You’re recovering from a dog bite—bandaged, bruised, and overwhelmed. Between medical bills, trauma, and time off work, you might be wondering: How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, strict liability laws protect bite victims by holding pet owners accountable, even if the dog had no history of aggression. But your right to seek fair compensation doesn’t last forever.
This blog breaks down the legal time limits—known as the statute of limitations—for filing dog bite claims in California. We’ll explain what happens if you wait too long, how to preserve key medical records, and why working with expert dog bite lawyers in Bakersfield can make or break your bite injury claim.
If you’ve been hurt, don’t delay. Your health—and your claim—depend on what you do next.
What Is a Dog Bite Claim? | Understanding the Legal Basis
A dog bite claim is a type of personal injury claim that allows a bite victim to seek monetary compensation for damages caused by a bite incident, including medical costs, emotional trauma, nerve damage, and lost income. In California, these claims are governed by Civil Code §3342, a strict liability statute that holds the owner liable even if the dog had no prior record of aggression.
Unlike states that follow the “one-bite rule,” California doesn’t require a history of vicious tendencies to pursue legal action. But even with these protections, victims face one major legal hurdle: the statute of limitations.
If you miss the legal time frame, you may permanently lose your right to file a bite lawsuit—no matter how severe the injuries. That’s why knowing your legal deadline is critical.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
The statute of limitations is a legal deadline: the limited period of time you have to file a personal injury claim after a bite attack. In California, bite victims generally have 2 years from the bite date to take legal action, under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed, regardless of how strong your bite wound evidence is.
There are exceptions:
- Underage victims: If the injured person is a minor victim, the clock may not start until they turn 18.
- In rare cases, the time may extend if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent.
To protect your rights, you must act quickly and consult our experienced attorney in dog bite claims in Bakersfield, California.
Why Filing Early Matters | Risks of Waiting Too Long
Filing your dog bite claim early isn’t just smart—it’s critical. Waiting too long can:
- Jeopardize your right to sue once the statute of limitations period expires
- Give insurance companies room to deny or reduce payouts
- Lead to faded memories or unavailable witnesses
- Result in lost or incomplete medical records
- Trigger expired insurance policies that once covered the bite
Even with strong evidence of liability, you could lose the chance to seek fair compensation if you miss your window.
Filing early gives your legal team the best chance to build a solid case and pursue maximum compensation for your pain, losses, and reduced quality of life.
Our Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Bakersfield Can Help
Filing a dog bite claim isn’t just about submitting paperwork to begin a legal process—it’s about building a solid, evidence-backed case within strict legal timelines. That’s where Farahi Law Firm’s expert personal injury attorneys step in.
Here’s how our expert bite injury lawyers protect your right to get you the maximum compensation:
- Investigate the bite: Identify the owner liable, gather witness testimony, and obtain police reports or Animal Control documentation
- Secure evidence: Collect and preserve medical records, photo documentation, and bills from your healthcare providers
- File on time: Ensure your claim meets California’s statute of limitations
- Handle insurance companies: Deal directly with adjusters, preventing lowball offers or wrongful denials
- Pursue compensation: Fight for medical costs, non-economic damages, and loss of enjoyment of life
Whether you’re dealing with severe injuries or emotional distress, our experienced team has a proven track record of maximizing results for animal attack victims across Bakersfield.
When it comes to dog bite claims, time is everything. Missing the statute of limitations can cost you your entire case.
Don’t wait or settle for less than the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical care, and emotional distress.
Contact Farahi Law Firm – Bakersfield today for a free case review. We’re here to fight for the medical treatment you need and the money you deserve.
FAQS on the Deadline for Filing Dog Bite Claims in CA
You generally have 2 years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim, under California’s statute of limitations (Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1). Waiting too long can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
Yes. If the bite victim is a minor, the statute typically begins when they turn 18. Other rare exceptions may apply in cases of delayed injury discovery or incapacity.
If you file after the time limit, your case may be dismissed regardless of how serious your bite injury is. That’s why acting fast is critical.
Yes. California follows a strict liability law, meaning the owner is liable even if the dog had no history of vicious tendencies or aggressive behavior.
An experienced dog bite lawyer in Bakersfield can gather evidence, manage deadlines, and file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, ensuring you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
