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 Riverside, California has one of the most victim-friendly dog bite laws in the country: the owner is strictly liable for a bite, whether or not the dog had ever bitten anyone before. The dog bite attorneys at Cefali & Cefali help you recover for medical bills, scarring, lost wages, and pain and suffering, usually through the owner's homeowners or renters insurance. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation, available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
Under California Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property. Strict liability means you do not have to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous, the bite itself is enough.
This is a major difference from the old "one bite rule" that some states still follow. In California, the owner cannot escape liability by claiming the dog had never bitten anyone before. There are two main exceptions: strict liability does not apply if you were trespassing, or if you provoked the dog. Other parties can also share responsibility, such as a landlord who knew a dangerous dog was on the property, or a dog walker in control of the animal at the time.
Does the strict liability law cover every dog injury?
No. Civil Code 3342 covers bites specifically. If a dog injures you without biting, for example by knocking you off a bicycle or jumping on you, you can still recover, but under ordinary negligence rather than strict liability, by showing the owner failed to reasonably control the animal.
Because liability is often clear under section 3342, dog bite claims usually turn less on whether the owner is responsible and more on how serious the injury is and how much insurance coverage is available. That is where an experienced attorney adds the most value.
Who pays a dog bite claim?
In most cases, the owner's homeowners or renters insurance pays a dog bite claim, since these policies typically include personal liability coverage for injuries the policyholder causes. This means you are usually not taking money directly out of the dog owner's pocket, an important point when the owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member.
Insurers know the owner is strictly liable, so they often focus on minimizing the value of the injury instead. We document the full extent of the wound, scarring, infection risk, and emotional trauma so the claim reflects what you actually went through.
What should you do after a dog bite?
Get medical care promptly, dog bites carry a high infection risk and may need antibiotics or wound treatment. Then, if you can, identify the dog's owner, get their contact and insurance information, photograph your injuries and the scene, and collect witness details. Report the bite to Riverside County Animal Services.
Reporting the bite matters for two reasons: it creates an official record for your claim, and it triggers the rabies-observation process for the animal. Keep records of every medical visit and any time you miss from work.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries range from minor puncture wounds to permanent, life-altering harm. The most common serious injuries include:
Puncture wounds and lacerations, which carry a high risk of infection
Permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially to the face and hands
Nerve and muscle damage
Broken bones from the force of a large dog
Emotional trauma and PTSD, particularly in children
Children are bitten more often than adults and are more likely to suffer facial and head injuries because of their height. These cases frequently involve long-term scarring and reconstructive care.
What compensation can you recover for a dog bite?
An injured victim can recover economic damages (emergency care, surgery, reconstructive and scar-revision treatment, future medical costs, and lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement). California places no cap on these general damages in an ordinary injury case.
In rare cases where an owner acted with extreme recklessness, such as keeping a dog they knew had attacked before, punitive damages under Civil Code section 3294 may also be available. Because California follows pure comparative negligence, your recovery can be reduced if you were partly at fault, for example by provoking the dog, but it is not necessarily barred.
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. If a government entity is involved, such as a bite by a police or agency dog, a claim may be due within six months, so it is best to act early.
Why Choose Our Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers
At Cefali & Cefali, we handle the parts of a dog bite claim that matter most: proving strict liability under section 3342, identifying every insurance policy that applies, and documenting scarring and trauma so the settlement reflects the real, lasting impact. We handle all communication with the insurer and are ready to take your case to trial if the offer is not fair. We represent bite victims throughout Riverside and Riverside County, including from our Hemet office, on a contingency fee basis, so you pay 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.
