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 Moreno Valley, California's strict liability law generally makes the dog's owner responsible for your injuries, even if the dog never bit anyone before. Cefali & Cefali represents dog bite victims across Riverside County, from our Hemet office, on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation, available 24/7.
Dog attacks can cause serious injuries and lasting emotional trauma. Our Moreno Valley personal injury attorneys help bite victims pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering.
What is California's strict liability dog bite law?
California is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is liable for a bite that happens in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, whether or not the dog had ever shown aggression before. This means there is no "one free bite" rule in California: unlike some states, the victim does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Two points are important to understand:
Section 3342 applies to bites specifically. If a dog causes injury without biting (for example, knocking someone down), that is handled under ordinary negligence rather than strict liability, and you would show the owner failed to use reasonable care.
Lawful presence matters. Strict liability protects people in a public place or lawfully on private property. A trespasser generally cannot rely on it, though a negligence claim may still exist.
California follows pure comparative negligence, so if the victim provoked the dog or was partly at fault, recovery is reduced by their share of fault but not eliminated.
Who can be held liable for a dog bite?
The dog's owner is the primary responsible party under Civil Code 3342. Depending on the facts, others may also share liability:
The owner, under strict liability for a bite.
A property owner or landlord, in some cases, if they knew a dangerous dog was kept on the property and did nothing.
A keeper or caretaker, such as a dog walker or kennel, who had control of the dog and was negligent.
Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy.
What should you do after a dog bite?
Seek medical attention right away. Dog bites carry a high infection risk and can be more serious than they look.
Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner's name and contact information, and the dog's vaccination history if you can.
Photograph your injuries and the location, and keep records of all treatment.
Report the bite to animal control or the police, which creates an official record.
Contact a dog bite attorney before giving a statement to the owner's insurer.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites range from minor wounds to serious, permanent injuries. Common injuries include:
Puncture wounds and lacerations, often requiring stitches
Infections, since dog bites carry a high risk of bacterial infection
Nerve and tissue damage
Scarring and disfigurement, especially with facial bites
Psychological trauma, including anxiety and PTSD, which is common in children
Children are bitten more often than adults and are more likely to suffer facial and neck injuries, which makes prompt medical care and documentation especially important.
What compensation can you recover?
A dog bite victim may recover both economic and non-economic damages, and California places no cap on these damages in an ordinary injury case. Recoverable losses include:
Medical expenses, including surgery, reconstructive treatment, and future care
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering and emotional distress
Scarring and disfigurement
Where an owner's conduct was especially egregious, such as keeping a dog they knew to be dangerous, punitive damages may be available under Civil Code section 3294. If a dog attack was fatal, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60.
How long do you 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. If the injured person is a minor, the deadline is generally extended until two years after they turn 18. If a government entity is involved, such as a police dog or a bite on public property, a claim may be due within six months. It is best to speak with an attorney promptly so evidence and witness accounts are preserved.
Why Choose Cefali & Cefali
Dog bite claims turn on the strict liability statute, the owner's insurance coverage, and careful documentation of the injuries, and insurers often dispute the severity or argue the victim provoked the dog. We investigate the attack, identify every liable party and policy, work with medical providers to document your injuries, handle the insurer, and pursue the full value of your claim, ready to go to trial if the offer is not fair. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fee unless we win.
From our Hemet office, we represent dog bite victims across Riverside County, including Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Hemet, and Menifee. We also handle car accidents, truck accidents, and slip and fall claims. 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.
