If you or a loved one suffers a dog bite in Pasadena, California law is firmly on your side. Unlike some states, California imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning you usually don’t need to prove negligence to recover damages. That said, there are exceptions, deadlines, and local rules that shape how these cases unfold. Knowing your rights—and the responsibilities of dog owners—can help you protect yourself and your family after a traumatic bite.
Why Dog Bite Cases Matter in Pasadena
Dog ownership is widespread in Pasadena, with its walkable neighborhoods, dog-friendly parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. But when dogs are not properly controlled, the consequences can be severe. Beyond puncture wounds, dog bites often lead to infections, scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma. Children are particularly vulnerable, and many victims face long recoveries.
California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of dog-bite insurance claims, underscoring how frequently these injuries occur and how costly they can be for victims and insurers alike. Holding owners accountable isn’t just about compensation—it’s about enforcing community safety standards.
California’s Dog Bite Law: Civil Code § 3342
The most important statute is California Civil Code § 3342, often referred to as the dog bite statute.
This law states that:
- A dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or when the person is lawfully on private property.
- The victim does not need to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner acted carelessly.
This is different from the “one bite rule” still followed in some states, where an owner isn’t liable until the dog has previously bitten someone. In California, there is no “free bite.”
What Counts as a “Bite”?
California courts have clarified that an injury qualifies as a bite even if the dog’s teeth don’t break the skin. For example, in Johnson v. McMahan (1998), a worker fell from a ladder after a dog clamped onto his pants. That still counted as a bite under the law.
Key Exceptions to the Dog Bite Statute
While the law is broad, it isn’t absolute. Some important exceptions include:
- Trespassing: The statute doesn’t apply if the injured person was unlawfully on private property.
- Police or military dogs: Dogs used in official duties have immunity under certain circumstances.
- Non-bite injuries: If a dog knocks someone over, scratches them, or causes injury without biting, strict liability doesn’t apply. These cases proceed under negligence or other legal theories.
Other Legal Avenues Beyond Strict Liability
Not every serious dog-related injury involves a bite. If you were chased into traffic, knocked down, or otherwise hurt by a dog without being bitten, you may still have a claim under general negligence law.
Other potentially responsible parties may include:
- Keepers or handlers who had custody of the dog at the time.
- Landlords or property owners who knew about a tenant’s dangerous dog and had the right to remove or control it.
Pasadena’s Local Rules and Leash Laws
On top of state statutes, Pasadena enforces local rules to protect residents:
- Leash laws: Dogs must be on a leash in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas. Violating leash laws can support negligence claims if an unleashed dog injures someone.
- Bite reporting: Los Angeles County requires all animal bites to be reported to public health authorities. Medical providers are obligated to report, and local animal control—Pasadena Humane—handles enforcement.
Public health officials may quarantine the dog to check for rabies and decide whether additional restrictions are needed.
Owner Responsibilities After a Bite
California law adds extra duties once a dog has bitten someone:
- Civil Code § 3342.5 requires owners to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further danger.
- After multiple incidents or a particularly severe attack, a court can impose restrictions or order the dog removed.
- Penal Code § 398 requires the owner to give the victim (or parent/guardian) their contact details and proof of the dog’s vaccination status. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor.
Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
California uses a pure comparative negligence system. That means if a victim shares part of the blame—such as provoking the dog—their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if damages total $100,000 but the victim is found 25% at fault, they may recover $75,000.
Statute of Limitations: The Two-Year Deadline
In California, most dog bite lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to compensation. Different rules may apply if the victim is a minor or if the claim is against a government entity.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of dog bite injuries in Pasadena may pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, reconstructive procedures, medication, and therapy.
- Lost income: Time off work and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Both physical and emotional trauma, including PTSD.
- Disfigurement or scarring: Particularly relevant in cases involving children.
Insurance often plays a central role. Many claims are covered under a dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ liability policy. California ranks high nationally for payouts on dog bite claims, reflecting the serious nature of these cases.
Practical Steps After a Dog Bite
Although every situation is unique, there are some general steps people often take after a dog bite:
- Seek medical care immediately to reduce infection risks.
- Report the bite to Los Angeles County Public Health or Pasadena Humane.
- Exchange information with the dog’s owner, as required by Penal Code § 398.
- Document injuries with photos and keep torn clothing as evidence.
- Save medical bills and receipts for later claims.
- Note the circumstances of how and why you were present—delivery, invitation, public place, etc.
These steps not only protect your health but also ensure public health officials can act and that evidence is preserved.
FAQs About Dog Bite Cases in Pasadena
Do dog owners get “one free bite” in California?
No. California rejects the one-bite rule. Owners are responsible even for a first bite.
Do I need broken skin for a valid claim?
No. Courts have ruled that a bite without puncture wounds can still count if the jaws close on a person and cause injury.
What if I provoked the dog?
Your compensation can be reduced under comparative negligence but not necessarily eliminated.
Who else can be held accountable besides the owner?
Handlers and, in some cases, landlords may share responsibility if they had control and knowledge of the dog’s danger.
How long do I have to take action?
Generally two years from the date of the bite. Exceptions apply for minors and special cases.
Why Legal Help Matters in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite claims in Pasadena are rarely straightforward. Strict liability may seem clear, but defenses, comparative fault arguments, and insurance negotiations often complicate matters. Additionally, victims may face long-term consequences—from disfigurement to emotional trauma—that deserve careful valuation.
An experienced Pasadena dog bite attorney can help victims understand their rights under California law, navigate the insurance process, and hold owners accountable.
Tedford & Associates: Advocates for Dog Bite Victims
At Tedford & Associates, we understand how overwhelming a dog bite can be. Our legal team has extensive experience handling dog bite injury claims and other personal injury cases in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County.
We work to:
- Investigate the circumstances of the bite.
- Hold owners and insurers accountable.
- Pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
California law is designed to protect victims of dog bites but successfully pursuing a claim requires knowledge, evidence, and strong advocacy. Strict liability, comparative negligence, insurance complexities, and local rules all play a role in shaping your case.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Pasadena, don’t navigate this process alone. Contact Tedford & Associates today at (626) 790-1066 for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.