Dog bites are among the most traumatic injuries a child can experience—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. According to national data, children account for a significant percentage of dog bite victims, often suffering injuries to the face, head, and neck due to their height and inability to protect themselves. In Riverside, where suburban neighborhoods meet busier urban areas, dog attacks happen far too often—whether at a park, a neighbor’s home, or on a quiet residential street.
Unlike adults, children are not only more likely to be bitten, but they also face longer recovery times and greater emotional trauma. A single dog bite can result in permanent scarring, costly surgeries, fear of animals, and post-traumatic stress. For parents, the aftermath can be overwhelming—and knowing your legal rights is essential.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we understand how devastating these cases are for families. That’s why we’re committed to helping parents and guardians hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the compensation needed for a child’s full recovery. You don’t have to face this alone.
When it comes to dog attacks, children are among the most vulnerable—and the most severely affected. Their natural curiosity, smaller size, and lack of experience around animals make them especially susceptible to serious injuries.
Children are often bitten on the face, head, or neck, simply because of their height. Dogs that feel startled or threatened tend to react quickly and may target a child who unknowingly invades their space. Children may approach dogs to hug, pet, or play with them—behaviors that dogs can misinterpret as threatening.
Unlike adults, children don’t always recognize warning signs like growling or raised fur. They may not know when to back away or how to react if a dog becomes aggressive. And in the event of an attack, most young children lack the strength or reflexes to protect themselves, making them more likely to suffer serious wounds or multiple bites.
The trauma of a dog bite goes far beyond the physical injury. Children can suffer long-term psychological effects, including:
In many cases, emotional recovery requires professional therapy and long-term care, adding to the financial and emotional burden on families.
If your child has been bitten by a dog in Riverside, it’s important to understand how California law protects victims—especially minors. Fortunately, the law is on your side. California has one of the most victim-friendly legal standards for dog bite cases in the country.
Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are subject to strict liability for bites. That means the owner is legally responsible for injuries regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression before or if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
There is no “one free bite” rule in California. If the dog bit your child and meets certain conditions, the owner can be held accountable.
Strict liability applies as long as the bite occurred while your child was:
Even if the dog was leashed or the bite happened on the owner’s property, they are still liable if your child had a legal right to be there.
One of the most important advantages for families in California is that you don’t need to prove the dog owner was careless or negligent. You only need to show:
This legal structure helps simplify the case and allows parents to focus on their child’s healing while a skilled attorney handles the legal process.
In California, liability for a dog bite doesn’t always stop with the dog’s owner. Depending on where the incident occurred and the circumstances surrounding the attack, multiple parties may share responsibility. Understanding who can be held accountable is critical to securing the compensation your child needs and deserves.
Under California’s strict liability statute, the dog’s owner is almost always the first and most obvious party responsible. If their dog bit your child in a public place or while your child was lawfully on private property, they are financially liable—regardless of whether the dog has a prior history of aggression.
If a landlord or property owner knew (or should have known) about a dangerous dog on the premises and failed to take reasonable action to prevent harm, they may also be held liable. This commonly applies in:
For example, if the property owner ignored complaints or failed to enforce leash or containment rules, they may share legal responsibility.
If the bite occurred on commercial property—such as a pet-friendly store, dog daycare, or outdoor café—the business may bear responsibility for failing to provide a safe environment. Liability can apply if:
In some cases, dog walkers, pet sitters, or caretakers may be liable if the bite occurred under their supervision. For instance, if a dog walker failed to leash the animal or allowed it to roam in a public park, they may be held responsible for any injuries caused.
A dog bite injury involving a child doesn’t just affect the young victim—it impacts the entire family. Between emergency medical care, emotional trauma, and time away from work, the costs can add up quickly. At Tim D. Wright Law, we fight to ensure your family receives full and fair compensation for both the short-term and long-term effects of the attack.
Children often require extensive medical attention for dog bites, including:
We work with pediatric and medical experts to calculate both current and future medical needs so you’re not left with unexpected bills years down the road.
Injuries caused by dog bites often result in:
These intangible damages are real, and your family deserves to be compensated for the trauma your child has endured.
The emotional toll of a dog attack on a child can be long-lasting. Many young victims require:
We include all necessary mental health treatment in your claim, because healing isn’t just physical.
Facial scars, nerve damage, and visible injuries can affect a child’s self-esteem, social development, and emotional well-being for years to come. We pursue damages for:
Caring for an injured child often means time away from work, lost income, or even reduced employment. We help parents recover:
In extreme cases—such as when a dog owner knowingly allowed a dangerous or unrestrained dog to remain near children—punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish reckless behavior and prevent similar harm to others.
When your child has been injured by a dog, you deserve answers, justice, and peace of mind. At Tim D. Wright Law, we understand the pain and uncertainty families face after such a traumatic event. That’s why we’re here to stand with you, fight for you, and help secure the compensation your child needs to heal—physically, emotionally, and financially.
Protect your child’s future. Get the legal support you need today.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
📍 Office Address:
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
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