A dog bite can turn an ordinary walk through your Pasadena neighborhood into a medical and legal crisis. One moment, you are greeting a neighbor’s pet or passing a yard. Next thing, you are dealing with puncture wounds, bleeding, fear, and questions about who will pay for your medical bills.
At the Law Offices of Pius Joseph, we have represented injury victims across Los Angeles County for more than 30 years. Attorney Pius Joseph, an experienced Pasadena dog bite attorney, has secured millions in settlements and verdicts across various case types. We have won personal injury cases at over 90 percent because we prepare every case for trial and do not back down from aggressive litigation when necessary.
If you are searching for a dog bite lawyer in Pasadena, CA, who will take your case seriously from day one, call us for a free consultation and speak directly with our legal team about your legal options.
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How Does California Law Hold a Dog Owner Responsible for a Bite?
California law provides strong protections for injury victims in dog-bite cases. Under Civil Code 3342, often referred to as the strict liability rule, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property.
You do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You do not need to show prior knowledge of aggressive behavior. If the bite occurred and you were lawfully present, strict liability generally applies.
This standard differs from states that require proof of negligence or a prior bite. In Pasadena and throughout California, the law focuses on the harm caused. That simplifies part of the legal process, yet insurance claims still face pushback from insurers.
In some cases, additional claims may arise if you can prove negligence beyond the bite. For example, if the dog caused property damage or knocked you down, leading to traumatic brain injuries, separate negligence claims may apply.
