to take action

Dog Keepers/Handlers

People temporarily controlling dogs (dog walkers, pet sitters, kennels) may be liable for negligence.

Parents of Minor Dog Owners

If a minor owns the dog, parents may be vicariously liable.

Employers

If an employee's dog bites someone during work (e.g., dog brought to work), the employer may share liability.

Homeowner's Insurance and Dog Bites

Most dog bite claims are paid by homeowner's or renter's insurance:

Coverage Availability

Most homeowner's policies include liability coverage for dog bites, typically:

• $100,000 to $300,000 in liability limits
• Coverage for medical expenses
• Coverage for legal defense costs

Breed Exclusions

Some insurers exclude certain breeds:

• Pit bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Dobermans
• Chow Chows
• Others on "dangerous breed" lists

If the dog's breed is excluded, homeowner's insurance may not cover the claim.

Policy Limits

If damages exceed policy limits:

• The dog owner is personally responsible for the excess
• Assets may be at risk
• Umbrella policies may provide additional coverage

When There's No Insurance

If the dog owner has no insurance:

• You may pursue their personal assets
• Collection can be difficult
• Your own insurance (uninsured motorist or health) may help

Defenses Dog Owners May Raise

Even under strict liability, dog owners may argue:

Provocation

If you provoked the dog, liability may be reduced or eliminated. Provocation requires intentional conduct that a reasonable person would expect to cause an attack.

Children's "provocation" is judged by age-appropriate standards—young children often don't understand they're provoking a dog.

Trespassing

Strict liability doesn't apply to trespassers. The owner must prove you weren't lawfully present.

Assumption of Risk

In limited circumstances, knowingly approaching a dangerous dog may reduce recovery.

Comparative Negligence

Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault (e.g., ignoring warnings, approaching an obviously aggressive dog).

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Protect your rights and health with these steps:

Immediate Medical Care

Dog bites carry serious infection risk:

• Clean the wound immediately
• Seek medical attention, even for "minor" bites
• Follow all wound care instructions
• Watch for signs of infection
• Get rabies information if the dog's vaccination status is unknown

Document the Attack

• Photograph your injuries (immediately and as they heal)
• Get the dog owner's name, address, and contact information
• Get insurance information if possible
• Identify any witnesses
• Note the dog's description and any known history

Report the Bite

Report to Riverside County Animal Services:

• Required by law for bites requiring medical attention
• Creates official documentation
• May result in quarantine and vaccination verification
• Establishes record of dangerous animal

Preserve Evidence

• Keep torn or bloody clothing
• Save medical records and bills
• Document all expenses related to the attack
• Record symptoms and healing progress

Consult an Attorney

Before speaking with insurance adjusters or accepting settlements:

• Understand the full extent of your claim
• Know what damages you're entitled to
• Avoid statements that could hurt your case

Children and Dog Bites

Children are the most frequent dog bite victims:

Why Children Are At Risk

• Their small size makes face and neck bites common
• They may not recognize aggressive dog behavior
• Their movements may trigger prey drive
• They're more likely to approach unfamiliar dogs

Special Considerations

• Facial scarring affects children throughout life
• Psychological impact may affect development
• Fear of dogs can be debilitating
• Parents have claims for their expenses and emotional distress

Future Damages

For children:

• Multiple reconstructive surgeries as they grow
• Lifetime of psychological impact
• Diminished quality of life
• Social impacts of visible scarring

Dangerous and Vicious Dog Designations

California law allows counties to designate dogs as "potentially dangerous" or "vicious":

Potentially Dangerous Dogs

Dogs that have:

• Bitten a person (requiring defensive action)
• Killed or injured another domestic animal twice in three years
• Forced defensive action by people on two occasions in three years

Vicious Dogs

Dogs that:

• Aggressively inflicted severe injury on a person
• Were previously designated potentially dangerous and continued the behavior

Impact on Claims

If the dog was designated dangerous or vicious before your attack:

• Evidence of owner's knowledge
• Potential basis for punitive damages
• Stronger liability case

Affiliate Resources

Dog bite victims need comprehensive support:

Medical Care

• Emergency Rooms: Immediate wound treatment
• Plastic Surgeons: Reconstructive procedures
• Infectious Disease Specialists: Treating bite infections
• Physical Therapists: Hand and limb rehabilitation
• Pediatric Specialists: For child victims

Mental Health Support

• Trauma Counselors: PTSD treatment
• Child Psychologists: For young victims
• Phobia Treatment: Overcoming fear of dogs
• Support Groups: Connecting with other survivors

Specialized Services

• Scar Treatment: Advanced scar reduction therapies
• Wound Care Centers: Specialized healing support
• Animal Control Resources: Reporting and follow-up
• Victim Advocacy: Support through the process

Get Help After a Dog Bite

Dog owners are responsible for their animals. When their dogs attack, victims deserve full compensation for medical expenses, scarring, and trauma.

Our nonprofit referral service connects dog bite victims with experienced attorneys who understand:

• California's strict liability dog bite law
• How to maximize compensation for scarring
• Insurance claim procedures
• Child victim special considerations

Every attorney in our network offers:

• Free consultations
• Contingency fee representation
• Experience with dog bite claims
• Compassionate handling of traumatic cases

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Riverside, don't let the dog owner or their insurance company minimize your claim. Contact us today to be connected with an attorney who will fight for fair compensation.

You have the right to be safe in your community. When dog owners fail to control their animals, they must be held accountable.