Most dog bite cases in California are controlled by Civil Code 3342, which states that a dog owner is liable to the victim for dog bite injuries. This is true so long as the victim was attacked while in a public place or in a private place with permission of the owner. Liability in most dog bite cases depends on the statute and does not depend on the negligence of the dog owner.
Homeowners insurance covers most dog bite injuries.
Insurance companies are required to investigate each dog bite claim and deal in good faith with the victim. Damages in a dog bite case include medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, future plastic surgery costs and psychological counseling, if necesary. The family member who witnesses the dog bite attack may have an emotional distress claim separate from that of the dog bite victim. Special rules apply to minors when they recover money from the insurance company.