Imagine this: You’re walking through your Santa Ana neighborhood on a sunny afternoon, maybe heading to Santiago Park or strolling with your children. Out of nowhere, a dog breaks free from its leash—or rushes out of an open gate—and bites you or a loved one. In just seconds, a calm day turns into a painful, terrifying emergency.
Dog attacks are traumatic and unpredictable. Victims often suffer more than just physical injuries—there’s the emotional shock, potential scarring, time off work, and growing medical expenses. And when the dog owner isn’t cooperative, many victims feel overwhelmed, unsure where to turn for help.
The good news is: you don’t have to handle this alone. California law is clear—dog owners are liable for the harm their pets cause, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
At Tim Wright Law, we’ve helped injured clients across Santa Ana and throughout Southern California recover the compensation they deserve after serious dog bites and animal attacks. Whether the bite occurred in a public park, residential complex, or someone’s backyard, we know how to build a strong case and hold negligent owners accountable.
In California, dog bite victims are protected by one of the most victim-friendly laws in the country—Civil Code § 3342, also known as the strict liability statute. This law holds dog owners directly responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, with few exceptions.
Unlike some states that give dog owners a “free bite” before holding them accountable, California does not require proof that the dog was dangerous or had bitten before. If a dog bites someone:
…the owner is automatically liable for the victim’s injuries. It doesn’t matter if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
The law places the burden squarely on the dog owner, not the victim. This means:
At Tim Wright Law, we use Civil Code § 3342 to your advantage—building a clear and compelling case that shows your right to recover. We’ve helped countless dog bite victims in Santa Ana and beyond receive full compensation without delay.
Under California’s strict liability law, the dog owner is almost always held legally responsible when their dog bites someone. This applies whether the attack happened:
The owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before or was on a leash.
In some cases, a property owner, dog sitter, or caretaker who had custody or control of the dog may also be held liable, especially if they allowed the dog to roam freely or failed to restrain it properly. For example:
These parties can be pursued under general negligence laws, even if they aren’t covered by the strict liability statute.
Landlords in California are generally not automatically liable for a tenant’s dog, but there are exceptions. A landlord may be held responsible if:
These cases are more complex and require thorough investigation, but they may apply in multi-unit housing complexes or rental homes common throughout Santa Ana.
Even if the bite seems minor, don’t delay medical care. Dog bites can lead to:
Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also creates an official medical record linking your injuries to the dog bite—crucial for your claim.
In Santa Ana, all dog bites must be reported to local animal control or law enforcement. This serves several purposes:
You can report bites through Santa Ana Animal Services or the Orange County Animal Care Department, depending on jurisdiction.
If you’re able, take the following steps before leaving the scene:
Preserving evidence early helps your attorney build a strong and timely claim.
Insurance companies may contact you quickly, offering lowball settlements or trying to get recorded statements. Don’t fall for it. You are not required to speak to the dog owner’s insurer—and doing so could hurt your case.
Before signing anything or discussing your injuries, speak with a qualified dog bite attorney. At Tim Wright Law, we handle all communication with insurers so you can focus on healing.
Dog bite injuries often require more than just a trip to the emergency room. Victims may need:
You are entitled to compensation for past, current, and projected medical expenses related to the injury.
Pain from a dog bite isn’t just physical—it can deeply impact your quality of life. California personal injury law allows victims to recover damages for:
These non-economic damages are often substantial, especially in cases involving serious injuries or long recovery times.
Dog attacks are frightening, especially for children. Victims may experience:
You can recover damages for the emotional toll of the incident, particularly when it leads to a diagnosable condition like PTSD.
If your injuries cause you to miss work, reduce your hours, or prevent you from returning to your job at all, you may be entitled to:
We work with economic experts to accurately value these losses and fight for fair and full wage recovery.
Bites to the face, arms, or legs often leave behind visible scars, which can be physically and emotionally devastating. Courts recognize these injuries as serious and permanent—especially if they affect appearance, mobility, or self-esteem.
Victims can recover for the impact of scarring and disfigurement, even after the wounds have healed.
A dog bite can change your life in an instant—physically, emotionally, and financially. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or the trauma of an unprovoked attack, legal guidance early on can make all the difference.
At Tim Wright Law, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to dog bite victims and their families in Santa Ana and throughout Southern California. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you understand your options—without pressure or upfront costs.
Whether your injury happened in a neighborhood, apartment complex, or public park, you deserve experienced, compassionate advocacy. Let us fight for the compensation and justice you need to move forward.
📍 Burbank Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
