Understanding the “One Bite” Rule for Dogs

Understanding the “One Bite” Rule for Dogs

If you have been bitten by a dog, you should seek immediate medical care and contact a personal injury attorney in San Jose. Your lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

While some dog bites are minor and cause no harm at all, a personal injury lawyer regularly deals with cases of individuals who have suffered life-altering personal injury after a dog bite. As your attorney will explain, California follows the “one bite” rule for dogs. That means that a dog’s owner is liable for any personal injury caused by the dog if the owner knew or had reason to know the dog was dangerous or would bite someone. That means that if a dog attempts to bite someone just once, that qualifies as notice to the owner. If a dog successfully bites someone after that point—and causes that person personal injury—the dog owner is legally liable. A dog owner or her insurance company will be obligated to pay the bite victim’s medical bills and to compensate her for any time missed from work. To learn more, contact a personal injury lawyer.