This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
Dog bites can be scary and painful, especially if they happen to you or a loved one. If you have been bitten by a dog in Anaheim, California, you must immediately consult with an experienced dog bite attorney. California law allows victims of dog bites to recover financial compensation for their injuries, and our attorneys can help you file a claim against the dog's owner.
California's laws surrounding dog bites are among the most favorable in the country. In most cases, the victim can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, it is essential to note that there are some restrictions on who can recover damages. For example, if you were trespassing on the property where the dog bite occurred, you may be unable to recover damages.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Anaheim, please call our dog bite lawyers in Anaheim, CA, today for a free consultation. We will review your dog bite case and help determine if you can receive financial compensation for your injuries.
Call our firm today at (877) 423-3254 for a free consultation, available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
Serving Anaheim and Surrounding North Orange County Communities
Cefali & Cefali represents dog bite victims throughout Anaheim and the surrounding North Orange County cities of Fullerton, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Yorba Linda, Placentia, and La Habra. Dog bite incidents in Anaheim happen in a wide range of settings, from residential neighborhoods to public parks and the busy Anaheim Resort District.
Anaheim Hills, with its hillside residential neighborhoods and trail networks, sees a high volume of dog-walking activity along Santa Ana Canyon Road, Imperial Highway, and the Anaheim Coves trail along the Santa Ana River. The hiking trails around Walnut Canyon Reservoir and Yorba Regional Park are popular off-leash and on-leash areas where dog-related incidents occur regularly.
The Anaheim Resort District around Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and the Anaheim Convention Center sees more than 50 million visitors a year, many of whom travel with service dogs or emotional support animals. Hotel lobbies, restaurant patios, and the dense pedestrian corridors along Harbor Boulevard, Katella Avenue, and Disney Way create steady risk of dog-related incidents involving visiting pets.
Dog bite incidents in Anaheim should also be reported to Anaheim Animal Care Services, the city's animal control division, which maintains incident records and quarantines dogs that have caused bites for the legally required observation period. Our attorneys work directly with Animal Care Services records, the Anaheim Police Department, and the Orange County Department of Health to build dog bite cases.
Injured dog bite victims in Anaheim are typically treated at Anaheim Regional Medical Center at 1111 W La Palma Avenue or West Anaheim Medical Center at 3033 W Orange Avenue. Severe cases involving facial injuries, deep puncture wounds, or infection are transported to UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, which is the only Level I trauma center in Orange County. Our firm works directly with these facilities to obtain medical records and properly document treatment costs.
Personal injury lawsuits arising from Anaheim dog bites are filed in the Orange County Superior Court at the Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. Our attorneys regularly appear at the Central Justice Center and understand the local court procedures used in dog bite litigation.
Do I Have a Case for My Dog Bite Injury?
If you were bitten or attacked by someone else's dog, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Under California Civil Code section 3342, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for any injuries the dog causes when the bite occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. This means you do not need to prove that the dog had ever bitten anyone before, and you do not need to prove that the owner was negligent. Strict liability means the owner is responsible by law.
If you are considering filing a dog bite claim, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential. A lawyer can help you determine whether you have a valid case and guide you through the legal process.
When you are bitten by a dog, the experience can be terrifying and traumatic. You may not know what to do next. If you have been injured in a dog bite attack, speaking with an experienced Anaheim dog bite attorney is crucial as soon as possible.
The Anaheim Dog Bite Attorneys at Cefali & Cefali understand the serious injuries that result from a dog attack. We are here to help you file a claim against the dog's owner and seek compensation for your injuries. We have successfully represented dog bite victims throughout Anaheim and Orange County.
If you have been injured in a dog bite attack, do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you determine whether filing a claim is the best course of action for you.
What to Do If You Have Been Bitten by a Dog
If a dog bites you, it is vital to take action immediately. Dog bites can cause severe injury and infection, so seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential.
Get medical attention immediately. Even minor bites can lead to serious infections, and rabies risk must be evaluated.
Report the bite to Anaheim Animal Care Services. California law requires dog bites to be reported so the dog can be observed for rabies symptoms.
Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information. Photograph the dog if possible.
Document the scene and your injuries with photos. Identify any witnesses and get their contact information.
Keep all medical records and receipts. These document the cost of treatment and the severity of your injuries.
Contact a dog bite lawyer in Anaheim, CA. An attorney can help you file a claim against the dog's owner and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Proving a California Dog Bite Claim
California dog bite law is unusually favorable to victims because of the state's strict liability rule. To recover compensation under California Civil Code section 3342, you must establish three things:
The defendant was the owner of the dog.
The dog bit you, causing injury.
The bite happened in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.
That is it. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous, that the dog had bitten anyone before, or that the owner was negligent. The strict liability rule under section 3342 holds owners legally responsible regardless of the dog's prior history.
A few defenses do exist. The owner may not be liable if you were trespassing on private property at the time of the bite, or if you were provoking, teasing, or abusing the dog. The strict liability rule also generally does not apply to police or military dogs performing official duties.
If you are successful in proving your case, you may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and other related losses. The attorneys at Cefali & Cefali are experienced in handling dog bite cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
California Dog Bite Statute
California Civil Code section 3342 is the state's primary dog bite statute. It imposes strict liability on dog owners for damages caused by their dogs biting another person. The statute applies regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous or whether the dog had a prior history of aggression.
The statute specifically protects postal workers, delivery drivers, meter readers, and other individuals who enter private property as part of their employment. These workers are considered to be lawfully on the property and qualify for strict liability protection if a dog bites them while they are performing their duties.
Beyond the strict liability statute, California also allows dog bite victims to bring claims based on common-law negligence theories, particularly in cases involving injuries that did not come from a bite (such as a dog knocking someone down) or in cases where strict liability does not apply. Our attorneys evaluate every available theory of recovery when building your case.
Compensation for Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Anaheim
Victims of dog bites in Anaheim may be entitled to several categories of compensation, including:
Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgery, plastic surgery for scarring, and follow-up treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and post-traumatic stress responses, particularly common in child victims
Permanent disfigurement or scarring, which is especially common in facial bite injuries
Future medical care and rehabilitation costs
Wrongful death damages, in the rare cases where a dog bite results in a fatality
Settlement amounts vary widely based on the severity of injuries, the availability of insurance coverage (typically the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's policy), and the impact of the injury on the victim's life. Cases involving facial injuries, scarring, or child victims often produce larger settlements because of the long-term impact.
Treatment After Being Bitten by a Dog
If you have been bitten by a dog, seeking medical evaluation is crucial. Even minor bites can become infected, and medical professionals must examine the wound to assess the severity and prevent potential complications. Dog mouths carry significant bacteria, and bite wounds have a high infection rate compared to other types of cuts.
After seeking medical attention, keeping records of all medical bills related to the injury is essential. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, medication, plastic surgery for scarring, and physical therapy. The financial burden can add up quickly, and keeping track of expenses helps you and your dog bite lawyer when seeking compensation.
Dangerous Dogs
Some dogs may be considered dangerous due to their breed or individual temperament. While all dogs have the potential to bite, certain breeds, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, are responsible for a higher percentage of serious attacks. It is important to note that breed does not determine an individual dog's temperament, and each dog should be evaluated individually.
Owners of dogs with a known history of aggression must take extra steps to ensure the safety of others. This can include securing the dog in a fenced area, using a muzzle in public, and posting warning signs on the property. Negligent behavior on the part of the owner can result in serious injury to others and can lead to legal consequences beyond strict liability, including potential punitive damages.
The City of Anaheim, through Anaheim Animal Care Services, maintains a process for designating dogs as "potentially dangerous" or "vicious" after a confirmed bite incident. These designations come with mandatory containment, muzzling, and registration requirements for the owner.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Dog Bite Case
Even with California's strict liability rule, dog bite cases are rarely simple. Insurance adjusters know the strict liability rule too, and they often respond with aggressive tactics: disputing the severity of injuries, blaming the victim for "provoking" the dog, arguing the victim was trespassing, or making early lowball offers before the full extent of medical treatment becomes clear.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Anaheim understands how to push back against these tactics. The right attorney will gather the police and Animal Care Services reports, document your injuries thoroughly, identify all available sources of insurance coverage (often including homeowner's policies and umbrella policies), and negotiate or litigate aggressively for full compensation.
Not all attorneys are created equal, so it is essential to research before choosing one. When looking for an attorney to represent you in a dog bite case, find someone highly rated with experience handling these specific cases. The attorneys at Cefali & Cefali are top-rated and have years of experience representing dog bite victims in Anaheim and across California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anaheim Dog Bite Claims
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Anaheim?
Get medical attention right away, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites have high infection rates and rabies risk must be evaluated. Report the bite to Anaheim Animal Care Services, which is the city's animal control division and maintains the official bite-incident registry. Get the dog owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information. Photograph the dog, the location, and your injuries. Identify any witnesses and get their contact information. Then speak with a dog bite attorney before discussing the incident with the owner's insurance company.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. For child victims, the statute of limitations does not begin running until the child turns 18, though it is usually still important to act quickly to preserve evidence. If a government employee or government-owned dog was involved, you must file a government tort claim within six months.
Is the dog owner liable if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
Yes. Under California Civil Code section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs biting another person, regardless of whether the dog had any prior history of biting or showing aggression. The "one free bite" rule that applies in some other states does not apply in California. This makes California one of the most victim-friendly states in the country for dog bite claims.
What if the dog bite happened at a friend's or family member's house?
You can still recover compensation. The dog owner's homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance typically covers dog bite claims, even when the victim is a friend, family member, or social guest. The insurance company is the one paying the claim, not the friend or family member personally. Many people hesitate to pursue these claims out of concern for the relationship, but the financial responsibility lies with the insurance carrier in nearly all cases.
Where are Anaheim dog bite lawsuits filed?
Civil personal injury cases arising in Anaheim, including dog bite cases, are filed in the Orange County Superior Court at the Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. This courthouse handles all civil PI litigation for Anaheim, Fullerton, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Orange, Yorba Linda, Placentia, La Habra, and the surrounding North Orange County communities.
How much does it cost to hire an Anaheim dog bite lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Cefali & Cefali handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. The standard contingency fee is a percentage of your final settlement or judgment. Your free consultation is just that, free, with no obligation. If we do not recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
What if I was partly at fault for the dog bite?
California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault (for example, by approaching the dog too quickly or stepping into the dog's space), you can still recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. The exceptions to strict liability are limited: trespassing on private property and provoking, teasing, or abusing the dog. Outside those situations, victim conduct generally reduces the recovery rather than eliminating it.
Does homeowners insurance cover dog bite claims?
In most cases, yes. Standard homeowner's and renter's insurance policies include personal liability coverage that applies to dog bite injuries, usually with limits of $100,000 to $300,000 per claim. Some policies exclude specific dog breeds or dogs with prior bite history. If the dog owner does not have insurance, recovery may come from the owner's personal assets or from umbrella policies. Our attorneys investigate every available source of coverage in your case.
Discuss Your Claim With An Anaheim Dog Bite Attorney
When it comes to dog bite cases, having an experienced California dog bite attorney in your corner can make all the difference. The lawyers at Cefali & Cefali have years of experience representing clients who have suffered dog bite injuries and are knowledgeable in California dog bite law, including the strict liability rule under Civil Code section 3342.
As a dog bite victim, you have legal rights. A skilled dog bite attorney can help you navigate the legal process, handle insurance claims, and work on behalf of your best interests. With Cefali & Cefali on your side, you benefit from a team of lawyers who have secured millions in settlements and judgments for their clients.
If you have suffered injuries due to a dog attack, do not hesitate to contact an Anaheim dog bite lawyer. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action. Call (877) 423-3254 for a free consultation available 24/7, or contact us through our online form. No fee unless we win.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
