Who pays in California?
the owner pays for a bite even if the dog never bit before
2 years to file Call about my state law(844) 703-3920Claim details
This is the planning limit for an ordinary adult claim against a private owner. Children's claims and claims against public owners need a separate timing review. It is not an automatic personal last date.
Your state's dog bite lawOhio Rev. Code 2305.07Other state rules
California's rule: the owner pays
California is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under California Civil Code 3342, the owner is liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property.
You do not have to prove the dog bit before. The owner pays even if the dog was never vicious.
Owners usually push back in two ways. They claim you provoked the dog, or they claim you were trespassing. Call (844) 703-3920 so an attorney can answer those defenses early. Read more about strict liability for dog bites.
Your deadline to file in California
The dog bite statute of limitations in California is 2 years from the bite for an adult, under Code of Civil Procedure 335.1.
For a child, the clock waits. The years before the child turns 18 are not counted, under Code of Civil Procedure 352.
The parent's claim for medical bills is different. It runs on the adult 2-year clock, so file that part on time. Keep your child's records for later. See when a dog bites a child.
A claim against a city or county is different too. A bite by a police dog often needs a written notice of claim within months. If a public dog bit you, say so on the first call. Compare deadlines in every state.
What dog bite claims pay in California
California had 2,417 insured dog bite claims in 2024, with an average of $86,229 paid per claim, according to Triple-I claims data. Claims rose to 2,830 in 2025, the most of any state.
The average is not your number. Your value starts with your medical bills and lost pay. A scar or a bite to the face raises it.
Keep every bill and receipt from the first day. Then run your own numbers, or call and have an attorney look at them with you.
Who pays, and what to do now
- Get medical care first. A bite can become infected. Emergency care always comes before a legal call. See what to do after a dog bite.
- Report the bite to your local animal control agency. The report records the owner's name, the dog's vaccine status and the date. Insurers and attorneys both use it.
- Get the owner's insurance details. A homeowners or renters policy usually covers the owner's dog. Ask for the insurance company name and policy number on day one. Learn how the insurance claim works.
- Write down the date of the bite and keep a copy of the bite report.
- Call before the insurer calls you. The insurer pays up to its limit and will try to pay less. An attorney can protect your claim from the start.
| State | Year | Claims | Average paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2024 | 2,417 | $86,229 |
| California | 2025 | 2,830 | - |
Dog bite claim questions
Does California's dog bite law apply if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Under California Civil Code 3342, the owner is liable whether or not the dog ever bit before. That applies when you were in a public place or lawfully on private property.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
An adult has 2 years from the bite to file in court. A child's own claim waits until age 18, but a parent's claim for the bills runs on the 2-year clock. Claims against a city or county can need written notice within months.
Who pays for a dog bite in California?
Usually the owner's homeowners or renters insurance pays, up to the policy limit. Ask the owner for the insurer's name and the policy number right away. See dog bite settlements.