Fountain Valley Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog Bite Attorney in Fountain Valley, CA
Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, even when the victim’s wounds may seem relatively minor. California provides legal protections for victims who were bitten by someone else’s dog, but navigating those rights isn’t always easy. An experienced Fountain Valley dog bite lawyer at Bentley & More LLP may be able to help walk you through the legal process.
About Bentley & More LLP
At Bentley & More LLP, we believe every case has a story. That’s why we take the time to learn about our clients and craft legal strategies based on their unique circumstances. We serve consumers and employees across California who want an advocate in their corner. Our personal injury lawyers in Fountain Valley care about making a difference in the lives of the people and families we represent, which is why we focus on you instead of just verdicts and settlements.
California Dog Bite Laws
California is considered a strict liability state as far as dog bites are concerned. According to California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries the animal causes, even if they had no reason to believe the dog would act aggressively.
For example, if your dog bites a passerby in your yard, you might be responsible for resulting injuries under California law. This is different from states that follow what’s known as a one-bite rule, which sometimes requires bite victims to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous. In most cases, California dog owners may be held strictly liable for injuries if:
- The dog bit the victim
- The victim was on public property or lawfully present on private property.
- The injuries claimed are directly related to the bite.
California is still the state with the most claims in the US, with 2,830 in 2025 compared to 2,417 in 2024. The average cost per claim was $81,789 in the state, totaling about $231.5 million in claims.
What if the Injury Was Not Caused by a Bite
Even though California’s dog bite laws are quite stringent, it’s important to remember that not all injuries caused by dogs involve actual bites. For instance, a dog may knock you to the ground, cause a bicyclist to fall to avoid them, or even cause a slip and fall if a pedestrian is running and falls on a slick surface. If another person’s dog causes an injury, but the victim wasn’t bitten, the strict liability statute does not apply.
Owners can still be held legally responsible for injuries if they acted negligently in controlling the animal and allowing the accident to happen. For instance, if a large dog runs loose in a crowded park and knocks someone over, the owner could be responsible for failing to take reasonable care.
Defenses to Dog Bites in California
Although dog bite victims are afforded significant protections under California law, there are still defenses a dog owner might raise to argue they should not be held liable for damages. Typically, these defenses may involve arguments that:
- The person who was bitten was trespassing
- The dog was provoked by the victim
- The victim was aware of the risks of working with animals and assumed the risk of being bitten
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means more than one person can be at fault up to 100%. If the injured victim was partially responsible for the attack, they could see a reduction in the value of their claim.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer
When you hire a dog bite lawyer, it can help you understand the local laws and what compensation you may be entitled to. A Fountain Valley dog bite attorney can help you gather the evidence you need and negotiate on your behalf. Dog bite laws in California seek to protect victims, but each case is unique.
Dog bite claims for Fountain Valley residents are typically heard in Orange County Superior Court located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. As the main civil courthouse in Orange County, the Central Justice Center hears everything from family law matters to personal injury claims.
FAQs
Can I File a Dog Bite Claim in California if My Bite Becomes Infected Days Later?
Yes, you can file a dog bite claim in California if your bite becomes infected days later. Dog bites can force bacteria deep beneath the skin. Additionally, infection may take a few days to develop after the bite occurs. A wound that seems minor at first could end up requiring a large amount of medical care. Getting medical attention quickly and keeping records of your symptoms can help you prove they were caused by the bite.
Should I Report a Dog Bite to Local Authorities in California?
Yes, it is usually recommended to report a dog bite in California to your local animal control agency. Doing so establishes an official record of what occurred. Animal control can follow up on the attack, confirm vaccinations, and decide if the dog is a continuing threat to public safety. Should you choose to file a claim, a police report can also serve as helpful documentation.
Can a Parent File a Claim on Behalf of an Injured Child in Fountain Valley?
Yes, a parent can file a claim in Fountain Valley on behalf of an injured child. If a child is injured in a dog attack, a parent or legal guardian can typically file a claim on their behalf. Children can suffer long-lasting physical or emotional consequences from an attack. Keeping records of medical treatment and how your day-to-day life is affected can be particularly important in assessing your claim.
Can I Still Bring a Claim in Fountain Valley if the Dog Was on a Leash?
Yes, you can still bring a claim in Fountain Valley if the dog was on a leash. Just because a dog is leashed does not mean that the owner cannot be held liable for a bite. Dogs, even if restrained, can and do attack people without provocation if they’re not handled properly. Generally speaking, the question becomes whether or not the statutory elements have been met.
Bentley & More LLP Can Help
Dog bites can cause both physical and psychological damage. At Bentley & More LLP, we believe in holding responsible parties accountable so you can move forward with justice. Contact Bentley & More LLP today.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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