A serious dog bite isn’t just painful—it can be life-changing. Victims are often left with deep wounds, the risk of infection, permanent scarring, and the disruption of daily life and work. These cases raise immediate questions about liability, insurance coverage, and your rights under California law. At Siegal & Richardson, LLP, our experienced dog bite lawyers represent people who have been harmed because a dog owner failed to take proper control. We focus on the facts, assess the full extent of your injuries, and pursue the compensation you’re legally entitled to. In this piece, we explain the key aspects of dog bites—how they happen, your legal rights, the compensation available under California law, and how a Berkeley dog bite lawyer can take action to protect your interests and pursue a result that reflects the seriousness of the harm done.
Why Dog Bites Happen in California
Poor Dog Training and Socialization — When dogs aren’t properly trained or socialized, they may not know how to react around people, especially kids or strangers. A lack of positive experiences with other animals or humans can cause dogs to become fearful or territorial. Fearful dogs often bite to protect themselves.
Negligent Supervision by Owners — When dog owners let their animals roam off-leash in areas where that’s not allowed, or fail to secure their yard properly, they create serious risks. Many dog bites happen when a dog escapes or runs loose and feels the need to protect its territory or chase someone.
Dangerous Dog Breeds and Known Aggression — California law doesn’t ban specific dog breeds statewide, but breed can be a factor when a dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Commonly reported dog breeds involved in bite incidents are Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Chihuahuas. If a dog has bitten someone before or shown signs of repeated aggression, it may be classified as “potentially dangerous” or “vicious” under California Food and Agriculture Code § 31601. Owners of these dogs are required to take extra precautions, and failing to do so can increase liability if another bite occurs.
Pain or Illness in the Dog — Sometimes dogs bite because they’re hurt or sick. A dog in pain might lash out if touched in a sensitive area, even by someone it knows. Illness can also cause confusion or aggression, especially if it affects the dog’s brain or nervous system.
Protective or Territorial Behavior — Dogs naturally protect their homes, food, toys, and people they feel bonded with. If a stranger gets too close to something the dog values, it might react aggressively. This kind of bite can happen quickly and without much warning.
Startled or Provoked Reactions — Some dogs bite when they’re startled while sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. Others react poorly when teased, cornered, or accidentally stepped on. While children are more likely to provoke a dog unintentionally, even adults can trigger these reactions.
Irresponsible Breeding or Ownership — In some cases, people raise dogs to be aggressive for protection or illegal purposes. These animals are often poorly treated, under-socialized, and kept in unsafe conditions. When this happens, the risk of a serious or even fatal attack is much higher.
Common Dog Bite Injuries You Might Face After an Attack
Deep Cuts and Torn Skin — Many dog bites result in serious cuts or gashes. Depending on how forcefully the dog bites or pulls, the skin can tear in jagged patterns. These wounds often bleed heavily and may require stitches, staples, or even surgery. California’s strict liability law (Civil Code § 3342) does not require a history of aggression for the owner to be held responsible for these types of injuries.
Broken Bones or Crushed Tissue — A large dog can cause fractures, especially in the hands, arms, or legs. Dogs with strong jaws may also crush soft tissue or damage joints. You might not notice the full extent of damage until swelling or bruising develops, and you should never delay medical care in these situations.
Infections From Bacteria — Dog mouths carry bacteria that can lead to serious infections if the wound isn’t cleaned right away. Infections like cellulitis, tetanus, or MRSA can spread fast and sometimes require hospitalization. Even smaller bites can become dangerous if untreated.
Permanent Scars or Disfigurement — After the wound heals, some victims are left with visible scars, especially on the face, hands, or legs. These scars may need cosmetic surgery or skin grafts.
Nerve Damage and Loss of Feeling — If a dog’s teeth go deep enough, nerves under the skin can be damaged. This may cause numbness, weakness, or even long-term disability in the affected area. These injuries can seriously impact your ability to work or perform daily tasks.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD — Being attacked by a dog is terrifying, especially for kids. Many victims deal with anxiety, panic attacks, and a fear of animals long after the wounds have healed.
Damage to Muscles and Tendons — In serious attacks, dogs may rip into muscle or sever tendons. These injuries limit movement and usually need surgery and physical therapy. You might have trouble walking, lifting, or using your hands normally after this kind of trauma.
Crush Injuries in Children or Small Adults — When a larger dog pins or knocks someone over, especially a child, the result can be internal injuries or blunt-force trauma. This often happens during knockdowns or dragging incidents, even before the bite occurs.
Where Dog Bites Happen Most Often in Berkeley
Local Parks and Off-Leash Areas — Some of the most common spots for dog bites in Berkeley are parks where dogs run freely. Places like Ohlone Dog Park and Cesar Chavez Park often have large groups of dogs, and not every dog there is properly trained or socialized. Even if a dog is off-leash legally, that doesn’t guarantee it’s under control.
Crowded Sidewalks and Streets — Busy areas like Shattuck Avenue, Telegraph Avenue, and downtown Berkeley see a lot of foot traffic. Dogs in these areas may feel cornered or overstimulated. That makes bites more likely, especially when people pass by quickly or try to pet a dog without warning.
Apartment Complexes and Shared Housing — In multi-unit buildings, dogs often come into contact with neighbors in hallways, elevators, or courtyards. Sometimes owners fail to control their pets in these shared spaces, and that can lead to bites or attacks right outside your own door.
UC Berkeley Campus and Student Housing — You’ll often see dogs around student housing and the UC campus, where young dog owners may not always follow leash laws or understand the risks. These areas can also attract out-of-town visitors who aren’t familiar with the animals that live nearby.
Residential Neighborhoods and Front Yards — A lot of dog bites happen when you walk past someone’s house and their dog lunges through or over a fence—or worse, slips out an open gate. Areas like Elmwood, North Berkeley, and Southside all have older homes and fencing that may not keep aggressive dogs fully contained.
Who’s Legally Responsible for a Dog Bite in California
Dog Owners Are Strictly Liable Under California Law — California Civil Code § 3342 makes dog owners strictly liable for any bites that happen in public or when the victim is lawfully on private property. This means the owner is responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before or wasn’t known to be dangerous. It applies whether the bite happened at a park, in someone’s home, or on the street.
Landlords May Be Liable in Some Cases — Property owners, including landlords, can sometimes be held responsible if they knew a dangerous dog lived on the property and didn’t do anything to remove or control the animal. This usually applies when a landlord has enough control over the property to take action and fails to do so.
Temporary Caretakers Like Dog Walkers Could Be at Fault — If someone other than the owner is watching the dog and doesn’t take proper care to prevent a bite, they may be held liable under general negligence rules. This could apply to pet sitters, dog walkers, or friends watching the dog for a few days.
Businesses That Allow Dogs on the Property Might Share Responsibility — If a business owner invites dogs onto their premises and doesn’t take steps to prevent attacks, they may share legal responsibility under premises liability laws. For example, if a store encourages customers to bring pets but fails to control the environment, the business could be sued.
Homeowners’ and Renters’ Insurance Policies Usually Cover Bites — In many cases, a dog owner’s insurance will step in to pay damages. This is true whether the bite happens at home or off the property, as long as the policy covers dog-related injuries. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggression, so a lawyer will need to review the specific language to know what applies.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Berkeley Helps You After an Attack
Dog bite cases are different from other personal injury claims because they involve strict legal rules, emotional trauma, and complex insurance issues. Under California Civil Code § 3342, the owner of the dog is automatically responsible if their dog bites you in a public place or while you’re lawfully on private property. That sounds straightforward, but in reality, insurance companies fight hard to reduce what they owe, and victims often don’t realize what full compensation really includes. A skilled dog bite lawyer steps in to level the playing field—collecting medical records, proving emotional harm, and making sure your rights are protected from day one.
A Berkeley dog bite attorney also knows how to handle insurance claims and lawsuits in a way that targets every available source of compensation. That includes not only the dog owner but also potentially a landlord or business if they played a role in allowing the attack. Your lawyer will push for damages that cover all your medical bills, surgeries, and therapy. You can also claim money for emotional suffering, time missed from work, or permanent scars. In tragic situations where a bite causes death, your lawyer can file a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60 to seek compensation for your family’s loss. These are not simple cases, and having the right legal support makes all the difference in holding the right people accountable and recovering everything you’re owed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
Do I need to see a doctor if the bite’s not deep?
Yes—dog bites can lead to serious infections even if they don’t look bad. A doctor can clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and document your injuries, which is important if you decide to file a legal claim.
What if I was bitten at a friend’s house?
You can still bring a legal claim, and in most cases, it’s their renters or homeowners insurance—not your friend personally—that pays. Don’t avoid seeking help just to protect the relationship. Your health comes first.
Can I still sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes—under California Civil Code § 3342, the dog owner is still responsible. The law does not require that the dog had a prior history of aggression or a previous bite incident to be liable.
Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?
No—filing a legal claim focuses on getting compensation for your injuries. It doesn’t automatically result in the dog being euthanized. That decision is made separately by animal control, based on public safety concerns.
How long do I have to sue someone for a dog bite?
You usually have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim, based on California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Acting quickly gives your lawyer time to gather strong evidence.
What if I was partially at fault for the bite?
California uses comparative fault, so even if you were partly responsible, you can still get compensated. Your damages will just be reduced by your percentage of fault as determined in the case.
Can I be compensated for PTSD or trauma?
Yes—emotional and psychological harm like PTSD, anxiety, or nightmares can be part of your personal injury damages. Your lawyer can include mental health treatment in your claim along with physical injuries.
What if the bite happened in a public park?
If you were lawfully in the park, you can still file a claim against the dog’s owner. The location doesn’t change the owner’s responsibility under California’s strict liability dog bite law.
Does renters insurance cover dog bites?
Many renters insurance policies cover injuries caused by dogs, even if the bite happened off the property. However, some breeds may be excluded. Your lawyer will review the policy to be sure.
Is a child’s dog bite claim handled differently?
Yes—California law requires a legal guardian to act for the child, and any settlement must be reviewed and approved by the court to protect the child’s long-term financial interest and well-being.
Berkeley Dog Bite Attorney
A dog bite is not a minor matter—it’s a violent event that can cause permanent injury, emotional trauma, and serious legal consequences. At Siegal & Richardson, LLP, our experienced personal injury attorneys handle dog bite cases with the urgency and focus they demand. We represent victims who need immediate legal action to recover full compensation for medical care, lost income, long-term treatment, and pain caused by a dog owner’s failure to control a dangerous animal. These cases often involve disputed facts, uncooperative insurers, and complex liability questions. We’re prepared for all of it.
Contact Siegal & Richardson, LLP by calling (510) 271-6720 or contacting us online for a free consultation with an experienced dog bite attorney in Berkeley today.