Children and Dog Bites: Special Legal Considerations in California

California's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Unlike many states that follow a "one bite rule" (where owners are only liable if they knew their dog was dangerous), California imposes strict liability on dog owners for bite injuries. This means the owner is responsible regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression before.

This law applies when the victim was either in a public place (like a park or sidewalk) or lawfully on private property (such as a guest, mail carrier, or service provider). If the victim was trespassing, the strict liability protection may not apply.

Special Legal Protections for Child Victims

California law provides additional considerations when dog bite victims are children, recognizing their unique vulnerability:

Children Cannot Be Held to Adult Standards

One of the most common defenses dog owners use is provocation — arguing the victim caused the bite through their own behavior. However, courts recognize that young children, especially those under 5, cannot be expected to understand how to interact safely with dogs.

Actions that might constitute "provocation" by an adult — such as approaching a dog too quickly, making loud noises, or touching a dog's food bowl — are not held against young children. The law acknowledges that children are naturally curious and may not recognize warning signs of aggression.

Severity of Injuries

Children typically sustain more severe injuries from dog bites than adults for several reasons:

• Their smaller stature puts their face and head at the same level as many dogs
• Facial and head injuries are far more common in child victims
• Children's skin is thinner and more susceptible to deep tissue damage
• Scarring and disfigurement may require multiple reconstructive surgeries as the child grows

Psychological Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, children often experience significant psychological trauma after a dog bite. This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety around dogs or animals generally, nightmares, and fear of going outside. These psychological impacts are compensable under California law and often require professional therapy to address.

What to Do After Your Child is Bitten by a Dog

Types of Compensation Available

Parents of children injured by dog bites may be entitled to several categories of compensation:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses — Emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, follow-up appointments
• Future medical costs — Reconstructive surgery, scar revision, ongoing therapy
• Lost wages — If parents miss work to care for the injured child
• Home modifications — If severe injuries require accommodations

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering — Physical pain from the injury and treatment
• Emotional distress — Anxiety, PTSD, fear, and psychological trauma
• Disfigurement — Permanent scarring, especially facial scars
• Loss of enjoyment — Inability to participate in activities the child previously enjoyed

Common Defenses Dog Owners Use

While California's strict liability law is powerful, dog owners may attempt several defenses:

Provocation

The owner may argue the child provoked the dog. As discussed above, this defense is significantly weakened when the victim is a young child who cannot be held to adult behavioral standards.

Trespassing

If the child was trespassing on private property when bitten, strict liability may not apply. However, there are exceptions — for example, if the child was too young to understand the concept of trespassing, or if the property was not adequately secured.

Assumption of Risk

The owner might argue the victim knowingly accepted the risk of being bitten. This defense rarely succeeds against child victims, who cannot legally consent to risks they don't fully understand.

Statute of Limitations

California's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury. However, special rules apply when the victim is a minor:

• The statute of limitations may be "tolled" (paused) until the child turns 18
• This means a child has until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit
• Despite this extended timeline, acting promptly is crucial — evidence fades, witnesses forget, and the dog owner may move or become uninsured