Huntington Beach
Dog Bite Attorney

California Civil Code Section 3342

According to California Civil Code Section 3342(a), regardless of prior knowledge of the dog's viciousness, the owner of a dog is responsible for the losses incurred by anybody who is bitten by that dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private location. As a result, dog owners in California are now strictly or automatically liable for any damage brought on by their dogs biting someone else. Some countries have a policy known as the "one bite rule," which first demands that the dog owner was aware of their dog's potentially harmful tendencies, such as when their dog has previously bitten someone. That is not the case in Los Angeles or anyplace else in California, where the owner of the dog is strictly accountable for all damages incurred when the dog attacks another person, regardless of whether the dog has a history of vicious conduct.

Service Dogs

People may suffer injuries if an emotional support animal behaves aggressively in public since they are not required to have the same amount of training as service animals. Americans are more aware of and sympathetic to the issues facing those with disabilities than ever before. Several laws are in place to ensure that the needs of individuals with disabilities are met and to protect them from discrimination.

One category is service animals, and while these creatures were formerly a rare sight, more people than ever are utilizing dogs and other animals to help with concerns ranging from mental health problems to physical limitations. The likelihood that an animal would bite or hurt someone rises with the greater presence of support animals in public spaces. A more modern category of service animals known as "emotional support animals" may also increase the likelihood.