What Is the Law for Dog Bites in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, dog owners are held strictly liable for bite injuries caused by their dogs. This legal principle means that owners are responsible for any injuries their dogs inflict, regardless of the circumstances. For instance, if a dog bites someone, the owner is accountable for the injury, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before or the owner believed the dog was harmless. However, this liability includes various elements, which will be explored further in the following guide.
Responsibility for Injuries
Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, whether in public places like parks and sidewalks or on private property, including their own homes. This duty means owners cannot avoid liability just because the incident took place in a private area.
Liability Without Knowledge of Danger
Owners are responsible for their dog’s actions, even if they were unaware of any dangerous behavior. This means that an owner cannot defend against a claim by arguing that they did not know their dog posed any potential threat.
Victims’ Rights to Compensation
Individuals who are injured by a dog can seek compensation for their injuries without having to prove that the owner was negligent. This provision is designed to simplify the process for victims, allowing them to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages without navigating the complexities of proving the owner’s fault.
Exceptions To the Law
Although California’s dog bite law is designed to protect individuals by holding dog owners strictly liable for any bites that occur under certain conditions, there are notable exceptions to this rule:
Location of the Bite
The law applies only when the person bitten is either in a public place or lawfully present on private property. This means that if someone is trespassing—meaning they do not have permission to be on the property—the dog owner cannot be held liable for a bite that occurs in that situation.
Law Enforcement and Military Dogs
The law explicitly exempts bites from police or military dogs engaged in official duties. Therefore, if a police dog injures someone during an arrest or related law enforcement activity, the owner, which is the police department, cannot be held responsible under this law.
Scope of Injuries
In California, the dog bite law explicitly pertains to situations where a dog physically bites a person, resulting in injury and potential liability for the dog’s owner. This law does not cover other types of injuries that may arise from a dog’s behavior. For instance, if a dog barks aggressively, lunges at someone, or jumps up and accidentally knocks a person down, these situations do not fall under the dog bite statute, even though they can still cause harm or distress.
In addition to personal injuries, the law further distinguishes itself by not addressing property damage caused by canine actions. For example, if a dog digs up a beloved flowerbed, chews on outdoor furniture, or scratches a car, the owner typically cannot be held legally responsible under the dog bite framework.
Accountability of Dog Owners
Under California’s dog bite law, liability is directed solely at the dog’s owner. However, other individuals who may have had a degree of responsibility for the dog, such as caretakers, dog sitters, or individuals who were temporarily housing the dog, may also face liability. This secondary liability will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the situation, including the nature of their involvement with the dog and whether they were negligent in their duties.
Have You Suffered Injuries Due To a Dog Bite in Los Angeles?
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries from a dog bite in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to explore your options. Contact Albert Abkarian & Associates today to consult with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney.