Dog Bites matters in Santa Cruz
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 lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten before. This is far more favorable to victims than the "one free bite" rule used in some states, because the owner cannot escape responsibility simply by claiming the dog had never shown aggression or had always seemed gentle.
In Santa Cruz County, bites happen in residential neighborhoods, on the popular beach paths and park trails where dogs are walked, near apartment complexes and vacation rentals, and when delivery workers, mail carriers, and visitors enter a property where a dog is not properly restrained. The county's many off-leash and dog-friendly areas can lead to encounters that turn dangerous when an owner fails to control an aggressive animal. Many of the most serious attacks involve children, who are closer to a dog's level and more likely to suffer facial and neck injuries that require surgery and leave permanent scars.
Injuries, Compensation, and Insurance
Dog bite injuries range from puncture wounds and lacerations to nerve damage, broken bones, infection, and disfiguring scars. Beyond the physical harm, victims, especially children, often suffer lasting emotional trauma and a fear of dogs that affects daily life. A claim can seek compensation for medical bills, future reconstructive or scar-revision surgery, lost income, and the pain and emotional distress the attack caused.
In many cases the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy provides the source of recovery. Identifying that coverage and documenting the full extent of the injuries, including future medical needs, is central to a fair result. Photographs of the wounds at each stage of healing and a complete medical record are powerful evidence.
Protecting Your Claim After a Santa Cruz Dog Bite
Seek medical care right away, because bite wounds carry a high risk of infection and some require immediate treatment. Report the bite to Santa Cruz County animal control or local authorities so there is an official record, and try to identify the dog and its owner. Photograph your injuries and the location, and keep the names of any witnesses.
Lawsuits arising from Santa Cruz dog bites are generally filed in the Santa Cruz County Superior Court on Water Street, and under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 you generally have two years to file. Attorney Ghazaryan handles the insurer and the investigation directly, so you can focus on recovering while the claim moves forward.
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.