Yes, there are narrow exceptions under California law.  The following circumstances could be used by a dog owner to escape legal liability (fault) if:

  1. The dog bite victim was a trespasser, and it was not a foreseeable trespasser (meaning the dog owner had no reason to expect the potential trespass in the past for example);
  2. The dog bite victim was a veterinarian doctor who was treating the dog medically at the time of the incident or dog bite;
  3. The dog bite victim was committing a felony;
  4. The dog bite victim provoked the dog; (also known as "contributory negligence")
  5. The dog who bit or attacked another was assisting the police or the military at the time of the incident/attack or dog bite.

There is a possibility for the California dog bite victim to enact or direct a legal claim to other (or against) possible defendants, including employers, landlords and dog breeders. It is even possible to make a claim against someone who negligently entrusted a dog to another person who could not control it, like a child. Claims against people other than the owner might be crucial under certain circumstances, such as when the dog owner lacks insurance.  However, to obtain legal liability of any other party you generally have to prove that the other party knew of the dangerous propensities of the dog, and where the dog was located (like for landlord dog bite negligence for instance).

Have You Been Injured From a Dog Bite at Work?

If you've suffered a dog bite injury, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 619-813-7955 to schedule your free consultation with one of our California dog bite lawyers. Our award winning team has been servicing clients since 1999 throughout San Diego, California.

Mark Blane
Connect with me
San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer | California Car Accident Attorney