Ontario Dog Bite Attorney

A dog attack can leave you with severe injuries and lasting anxiety around animals. To learn your legal rights whether California law will hold the owner responsible in your case, contact Hanson & Mouri. We offer free consultations, message us online or call 951-688-0006 today.

Why Dog Bite Clients Trust Hanson & Mouri

• An experienced Ontario personal injury attorney will explain how California’s dog-bite law applies to your situation and keep you informed as the case progresses.
• We provide honest guidance about the strengths and challenges of your claim.
• We collect legal fees only when we recover compensation for you.

What Rights Do California Dog Bite Victims Have?

California’s Strict Liability Rule

California Civil Code §3342 states that a dog owner is liable when a person is bitten in a public place or while “lawfully in a private place.” The statute applies “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog” or whether the owner knew the animal might bite.

This legal theory is known as strict liability. In practical terms, you generally do not have to prove that the dog previously attacked someone or that its owner received a warning about aggressive behavior. You must establish that the dog bit you, that you were legally present where the attack occurred, and that the bite caused your injuries. A first bite is not a defense for the owner.

What If the Dog Did Not Bite You?

If a dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, or caused another non-bite injury, you may still have a negligence claim. That type of case may require proof that the owner failed to use reasonable care or knew the dog created a particular danger.

Can the Owner Blame the Victim?

The dog owner’s insurer may argue that you provoked the animal, ignored a warning, or entered the property without permission. California uses pure comparative negligence under Li v. Yellow Cab Co. of California, which assigns liability “in direct proportion to fault.” This means shared responsibility may reduce compensation rather than eliminate it completely.

How Long Do You Have to File?

California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 generally requires an injury lawsuit to be filed “within two years.” That period usually begins on the date of the attack.

Compensation Available After a Dog Attack

A dog bite claim may include compensation for:

• Current and future medical care, including emergency treatment, surgery, infection care, rehabilitation, counseling, and scar revision.
• Lost wages and reduced earning ability.
• Physical pain and emotional distress.
• Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or nerve damage.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

The value of the claim depends on the severity of the wounds, future treatment needs, time missed from work, psychological effects, and available insurance coverage.

Why Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney Protects Your Claim

The dog owner’s insurance company may contact you before your wounds have healed or before doctors know whether you will have permanent scarring. An early offer may not account for later procedures or the emotional effects of the attack. An Ontario Dog Bite Attorney can help you by:

• Handling all communication with the insurer.
• Obtaining animal-control records, photographs, medical documentation, and witness statements.
• Addressing claims that you provoked the dog or entered the property unlawfully.
• Tracking the development of scars and obtaining evidence of future treatment needs.
• Identifying available insurance coverage and negotiating the claim for you.

This gives you time to focus on healing while your attorney handles the legal process.

Discuss Your Ontario Dog Bite Claim

During a free consultation, Hanson & Mouri will listen to what happened, explain whether strict liability may apply, and discuss the next steps available to you. Contact us online or call 951-688-0006 to schedule your free case consultation.