California dog bite law in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, as everywhere in California, the owner pays for any bite in public or where you were lawfully, with no proof of past viciousness needed. The rule is Cal. Civ. Code 3342(a).
The time to sue is 2 years, set by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 335.1. Insurers know the date too, so do not let it slip.
One more California rule to know. Claim against a public agency: present it within 6 months (Cal. Gov. Code 911.2).
Read the full California dog bite laws for the exceptions and the rules on shared fault.
Reporting the bite and filing in the City and County of Los Angeles
Report the bite to Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health, reporting animal bites. Give the date, the place, the dog and the owner's name if you know it. The report also becomes a record for your claim.
Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health tracks animal bites across the county. The Superior Court of Los Angeles County hears the claim at one of its many courthouses.
If the claim does not settle, it is filed with the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.
Animal attack lawyer in Los Angeles: what the free call covers
- Whether California's rule fits what happened and what the owner knew about the dog.
- Whose policy pays, usually the owner's home or renters insurance.
- Your own last day to file, which comes sooner against a public body.
Want a rough number first? The settlement calculator asks three questions.
