Average Dog Bite Settlement in California

According to the Insurance Information Institute, California consistently ranks at the top for the number of dog bite insurance claims filed annually. U.S. insurers paid out $1.12 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2023, with the average cost per claim dropping from $64,555 in 2022 to $58,545 in 2023.

While every case is unique, the average dog bite settlements in California typically range from $30,000 to $70,000. This depends on the severity of injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term impact. 

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, Novian & Novian is here to help. With over 35 years of experience, our catastrophic injury lawyers understand how to build a strong case and fight for the settlement you need to heal and move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.

This post will highlight the factors that influence the value of a dog bite settlement. It will also let you know who is liable for a dog bite in California.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in California?

In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs under California Civil Code §3342. This means that if a dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, the dog owner is responsible for the damages, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression or bitten someone before. Victims do not need to prove negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior to recover compensation.

In some cases, liability can extend beyond the dog’s owner. For example, landlords may be held responsible if they were aware that a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take appropriate action to remove the risk. This often applies in situations where the landlord had the ability to prevent the presence of the animal on the property and did not do so, despite being aware of the threat.

Dog sitters, walkers, or temporary caretakers are typically not liable for a dog bite unless it can be proven that they acted negligently or were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies and failed to take proper precautions. Their liability generally depends on their role in supervising the dog and whether they had control over the animal at the time of the incident.

However, there are a few important exceptions to California’s strict liability law. For example, if the bite victim was trespassing on private property, the dog owner may not be held liable. Additionally, if the dog was provoked, such as being physically harmed or taunted, that may reduce or eliminate liability. Another exception applies if the dog was assisting law enforcement or military personnel in official duties, and the bite occurred as part of that work.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite in California?

Dog bite incidents can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and expensive medical treatment, making the question of compensation important for dog bite victims. In California, where strict liability laws apply, victims have the legal right to pursue damages from the dog owner, even if the dog has no history of aggressive behavior.

The average dog bite settlement in California typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000. However, bite settlements can increase significantly depending on the severity of the dog bite injuries, required medical care, and long-term effects such as nerve damage, disfigurement, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Below is a table with a breakdown of settlement amounts:

Real-Life Examples of a Dog Bite Settlement in California

To better understand how dog bite settlements are calculated, let’s consider a real-life case involving our 34-year-old who was bitten by a neighbor’s dog while walking her pet. The dog attack caused puncture wounds to her hand and thigh, leading to extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and lingering emotional trauma. She also suffered anxiety while walking in her neighborhood afterward.

In this case, the dog bite lawsuit resulted in a $120,000 settlement. The compensation covered her medical bills, psychological counseling, time off work, and pain and suffering. Because the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance had solid insurance coverage, our dog bite lawyer was able to negotiate a favorable settlement without going to trial.

In another instance, a child was bitten on the face by a relative’s service dog at a family gathering. The case resulted in a wrongful death claim after complications arose from infection. Though rare, such extreme cases demonstrate that some dog bite cases can exceed several hundred thousand dollars or more. In all scenarios, it’s important to report the incident to local animal control authorities and seek immediate medical attention. 

What Factors Influence a Dog Bite Settlement in California?

Several critical factors can influence how much a dog bite settlement in California is worth. From the severity of the dog bite injury to the emotional impact on the victim, every element of a case plays a role in shaping the outcome.

The factors include:

How Severe Are the Victims’ Injuries?

The most important factor in determining a dog bite settlement is the severity of the victim’s physical injuries. In cases involving minor injuries, such as surface puncture wounds or scratches, settlements may range from $10,000 to $25,000, especially if minimal medical treatment is needed. However, when the dog bite case involves deep lacerations, nerve damage, or fractures, the compensation tends to be much higher due to the need for extensive medical treatment and the potential for long-term physical effects.

Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or injuries to visible areas like the face or hands often lead to significantly larger settlements because they impact both the victim’s quality of life and emotional well-being. These types of serious injuries can push the value of dog bite-related claims into the six-figure range, especially when supported by medical evaluations, expert opinions, and photographic evidence.

How High Are the Medical Expenses?

Medical costs are another major factor in any dog bite lawsuit. California settlements often reflect not just the victim’s current medical expenses, like emergency room visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy, but also the projected cost of future medical care. If the dog bite injury requires reconstructive surgery or long-term rehabilitation, the personal injury case value will increase accordingly.

Accurate medical documentation plays a key role in establishing the value of the claim. Bills, treatment plans, and doctor’s notes help the dog owner’s insurance company assess the claim more clearly and allow the personal injury attorney to advocate more effectively for full compensation. Most dog bite victims who require ongoing treatment or revision surgeries will see a substantial rise in their bite settlement in California.

Did the Victim Lose Income or Work Time?

Lost wages due to recovery time or frequent medical appointments are commonly included in dog bite settlements. Whether the victim is an hourly employee, a salaried worker, or self-employed, the amount of time taken off work because of the dog bite incident directly affects the compensation owed. In some cases, victims may suffer a loss of future earning capacity, especially if the injuries result in a permanent disability or prevent them from returning to the same line of work.

Self-employed individuals may need to provide business financial records, client invoices, or profit-loss statements to prove lost income. These factors can significantly increase the payout, especially if paired with strong legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney who understands how to build a strong case.

What Emotional or Psychological Effects Did the Bite Cause?

Emotional trauma is often overlooked but plays a significant role in the value of a dog bite compensation claim. Many dog bite victims experience pain and suffering, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or a lasting fear of dogs. When the attack is especially violent or involves children, these emotional injuries are often more pronounced and can greatly affect the victim’s daily life.

Therapy records, psychiatric evaluations, or documentation from mental health providers are essential to support claims of emotional distress. California law recognizes that dog bite injuries go beyond the physical, and settlements often reflect both the physical pain and the psychological impact of the attack. The more substantial the emotional harm, the higher the potential value of the dog bite case.

Was the Victim Partially at Fault?

While California uses a strict liability standard for most dog bite cases, the state also follows comparative negligence rules. This means that if the dog bite victim is found to have provoked the dog, trespassed, or acted in a way that contributed to the incident, their compensation may be reduced. For instance, pulling a dog’s tail, entering a gated yard without permission, or antagonizing a known aggressive dog could affect liability.

However, these situations can be complicated. An experienced dog bite attorney can help present evidence that counters accusations of shared fault and protects the victim’s rights under California law. Legal counsel is especially important when dealing with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or local animal control authorities, who may attempt to shift blame to reduce the insurer’s bite settlement payout.

If you’re curious to calculate your own settlement, try our calculator:

How to Maximize Your Dog Bite Settlement in California

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, taking the right steps early on can greatly impact your dog bite settlement in California. The actions you take after the attack will help determine the strength of your dog bite case, the value of your personal injury lawsuit, and how effectively your dog bite attorney can advocate for you.

The first and most critical step is to seek immediate medical attention. Not only is this essential for your health, but it also creates a clear, time-stamped record of your dog bite injuries, which is vital in any personal injury case. From minor injuries to severe injuries, medical care establishes the physical impact of the dog attack and supports your claim for medical bills, hospital costs, and future treatment.

Next, make sure to report the dog bite to your local animal control authorities or the police. This official record is a key piece of evidence, especially when proving liability under California’s strict liability rule, which holds dog owners responsible for injuries their pets cause, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. Reporting also helps in identifying patterns of aggressive behavior or violations of local dog bite statutes.

Gathering evidence at the scene is another crucial step. Take photos of the bite injuries, the location of the incident, and, if possible, the dog itself. Witness statements, medical documentation, and any communication with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance can significantly strengthen your case. These records help your personal injury lawyer prove the extent of your emotional trauma, medical expenses, and any lost wages due to time away from work.

Furthermore, avoid speaking to the dog owner’s insurance company or their adjusters without guidance from a legal professional. Insurance companies often try to minimize bite settlements in California, offering lowball amounts that fail to cover the true cost of medical treatment, pain and suffering, or long-term psychological effects like post-traumatic stress disorder. A skilled dog bite lawyer will protect your rights and negotiate aggressively to secure a fair dog bite compensation package.

It’s also smart to document your recovery. Keeping a detailed journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, and the progression of your physical injuries can demonstrate the day-to-day impact of the dog bite injury. Emotional documentation is especially important when seeking damages for emotional distress and mental anguish, which are common in dog bite-related claims, especially after attacks that leave disfigurement or cause anxiety around dogs.

Additionally, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is one of the best ways to maximize your settlement. With extensive knowledge of California dog bite laws, a dedicated attorney understands how to calculate what your dog bite case is worth, file within the necessary deadlines, and fight for full compensation from the dog owner’s insurance coverage. At Novian & Novian, we’ve handled numerous dog bite lawsuits, securing favorable results for victims needing support for both medical costs and emotional recovery.

Finally, never rush to settle your claim too early. Many dog bite victims accept quick offers before the full scope of their physical pain, emotional impact, or ongoing medical attention becomes clear. Waiting until you understand the total effect of the dog bite ensures you are compensated fairly for all current and future damages.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in California?

Under California law, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim is two years from the date of the incident. This time limit applies to most personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite cases, and if you fail to file within that period, you may lose your legal right to pursue compensation for your hospital bills, emotional trauma, or pain and suffering.

For dog bite victims who are minors, the two-year countdown typically begins when the child turns 18. This exception gives families more time to seek justice and recovery for young victims who may suffer nerve damage, scarring, or long-term psychological consequences from dog attacks.

However, if the dog bite incident involves a government entity, such as a service dog attack by law enforcement, the timeline to file a claim may be much shorter, sometimes as little as six months. Government-related dog bite claims are subject to special notice requirements and deadlines that can drastically impact your case if missed.

Need Help Getting the Most From Your Dog Bite Payout?

Remember, the value of your bite settlement depends on several factors, including the severity of your dog bite injury, the amount of medical bills, whether you missed work, and how deeply the incident impacted your emotional health. California’s strict liability laws are designed to protect dog bite victims, but navigating the claims process, especially with the dog owner’s insurance company, can be overwhelming without professional support.

At Novian & Novian, we are one of the top-rated personal injury law firms in California with decades of success in representing our clients. We understand what it takes to build a strong personal injury case, negotiate with insurance providers, and maximize every client’s dog bite payout. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a free consultation!

FAQs

How Can I File a Dog Bite Claim in California?

Start by seeking immediate medical attention, then report the incident to local animal control or police. Contact an experienced dog bite attorney to help you file a personal injury claim within the two-year statute of limitations.

Can I Sue if the Dog Bit Me in a Public Place?

Yes, under California’s strict liability law, you can sue the dog owner if you were bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. The owner is responsible regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.

What if the Owner Says It Was My Fault?

California follows comparative negligence, so even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of the blame.

Will the Dog Be Euthanized if I File a Claim?

Filing a claim does not automatically result in euthanasia. Local animal control authorities will investigate and decide based on the dog’s history and the severity of the attack.

How Quickly Can You Receive a Dog Bite Payout?

Many dog bite claims settle within a few months, but complex cases involving serious injuries may take a year or more. Having a lawyer helps speed up negotiations and ensures fair compensation.

What Dog Bite Cases Can Lead to Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death claims may arise if a dog attack results in fatal injuries, such as severe bleeding, infection, or complications in vulnerable victims like children or the elderly. These cases can lead to substantial settlements or court verdicts.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in California?

Get immediate medical care, report the bite to animal control, and gather evidence like photos and witness statements. Then, speak with a qualified dog bite attorney to protect your rights and start your claim.