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.
If you were bitten by a dog in Irvine, California law is strongly on your side: under Civil Code section 3342, the dog's owner is strictly liable for your injuries, which means you do not have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had ever bitten anyone before. You can recover compensation for your medical bills, scarring, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Irvine dog bite attorneys at Cefali & Cefali identify every liable party and every source of insurance and fight for the full value of your claim. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation, available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
California is one of the most victim-friendly states in the country for dog bite claims. Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog's owner is strictly liable when the dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner's own property. To recover, you generally must show:
The defendant owned the dog
The dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property
You were harmed, and the bite was a substantial factor in causing that harm
You do not have to prove the owner was careless, and California has no "one free bite" rule, the owner is liable even if the dog had never shown aggression before. There are limits: strict liability under 3342 generally does not apply if you were trespassing or if you provoked the dog. It also applies specifically to bites. If a dog injured you another way, for example by knocking you down, that claim proceeds under ordinary negligence (showing the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or violated a leash law) rather than strict liability. An attorney can identify which rule fits your case.
Dog Bites in Irvine
With its extensive parks and trail network, William R. Mason Regional Park, Bill Barber Memorial Park, the Orange County Great Park, and the Jeffrey Open Space and San Diego Creek trails, Irvine is a city of dog walkers, and most encounters are friendly. But bites happen at parks, in the many apartment and HOA communities across the city, at private homes, and on sidewalks. Dog bite incidents in Irvine are reported to and investigated by OC Animal Care, the county agency in Tustin that serves Irvine, which also handles quarantine and dangerous-dog determinations.
Seriously injured victims are treated at Hoag Hospital Irvine or, for the most severe wounds, UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, the county's only Level I trauma center. If a claim becomes a lawsuit, it is filed at the Orange County Superior Court Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause far more than a puncture wound. The injuries we commonly see include:
Deep lacerations and puncture wounds, often requiring stitches or surgery
Permanent scarring and facial disfigurement, which may require reconstructive or plastic surgery
Nerve and tissue damage, which can cause lasting pain or loss of function
Broken bones, often from being knocked down during an attack
Infections, since dog bites introduce bacteria and can require prompt antibiotic treatment
Emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and a lasting fear of dogs, which is especially common in child victims
Because bites can cause infection and because some damage is not visible at first, prompt medical care matters for both your health and your claim.
Compensation and Who Pays
A dog bite claim can recover economic damages (medical bills, future treatment such as scar-revision surgery, and lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact of permanent scarring). California places no cap on general damages such as pain and suffering in a dog bite case, and in cases of extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be available under Civil Code section 3294.
In most cases the compensation is paid not by the owner personally but by their homeowners or renters insurance, which typically covers dog bite liability. In some situations a landlord or HOA may also share responsibility if they knew a dangerous dog was on the property. Identifying every available policy is a key part of maximizing your recovery. For a deeper look at how these claims are valued, see our guide on California dog bite compensation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Irvine
Get medical attention right away, even for a wound that looks minor, because of the infection risk.
Report the bite to OC Animal Care so there is an official record and the dog can be checked for rabies.
Get the owner's information, including their name, address, and insurance if possible, and the dog's vaccination history.
Photograph your injuries and the location, and get contact information for any witnesses.
Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to or accepting an offer from the owner's insurer.
How an Irvine Dog Bite Lawyer Helps
Because liability is often clear under section 3342, dog bite cases usually turn on proving the full value of the injury and finding the insurance to pay it. An attorney documents your injuries and future care (including scar revision and mental-health treatment), identifies every source of coverage (the owner's homeowners or renters policy, and sometimes a landlord or HOA), gathers the animal-control report and witness statements, and negotiates or litigates against an insurer trying to minimize your claim. Our Irvine personal injury attorneys handle dog bite cases on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront and no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to prove the dog was dangerous to recover?
No. Under California Civil Code section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression. You do not have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had bitten before. California does not follow the "one free bite" rule that applies in some other states, which is part of what makes it a strong state for dog bite victims.
Who pays for a dog bite in Irvine?
In most cases the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance pays the claim, not the owner personally. These policies typically cover dog bite liability. If coverage is insufficient for a serious injury, a landlord or HOA that knew a dangerous dog was on the property may also share responsibility. Identifying every available policy is an important part of maximizing your recovery.
What if I was partly at fault or provoked the dog?
Strict liability generally does not apply if you were trespassing or provoked the dog. But short of that, California's pure comparative negligence rule applies: if you were partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault rather than eliminated. Whether conduct counts as "provocation" is often disputed, which is where an attorney's investigation matters.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. For an injured child, the deadline is extended. Because evidence and the animal-control record are easier to secure early, it is best to speak with an attorney soon after the bite.
How much does it cost to hire a 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. The fee is a percentage of your recovery, the consultation is free, and if we do not recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Contact an Irvine Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Irvine, you do not have to face the insurance company alone, and the first offer is rarely the full value of a scarring or disfiguring injury. Cefali & Cefali represents dog bite victims throughout Irvine and Orange County, documenting the true cost of your injuries and fighting for the maximum recovery available. Call (949) 325-7790 or contact us for a free consultation. 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.
