A sudden growl. A flash of teeth. In seconds, a bite attack can change your life, leaving behind nerve damage, emotional trauma, and mounting medical costs. However, the pain runs deeper for many bite victims: confusion about who’s responsible, how bite laws apply, and what steps come next.
In California, strict liability statutes mean a pet owner is held legally accountable for a dog-related injury, even if the animal has no history of aggression. With evolving court interpretations and rising awareness around vicious tendencies and companion animals, many are asking: Are changes to dog bite laws coming in 2025?
This blog will break down the current legal framework, highlight possible updates, and show how our experienced dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve after an unprovoked attack, whether it happened on private property, public space, or while performing official duties like delivering mail.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in California
In California, dog bite laws are governed by a strict liability rule under Civil Code §3342. This means a dog owner is automatically responsible for a bite that causes injury, even if the dog has never bitten before or shown signs of aggression.
Liability applies when:
- The bite happens in a public space (like a sidewalk, park, or business).
- The victim was lawfully on private property (such as a postal worker, maintenance staff, or a guest).
Unlike other states, California doesn’t follow the “one-bite” rule. Owners don’t get a free pass if it’s the first attack.
Key Exceptions (Where liability might be limited):
- The bite attack victim was trespassing
- The dog was provoked
- The bite came from a law enforcement K9 performing official duties
While the law primarily targets owners, Section 4 will explore how other parties, like landlords or dog walkers, may also face liability in some instances.
The bottom line? Dog bites in California are treated seriously, and legal action is often the only path to fair financial compensation.
What’s New in 2025? Updates to Dog Bite Laws
California continues to strengthen protections for dog bite victims in 2025—especially in Los Angeles County, where recent legislation targets irresponsible pet ownership and dangerous animal behavior. Below are key updates that can affect your dog bite claim and the potential for financial compensation:
Stricter Legal Penalties for Negligent Owners
- Pet owners with a known history of aggression may now face higher civil and criminal liability.
- Punitive damages may apply in cases of extreme negligence or repeat offenses.
- Animal Control has broader authority to intervene when reasonable care is not exercised.
Updated “Dangerous Dog” Classifications (Los Angeles County)
- Dogs involved in unprovoked attacks causing severe injury, bodily harm, or emotional trauma may be legally designated as:
- Potentially dangerous
- Vicious
- Once classified, owners may be subject to:
- Mandatory leash/muzzle laws
- Behavioral training
- Court-ordered removal or euthanasia in serious cases
Mandatory Reporting & Quarantine Protocols
- Under updated Los Angeles Animal Control laws, any dog bite must be reported within 24 hours—even if it occurred on private property.
- Affected dogs are now subject to a 10-day quarantine to evaluate rabies exposure, in accordance with California Health and Safety regulations.
- This requirement helps validate the strict liability statute in a bite injury claim.
Legal Impact for Victims
These legislative enhancements increase a bite victim’s ability to:
- Prove the owner liable under California’s strict liability law (Civil Code § 3342)
- Pursue damages for:
- Medical costs, nerve damage, and plastic surgery
- Psychological trauma or emotional distress
- Loss of income and long-term medical care
Legal Liability Explained
While California’s strict liability rule automatically holds dog owners responsible for most bite injuries, other parties may also face legal consequences, depending on the situation.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Dog bite liability isn’t limited to just pet owners. Here’s who may be held accountable:
- Landlord or Property Manager – If they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to act.
- Dog Walker or Pet Sitter – If the bite occurred due to their negligence during supervision.
- Business Owner – If a dog attack occurs on their premises and they fail to ensure public safety.
⚖️ Civil vs. Criminal Liability
Legal Aspect | Civil Liability | Criminal Liability |
Purpose | Compensate the injured party | Punish reckless or intentional misconduct |
Filed by | Victim (plaintiff) | Prosecutor / Animal Control |
Outcomes | Medical costs, pain & suffering, punitive damages | Fines, probation, jail time |
Level of Intent | Not required (strict liability applies) | Required—based on gross negligence or cruelty |
Understanding the difference between civil and criminal dog bite cases is essential for both bite victims and dog owners facing legal exposure.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
A dog bite can escalate quickly from a painful injury to a legal and medical emergency. Here’s what you should do immediately:
Step-by-Step Action Plan:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even minor injuries can lead to infection or require stitches.
- Document Everything – Take photos of injuries, the bite location, and the dog (if possible).
- Report the Bite – Contact Animal Control to initiate an official record.
- Get Witness Info – Names, phone numbers, and statements can strengthen your case.
- Avoid Direct Negotiation – Don’t discuss compensation with the pet owner or their insurance company.
Why Timing Matters:
- Rabies Monitoring: Follow up with health officials about vaccination status and quarantine protocols.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you generally have 2 years to file a personal injury claim, but waiting can weaken your case.
Farahi Law Firm has the best dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles to help you move quickly and strategically for maximum compensation.
How Compensation Works in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite victims in California are entitled to financial compensation for a wide range of damages, depending on the severity and impact of the attack.
Common Compensatory Damages:
Type of Damage | Description |
Medical Expenses | ER visits, stitches, antibiotics, plastic or reconstructive surgery |
Lost Income | Time off work, job changes, or permanent disability due to the injury |
Psychological Trauma | Better known as Non-economic damages. PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress, especially in child victims |
Scarring & Disfigurement | Facial injuries, permanent marks, or the need for cosmetic treatment |
Special Cases & High-Risk Victims
Certain victims are more vulnerable and may qualify for additional damages:
- Mail carriers & delivery drivers – Bitten while performing job duties
- Elderly individuals – More likely to suffer complications or a long recovery
- Children – Often experience deep emotional and social trauma
When Punitive Damages Apply
In rare but severe cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish gross negligence, such as:
- Failing to restrain a dog with a known history of aggression
- Violating local leash laws or ignoring prior Animal Control warnings
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help?
Dog bite cases are often more complex than they appear. Farahi Law Firm’s expert dog bite lawyers in Los Angeles help victims by handling every step of the legal process:
1. Investigate Liability
- Review the dog’s history, previous bite reports, and owner responsibility
- Determine if others, like landlords or dog sitters, may share liability
2. Handle the Legal & Insurance Process
- Deal with uncooperative insurance companies and denied claims
- Clarify policy limits and exclusions under renters’ insurance or homeowners’ policies
3. Build a Strong Case
- Collect medical records, photos, and witness statements
- Prove damages: lost wages, plastic surgery, PTSD, and more
4. Pursue Fair Compensation
- File a lawsuit if needed
- Negotiate for maximum compensation, including punitive damages if applicable
California’s dog bite laws in 2025 continue to hold pet owners and caretakers to strict legal standards, especially when their negligence puts others at risk. If you or a loved one has suffered a bite injury, don’t wait.
Time matters when it comes to medical care, evidence, and your right to fair compensation.
Contact Farahi Law Firm today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
The Medical Treatment You Need and the Money You Deserve.
FAQs:
Yes. While strict liability still applies under Civil Code §3342, 2025 updates introduce clearer owner responsibilities, faster reporting to Animal Control, and stronger consequences for repeat offenders, especially for dangerous breeds or attacks in public spaces.
Under California’s strict liability law, the dog owner is usually liable, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. In some cases, property managers, pet sitters, or business owners may also be held responsible if they failed to exercise reasonable care.
Victims may be entitled to medical costs, lost income, plastic surgery, emotional distress, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. If a child, mail carrier, or elderly person were attacked, the law often allows for broader damages and protections.
You typically have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim, per California’s statute of limitations. However, acting quickly to preserve evidence and medical documentation is critical.
Possibly. If a landlord knew or should have known about a vicious dog and failed to take preventive steps, they may share civil liability, especially if the attack occurred in a common area or on public property managed by the landlord.
