Speak To Attorney Now
(707) 422-1202
SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(707) 422-1202
Speak To Attorney Now
(707) 422-1202 SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(707) 422-1202
Dog bites are far more common than most people realize. The Centers for Disease Control reports more than 4.7 million dog bites in the United States each year. Around 800,000 victims seek medical care, and nearly half are children. Young children face the highest risk because they often cannot recognize danger or understand an animal’s boundaries. To a child, a dog may seem like a toy they can hold, pull, or climb on. This innocent behavior can lead to serious injuries.
Many severe attacks involve children. They may grab a dog’s fur, ears, or tail without understanding the consequences. Because dogs cannot speak, biting becomes their only way to react. Some attacks happen even without provocation. Children often run or move quickly, which can trigger a dog’s natural chase instinct. Their small size also makes them easier targets. Research shows that children between five and nine years old have the highest rate of dog bites requiring medical treatment.
California Civil Code section 3342, known as the Dog Bite Statute, states:
“(a) The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
This law uses a strict-liability standard. The dog owner is responsible when their dog bites someone who is legally on the property. The victim does not need to prove that the owner acted carelessly. Even with this protection, payment is not automatic. Many people cannot afford to personally cover medical bills or long-term treatment. A court judgment does not guarantee payment either. It may take years to collect, and a bankruptcy filing can erase the debt.
Recovering compensation often depends on insurance coverage. Homeowners and renters insurance policies frequently cover dog bite claims. These policies can pay for medical care, reconstructive surgery, therapy, and pain and suffering. A Sacramento dog bite attorney can help determine whether insurance exists and how to access that coverage.
A dog bite case can involve many moving parts. An attorney may contact animal control, interview witnesses, or hire an investigator to confirm property ownership and insurance coverage. Your lawyer also gathers medical records and documents any scarring or long-term effects. This information supports claims for emergency care, follow-up treatment, cosmetic procedures, lost income, and emotional harm.
The Choyce Law Firm is led by Dionne E. Choyce, a former prosecutor and experienced trial attorney. He has recovered millions for injured clients in Sacramento and surrounding areas. Mr. Choyce has tried hundreds of jury trials, giving him insight into how insurance companies evaluate claims and how to counter their tactics. Our firm handles dog bite claims with one core promise: NO FEE UNTIL WE WIN.
We understand how stressful a dog bite injury can be, especially when a child is hurt. Our role is to manage the legal and insurance challenges so your family can focus on healing.
A dog bite can cause lasting physical and emotional harm. California law allows victims to seek compensation for medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts, which makes experienced legal support essential. A Sacramento dog bite attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family needs.
Call our Sacramento dog bite injury lawyer at The Choyce Law Firm for a free consultation. We can explain your options, answer your questions, and begin the process of building a strong claim.
Legal deadlines apply to all injury cases, so taking action early is important. Contact us at (916) 306-0636 to speak with a Sacramento dog bite attorney who can guide you through every step of the process.
The Choyce Law Firm
1438 Del Paso Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 306-0636
This is my second time hiring Mr. Choyce for my son, who was charged with a criminal act. Both times that I hired Mr. Choyce, I was very impressed with his knowledge of the law, his professionalism, and the fact that he was relatable. He is trustworthy, tells you the truth about what you are facing. He is organized, he is a very good listener, came up with strategies that were appealing.I can’t say enough good about Mr. Choyce! I knew that he was going to give my son’s case everything he had, and he did!
Hiring the Choyce Law Firm was the best decision I made while trying to decide what to do after getting charged with a 3rd DUI. I tried to use a lawyer that I had previously used when in trouble with the law, he was near retirement and wasn’t able to give my case the attention I was looking for understanding that I was facing jail time. When contacting Mr Choyce we discussed my case and he told me he could help, he even knew my previous attorney. Mr Choyce was aggressive in fighting my case with filing motions on my behalf an trying to get my case dismissed, I was very pleased that he was not just looking to get the first deal the D.A. offered but was aggressively trying to win my case. Although we were not able to get the dismissal we were looking for he was able to keep me out of jail an I was able to serve my sentence on the EHD Program, which allowed me to keep my job an that was very important to me. Mr Choyce also handled a second case for me, I was charged with driving on a suspended license and no registration. Once again Mr Choyce was aggressive with this case and took it to trail an was able to get a not guilty verdict, which saved me a great deal of money in fines that would be pending with a guilty verdict. Overall hiring Mr Choyce and his team was the best decision I made, he provided great service at a respectable rate, an explained things as they were happening and with the charges I was facing I was very happy with the outcome of my cases that he handled. I would strongly recommend Mr Choyce and his team to anyone I know that needs legal representation he knows the law and will provide you with the best service you could hope for form a lawyer that wants to win.
“This is my second time using Mr. Choyce, and I would choose no one other than him. Both times that I hired him, it was for my son, and they were very serious cases. Mr. Choyce is smart, professional, practical, and relatable. He is a serious person, who listens, speaks in laymens terms, so that you understand what is going on. Not like some that I have experience, who talk over you, and dont take the time to really answer your questions.The second case got very close to going to trial, however, I was confident that I had the best of the best representing my son. Thank God that after willing to go to trial, we got a deal that, I think was a win win.I would definitely, without a question, hire Mr. Choyce again!”
In 2024, California introduced some updates to leash laws, particularly to enhance public safety and accountability for dog owners. Although California does not have a universal state leash law, most counties and cities enforce their own leash regulations. These local laws typically require dogs to be on a leash when in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas such as dog parks.
One of the key changes in 2024 is the reinforcement of penalties for dog owners who violate leash laws. If your dog is found off-leash in a restricted area and causes injury, you may face stricter fines and legal consequences. The state also emphasized the use of “smart leashes,” which incorporate GPS and geofencing technologies to help ensure dogs are kept within safe boundaries.
Additionally, Sacramento County has specific ordinances that might require your dog to be leashed even on your private property, such as an unfenced front yard, to prevent any risks to public safety. This is especially important for properties that are easily accessible to the public or where a dog could potentially escape.
At The Choyce Law Firm, we understand the serious consequences that can arise when dog owners fail to follow California’s leash laws. These laws are designed to protect the public from harm and ensure that dogs are properly controlled in public spaces. Unfortunately, when these laws are ignored, the results can be devastating, leading to injuries that could have been prevented.
We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. California’s leash laws require that dogs be on a leash in most public places, which helps prevent accidents and injuries caused by uncontrolled animals. When a dog is not properly restrained, it can lead to severe injuries, including bites, falls, and other traumatic incidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dog owner’s negligence in Sacramento, we’re here to help. Our team is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We’ll guide you through the legal process, gathering evidence and building a strong case to support your claim.
Beginning in 2025, multiple violations of local leash laws within a 12-month period can lead to misdemeanor charges in some counties, including Sacramento. This change reflects a stronger enforcement stance against repeat offenders whose dogs pose an ongoing threat to public safety.
California communities are piloting geo-fenced enforcement zones in sensitive areas such as school zones, public parks, and senior living corridors. Off-leash violations in these zones may result in higher fines or even dog impoundment. This tech-driven approach is being used to reduce dog-related incidents in high-traffic pedestrian areas.
As of 2025, California municipalities have clarified that electronic collars (e-collars) do not legally replace physical leashes. Even if your dog responds to commands or devices, it must still be leashed in areas where local laws require physical restraint.
In response to a rise in dog-related incidents in short-term rentals, cities like Sacramento and San Diego now require hosts to provide guests with leash law disclosures. Failing to do so may result in citations for both the guest and the property owner if an incident occurs on or near the rental property.
In California, the legality of having your dog off a leash depends on the specific location and local regulations. Generally, state law allows municipalities to set their own leash laws, meaning that different cities and counties may have different rules.
In most public places, such as parks, sidewalks, and other common areas, dogs are required to be on a leash. This is to ensure public safety and prevent incidents like bites or accidents. However, there are designated off-leash areas, such as dog parks, where your dog can roam freely. It’s important to be aware of the rules in your area and to always have your dog under control, even in off-leash areas.
If an off-leash dog has caused you injury due to the owner’s negligence, you may have the right to seek legal action. Learn more about dealing with insurance companies after an injury to protect your rights.
Yes, in most cases, it is illegal to let your dog roam freely in California. State and local laws generally require that dogs be kept under control at all times, which typically means being on a leash or confined within your property. Allowing your dog to roam freely, especially in public areas, can lead to significant risks, including injuries to other people, pets, or the dog itself.
If a dog is found roaming without supervision, the owner could face fines, penalties, and even legal liability if the dog causes harm. In situations involving injury, victims may need to pursue a Sacramento personal injury claim to recover medical costs and damages.
In California, whether your dog can be off-leash in your front yard depends largely on local regulations and the specific circumstances of your property. If your front yard is unfenced or accessible to the public, many local laws may still require your dog to be on a leash, even though it’s on your own property. The concern is that an off-leash dog could easily leave the yard, pose a risk to others, or cause an accident.
If your yard is securely fenced and your dog cannot leave the property or interact with others passing by, local leash laws may not apply. However, it’s essential to check your city or county’s specific regulations to ensure you’re in compliance.
If someone else’s dog injured you, even from their own property, you may be eligible to seek damages. This is especially true if you’re dealing with an uninsured or underinsured dog owner.
Smart leashes are advanced, tech-enhanced leashes designed to offer dog owners more control and safety while walking their pets. These leashes often come with features such as retractable cords, reflective materials for visibility in low light, and built-in technology like GPS trackers, LED lights, or even activity monitors.
Some smart leashes are equipped with sensors that can track your dog’s movement, distance walked, and even their health metrics. Others have safety features like automatic locking mechanisms that prevent the leash from extending too far or sudden stops to prevent your dog from running into danger.
If an injury occurs because of a leash malfunction or improper use, the person responsible may be liable. Learn about how umbrella insurance may apply in these scenarios to protect your claim.
If you break Sacramento County’s leash laws, you could face a range of consequences, including fines, penalties, and legal liability, especially if your dog causes injury or damage while off-leash. Leash laws are in place to protect the public and ensure that dogs are under control in public spaces, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
In Sacramento County, if your dog is found off-leash in an area where it’s required to be leashed, you may receive a citation from animal control or law enforcement. Repeat offenses could lead to increased fines and potentially more severe consequences, such as mandatory court appearances.
If your dog causes harm, victims may file a claim under personal injury laws—even if the incident occurred on state or city-owned property. If you’ve been injured and want to speak with a legal team familiar with local ordinances, contact our Sacramento office for guidance.
Whether you or a loved one suffered one single bite, or a more devastating attack, you deserve a personal injury attorney who cares about your situation and is here to help make sure you are fully compensated for your injury. Our American system of law is set up only one way – to repay you for your loss with money. The insurance companies have one job – to pay you as little as possible and keep expenses as low as possible for their company. You must level the playing field by having an attorney on your side, who will fight to make sure justice is done.
Call Sacramento dog bite injury lawyer at The Choyce Law Firm for free consultation today. Our experienced personal injury lawyer is available to give you the answers you need to know immediately and can fight for justice and compensation with integrity and relentless enthusiasm.
It’s important to understand that there are many legal deadlines if you are injured.Give us a call at (916) 306-0636 to speak to a personal injury attorney in Sacramento who can handle your case and take the burden off your hands.
The Choyce Law Firm
1438 Del Paso Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 306-0636
This is my second time hiring Mr. Choyce for my son, who was charged with a criminal act. Both times that I hired Mr. Choyce, I was very impressed with his knowledge of the law, his professionalism, and the fact that he was relatable. He is trustworthy, tells you the truth about what you are facing. He is organized, he is a very good listener, came up with strategies that were appealing.I can’t say enough good about Mr. Choyce! I knew that he was going to give my son’s case everything he had, and he did!
Hiring the Choyce Law Firm was the best decision I made while trying to decide what to do after getting charged with a 3rd DUI. I tried to use a lawyer that I had previously used when in trouble with the law, he was near retirement and wasn’t able to give my case the attention I was looking for understanding that I was facing jail time. When contacting Mr Choyce we discussed my case and he told me he could help, he even knew my previous attorney. Mr Choyce was aggressive in fighting my case with filing motions on my behalf an trying to get my case dismissed, I was very pleased that he was not just looking to get the first deal the D.A. offered but was aggressively trying to win my case. Although we were not able to get the dismissal we were looking for he was able to keep me out of jail an I was able to serve my sentence on the EHD Program, which allowed me to keep my job an that was very important to me. Mr Choyce also handled a second case for me, I was charged with driving on a suspended license and no registration. Once again Mr Choyce was aggressive with this case and took it to trail an was able to get a not guilty verdict, which saved me a great deal of money in fines that would be pending with a guilty verdict. Overall hiring Mr Choyce and his team was the best decision I made, he provided great service at a respectable rate, an explained things as they were happening and with the charges I was facing I was very happy with the outcome of my cases that he handled. I would strongly recommend Mr Choyce and his team to anyone I know that needs legal representation he knows the law and will provide you with the best service you could hope for form a lawyer that wants to win.
“This is my second time using Mr. Choyce, and I would choose no one other than him. Both times that I hired him, it was for my son, and they were very serious cases. Mr. Choyce is smart, professional, practical, and relatable. He is a serious person, who listens, speaks in laymens terms, so that you understand what is going on. Not like some that I have experience, who talk over you, and dont take the time to really answer your questions.The second case got very close to going to trial, however, I was confident that I had the best of the best representing my son. Thank God that after willing to go to trial, we got a deal that, I think was a win win.I would definitely, without a question, hire Mr. Choyce again!”
Getting attacked by a dog can cause a lot of serious injuries that can lead to physical, emotional and financial suffering. California has a strict liability statute which means the owner of the dog is held responsible the moment a bite occurs.
But what happens if the dog is part of a government entity? The first thing you should do if you get attacked by a dog, is contact an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and look to see what the best option is.
Police departments across California use K9 unites to assist in law enforcement. Dogs are extremely intelligent and can help detain a suspect, pursue a suspect, identify a suspect by his scent, detect illegal substances, deter crime, protect officers and control crowds. K9 units are specifically trained to not severely harm individuals, including avoiding any bites in areas such as the neck, face or spinal cord. Although, for the most part government agencies are immune from dog attacks by K9 units, there are times when police dogs attack the wrong person or are not trained in a proper way making them liable in certain situations. Again, the best way to deal with any dog attack is by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney with knowledge and expertise in government entities.
California civil code section 3342 states that no one can bring a lawsuit upon a government entity using a dog in any of the following:
Bite incidents needs to be thoroughly reviewed to determine whether the dog was necessary, the handler issued the correct commands, and the use of force was justified. It’s also important to note down information such as: the severity of the crime, the behavior of the victim, the personal characteristics of the victim such as race and ethnicity should be tracked to determine whether dogs are used against certain people and not others.
Police dogs are extremely dangerous due to the way they were trained. Dogs are taught a bite-and-hold technique for subduing individuals suspected of crimes. This type of technique applies a greater force which results in more serious injuries, including deep puncture wounds, severe crush injuries, large tissue avulsions and lacerations, wounds necessitating surgical debridement, bony injuries ranging from cortical violations to displaced fractures, neurovascular damage and other wounds prone to infections. If you’ve suffered an injury from a police dog, contact a personal injury attorney in Sacramento at The Choyce Law Firmimmediately.
California’s strict liability statute for dog bites, outlined in California Civil Code Section 3342, holds dog owners automatically liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Under this law, if a dog bites someone in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible for any resulting damages, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any risk.
Strict liability means that a dog owner cannot avoid liability by claiming they were unaware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies or that the dog had never bitten anyone before. This law is designed to protect victims by ensuring they can seek compensation for their injuries without needing to prove that the owner acted negligently. The statute applies solely to dog bites and does not cover other injuries that a dog might cause, such as those resulting from being knocked over or scratched.
Victims of dog bites in California can generally pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. California’s strict liability law reflects a strong commitment to public safety, holding pet owners accountable for their animals’ actions and offering clear recourse for bite victims.
Whether you or a loved one suffered one single bite, or a more devastating attack, you deserve an attorney who cares about your situation and is here to help make sure you are fully compensated for your injury. Our American system of law is set up only one way- to repay you for your loss with money. The insurance companies have one job – to pay you as little as possible and keep expenses as low as possible for their company. You must level the playing field by having an attorney on your side, who will fight to make sure justice is done.
Give us a call at (916) 306-0636 to speak to a personal injury attorney in Sacramento who can handle your case and take the burden off your hands.
This is my second time hiring Mr. Choyce for my son, who was charged with a criminal act. Both times that I hired Mr. Choyce, I was very impressed with his knowledge of the law, his professionalism, and the fact that he was relatable. He is trustworthy, tells you the truth about what you are facing. He is organized, he is a very good listener, came up with strategies that were appealing.I can’t say enough good about Mr. Choyce! I knew that he was going to give my son’s case everything he had, and he did!
Hiring the Choyce Law Firm was the best decision I made while trying to decide what to do after getting charged with a 3rd DUI. I tried to use a lawyer that I had previously used when in trouble with the law, he was near retirement and wasn’t able to give my case the attention I was looking for understanding that I was facing jail time. When contacting Mr Choyce we discussed my case and he told me he could help, he even knew my previous attorney. Mr Choyce was aggressive in fighting my case with filing motions on my behalf an trying to get my case dismissed, I was very pleased that he was not just looking to get the first deal the D.A. offered but was aggressively trying to win my case. Although we were not able to get the dismissal we were looking for he was able to keep me out of jail an I was able to serve my sentence on the EHD Program, which allowed me to keep my job an that was very important to me. Mr Choyce also handled a second case for me, I was charged with driving on a suspended license and no registration. Once again Mr Choyce was aggressive with this case and took it to trail an was able to get a not guilty verdict, which saved me a great deal of money in fines that would be pending with a guilty verdict. Overall hiring Mr Choyce and his team was the best decision I made, he provided great service at a respectable rate, an explained things as they were happening and with the charges I was facing I was very happy with the outcome of my cases that he handled. I would strongly recommend Mr Choyce and his team to anyone I know that needs legal representation he knows the law and will provide you with the best service you could hope for form a lawyer that wants to win.
“This is my second time using Mr. Choyce, and I would choose no one other than him. Both times that I hired him, it was for my son, and they were very serious cases. Mr. Choyce is smart, professional, practical, and relatable. He is a serious person, who listens, speaks in laymens terms, so that you understand what is going on. Not like some that I have experience, who talk over you, and dont take the time to really answer your questions.The second case got very close to going to trial, however, I was confident that I had the best of the best representing my son. Thank God that after willing to go to trial, we got a deal that, I think was a win win.I would definitely, without a question, hire Mr. Choyce again!”