California Civil Code Section 3342 makes dog owners liable for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. You don't need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the dog bit you in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible.
Strict liability means:
✔ The owner is liable even if the dog has no history of aggression
✔ You don't need to prove negligence or carelessness
✔ The owner cannot escape liability by claiming the dog was "always friendly"
Exceptions to strict liability:
You were trespassing on private property
You provoked the dog or were engaged in veterinary or professional dog handling duties
You were a government employee performing duties that involved the dog (police K-9 handlers, animal control officers)
Pasadena municipal code provisions: Pasadena Animal Control enforces leash laws and dangerous dog ordinances. Dogs must be restrained when in public areas. Owners who violate these local laws may face additional penalties, and violations strengthen your injury claim.
If you were lawfully present and did not provoke the animal, we fight to show that the owner is wholly responsible for your injuries.
California Civil Code Section 3342 holds dog owners liable when a dog bites someone who was in a public place or lawfully on private property and did not provoke the animal. The owner cannot avoid responsibility simply because the dog had no prior bite history. Narrow exceptions may apply to trespass, proven provocation, or certain on-duty working dogs. We handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
Dog bites range from minor puncture wounds to catastrophic, life-altering injuries. The force of a large dog's jaw can crush bones, sever nerves, and cause permanent disfigurement.
Common injuries include:
✔ Puncture wounds and lacerations that require stitches, surgery, or wound care
✔ Facial injuries and scarring, especially in children who are often bitten on the face and neck
✔ Infections including rabies exposure, tetanus, cellulitis, and sepsis requiring hospitalization
✔ Nerve damage leading to loss of sensation, weakness, or permanent impairment
✔ Broken bones from the crushing force of a bite or from being knocked down
✔ Emotional trauma and PTSD, particularly in children who develop lasting fear of dogs
✔ Wrongful death in severe attacks involving young children or elderly victims
We connect you with doctors who specialize in treating dog bite injuries at no upfront cost. You get the care you need while we fight to recover every dollar you're owed.
Multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries depending on where the attack occurred and who controlled the dog.
Potentially liable parties include:
✔ Dog owners, even if they were not present during the attack
✔ Property owners or landlords who knew a dangerous dog lived on the premises and failed to take action
✔ Dog walkers and pet sitters who lost control of the animal
✔ Kennels, groomers, and boarding facilities if the dog escaped due to negligence
✔ Animal control facilities if they released a dangerous dog prematurely or without proper notification
We investigate every angle to identify all responsible parties and maximize your recovery. If the owner's homeowner's insurance policy covers the bite, we demand payment from the insurer. If the owner was negligent in additional ways, such as violating Pasadena's leash laws, we use that evidence to strengthen your case.
Dog bite victims may recover compensation for economic losses, physical injuries, and emotional harm.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
✔ Medical bills and future treatment costs, including emergency care, surgery, wound care, and rehabilitation
✔ Reconstructive surgery expenses for facial injuries and scarring
✔ Lost income and reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working
✔ Pain and suffering from the physical pain and emotional trauma of the attack
✔ Emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs
✔ Scarring and disfigurement damages, particularly when permanent scars affect your appearance and quality of life
We calculate the full value of your case, including future costs the insurance company won't voluntarily pay. We negotiate down all medical bills to ensure you keep more of your settlement. You pay nothing unless we win.
The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
Step 1: Get immediate medical care. Even minor bites can become infected. Go to the emergency room or urgent care. Tell the doctor exactly how the attack happened.
Step 2: Report the attack to Pasadena Animal Control. Call (626) 792-7151 to file a report. Animal Control will investigate, quarantine the dog if necessary, and create an official record of the incident.
Step 3: Document injuries and the scene. Take photos of your wounds, torn clothing, and the location where the attack occurred. Photograph the dog if you can do so safely.
Step 4: Gather owner information and witness statements. Get the owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's insurance information. Ask witnesses for their contact details.
Step 5: Contact a Pasadena dog bite attorney. Call us at (800) 597-5596 for a FREE consultation. We handle the investigation and insurance negotiations while you focus on healing.
If you were bitten by a dog in Pasadena, our lawyers fight to recover maximum compensation for your injuries.
We handle every step:
✔ Investigation and evidence gathering. We obtain Animal Control reports, veterinary records showing the dog's history, and photos of the scene. We interview witnesses and gather proof that you were lawfully present and did not provoke the dog.
✔ Dealing with insurance companies. Homeowner's insurance policies typically cover dog bites. We demand payment from the insurer and fight to show that you were harmed by their policyholder's dog. Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim. We don't let them.
✔ Calculating full damages. We work with medical experts to document your injuries and project future costs for reconstructive surgery, therapy, and long-term care. We ensure you're compensated for pain, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring, not just medical bills.
✔ Litigation if necessary. If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. We don't dabble in personal injury, that's all we do.
✔ No fee unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront out-of-pocket costs. If we don't recover compensation, you owe us nothing.
Call us now: (800) 597-5596. Your Injury, Our Fight.
Dog bites are a serious public health issue in California. Understanding local laws and statistics helps you know your rights.
California statute of limitations: You have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation. Don't wait. Call us today.
Pasadena leash laws: Pasadena Municipal Code requires dogs to be leashed and under the owner's control in public areas, including parks and sidewalks. Owners who violate leash laws may face fines, and violations strengthen your injury claim.
Dangerous dog ordinances: If a dog has a history of aggression or prior bites, Pasadena Animal Control can declare it dangerous and impose restrictions on the owner. Owners who fail to comply with dangerous dog restrictions face penalties and increased liability in future attacks.
Local dog bite data: California consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite claims. Homeowner's insurance companies paid out millions in dog bite claims statewide in 2025 alone. Pasadena residents are protected by strict liability laws that make recovery possible even when the dog had no prior history.
We know the local laws and we know how to fight for Pasadena dog bite victims.
We fight exclusively for injury victims—not insurance companies. Our attorneys provide bilingual support for Pasadena's diverse community, direct attorney communication, and a no-fee guarantee. We know how to identify coverage, pursue fair settlements, and take cases to trial when an insurer refuses to pay what your claim deserves. Visit our team page to learn more about the lawyers fighting for you.
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