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