Dog Bites matters in Salinas
California's strict-liability dog bite law
California is a "strict liability" state for dog bites. Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog's owner is generally liable when their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property, even if the dog had never shown aggression before and the owner had no reason to expect it. This is a stronger protection for victims than the "one free bite" rule that applies in some other states. Liability for other injuries a dog causes — such as knocking someone down — can also arise under ordinary negligence and local leash laws.
Bites happen throughout Salinas: while walking along streets in North Salinas, Santa Rita, and Las Casitas, in parks and on trails, at the homes of friends and neighbors, and during deliveries. Children are especially vulnerable and often suffer facial injuries.
Documenting injuries and insurance
Dog-bite wounds carry real risks of infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring, and victims are frequently treated at Natividad Medical Center on Natividad Road or Salinas Valley Health Medical Center on Abbott Street. Prompt medical care and photographs of the injuries over time are important for both health and the claim. In most cases, compensation comes from the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance rather than out of the owner's pocket, which is why identifying the right policy early matters.
When a child is bitten
Many of the most serious dog-bite cases in Salinas involve children, who are at eye level with a dog and often suffer bites to the face, head, and hands. These injuries can require plastic surgery and leave lasting scars, and they frequently bring emotional trauma that deserves to be taken seriously. California gives minors additional time to bring their own claim, but acting promptly still helps preserve evidence such as the animal-control record and witness accounts. We approach these cases with the sensitivity a family deserves while pursuing full compensation for a child's medical care, scarring, and suffering.
Pursuing your claim in Monterey County
We gather the animal-control report, identify the owner and the property where the attack occurred, and document your treatment and scarring. We also handle these cases with care when the dog's owner is a friend, neighbor, or relative, since the claim is typically against an insurance policy. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, suit is filed in Monterey County Superior Court at the Salinas branch on West Alisal Street or in Monterey. There is no upfront cost, and we are paid an attorney fee only if we recover for you.
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.