Dog Bites matters in Colusa
California's Strict Liability Dog-Bite Law
California is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is generally liable when their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, even if the dog never bit anyone before and the owner had no reason to think it was dangerous. Unlike in some states, there is no "one free bite" rule. This is a significant protection for victims, because it means you usually do not have to prove the owner was careless — only that you were lawfully present and the dog bit you.
This matters in a rural county like Colusa, where dogs are common on farms, rural homesteads, and properties scattered along the county roads. Loose or poorly contained dogs, working dogs that turn on a visitor, and animals that rush a delivery driver, meter reader, or neighbor are recurring sources of serious bite injuries here.
Where and How Bites Happen Near Colusa
In the City of Colusa and the surrounding county, bites happen in front yards and on porches, at parks and along sidewalks, on rural properties where gates are left open, and when a dog escapes onto a public road. Children are especially vulnerable because they are at face level with a dog and may not recognize warning signs. Bites to the face and hands can require surgery and leave permanent scarring, and the psychological impact of an attack can last for years, particularly for a young child.
Postal carriers, package delivery drivers, utility workers, and others who must enter properties as part of their job are also frequently bitten in rural areas where dogs roam. When these workers are lawfully on the property, the strict liability protections generally apply to them as well.
Compensation and Insurance
A dog-bite claim can seek compensation for medical bills, future reconstructive or scar-revision surgery, lost income, and the physical and emotional pain of the attack. Coverage frequently comes from the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, which is why identifying the right policy is an important early step. We also gather animal control records and the bite history when available, since prior incidents can strengthen a claim and matter for public safety. In some cases a landlord or another party who controlled the property may share responsibility.
Treatment and Local Handling
Emergency treatment for a serious bite often begins at Colusa Medical Center, with severe cases transported toward Sacramento for specialized or reconstructive care. Documenting the wounds early, including photographs before they heal, helps establish the true extent of the harm. If the owner disputes responsibility and litigation becomes necessary, the case is generally filed at the Colusa County Superior Court in the City of Colusa. We handle the claim from start to finish, deal with the insurer, and keep you informed in your preferred language so you can focus on healing.
Our attorney
How Mihran M. Ghazaryan helps with dog bites
California holds dog owners strictly liable, and Mihran M. Ghazaryan works directly with the owner's homeowners or renters insurer so families aren't put in the position of suing a neighbor out of pocket. He documents the bite, the medical treatment, and any scarring with the seriousness these injuries — especially to children — deserve.
Types of dog bite injuries we handle
Children's dog bites
Scarring on a child has a long arc. We document the injury carefully and, when appropriate, hold the recovery in a court-supervised account.
Postal carrier and delivery worker bites
Workers' compensation and the homeowner's policy can both apply. We coordinate to maximize total recovery.
Multi-dog incidents and provocation defenses
Strict liability has narrow exceptions. We address provocation defenses head-on with witness work and documentation.
Damages
What compensation can cover
Every dog bite injury claim is different, but California law allows injured plaintiffs to seek several categories of damages. We build each one with documentation — medical records, wage statements, expert opinions — so nothing is left on the table.
Medical expenses
Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and the future treatment your providers say you'll need.
Lost wages
Income you lost while recovering — and, where the injury affects your ability to work, diminished future earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the ways the injury has changed how you live day to day.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged in the incident.
Out-of-pocket costs
Transportation to appointments, medical equipment, household help, and the other expenses an injury forces on you.
How we work
- 1
Free, no-pressure consultation
We listen first. We answer your questions. There is no fee for the initial conversation — and you decide whether to engage us at the end of it.
- 2
Investigation and evidence preservation
Police reports, scene photos, witness statements, vehicle data, surveillance video, medical records. The earlier we collect, the harder it is for the other side to reshape the story later.
- 3
Treatment, demand, and negotiation
We coordinate with your providers, document the full extent of damages — medical, lost income, pain — and present a demand backed by evidence. We push back firmly when an insurer lowballs.
- 4
Litigation when necessary
Most matters settle. When an insurer refuses to be reasonable, we file. Preparing every case as if it will be tried is what makes the settlement number move.
What to do right away
- Get medical attention; rabies and infection risk drive immediate care.
- Report the bite to animal control and request a copy of the report.
- Photograph wounds at intake and during healing — scarring damages depend on documentation.
- Get the owner's homeowners or renters insurance information.
- Call us before signing anything.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Deadlines that matter
Most California personal-injury claims must be filed within two years of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Miss the window and the court will almost always dismiss the case, no matter how strong it is.
Claims against government entities are much shorter — generally a written claim within six months (Government Code §911.2). Crashes involving city vehicles, public buses, or dangerous public-road conditions can fall under this rule.
Exceptions exist in both directions — discovery rules, minors, continuing violations, out-of-state defendants — so don't assume your deadline has passed or that you have time to spare. Call (818) 539-7969 and we'll tell you exactly where you stand.