How Much Is a Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth in California?

 Posted on June 23, 2025 in Personal Injury

A dog bite can cause more than physical injuries; it can also cause serious emotional trauma and financial strain. If you suffered an injury from a dog attack, a Glendale, CA dog bite injury attorney can help you determine what your claim is worth based on the unique details of the incident.

What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in California?

California follows a strict liability rule under Civil Code § 3342, favoring victims in most cases and holding dog owners liable for damages. Settlements and verdicts vary, but the final amount depends on the severity of the injury, the strength of the evidence, and the long-term effects of the attack.

In California, dog bite injury claims often range from $30,000 to $200,000 or more. California has led the country in the frequency and cost of dog bite claims for years, and the most recent data from 2023 shows that the average claim was around $68,000.

Severe cases can be worth substantially more. For example, one of the most severe local cases involved a 74-year-old Van Nuys woman whose arm was nearly severed by a dog adopted from the city shelter. In June 2024, the Los Angeles City Council approved a $7.5 million settlement for her devastating injuries. The extreme medical harm and the shelter’s failure to warn increased the value of her claim.

What Factors Impact How Much a Dog Bite Claim Is Worth?

Several factors can affect the potential value of a dog bite case in California: 

• Extent of physical injuries: Deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, scarring, or disfigurement typically result in higher compensation.

• Cost of medical treatment: More severe injuries result in more extensive medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.

• Lost wages and income: If you miss work or cannot return to your job, you may be entitled to those financial losses as well.

• Emotional trauma and pain: Long-lasting psychological distress can add to non-economic damages, meaning the losses with no inherent monetary value.

• Insurance coverage: Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover the claim, but coverage varies.

If you are found partially at fault for the incident, California’s comparative negligence rules could reduce your award by a percentage equal to your percentage of fault. Provoking the dog, ignoring warning signs, or trespassing can result in shared liability.

Can I Recover Damages Beyond Medical Expenses for a Dog Bite Injury in California?

In California, dog bite victims can pursue both economic damages, such as medical expenses, and non-economic damages. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish are common types of non-economic losses in personal injury cases. If a lawsuit is necessary, victims must file within the two-year statute of limitations under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, working with an attorney increases your chances of settling the case outside the courtroom.

Contact a Los Angeles, CA Dog Bite Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you were bitten by a dog, you must act quickly to protect your rights. An experienced LA County, CA dog attack injury lawyer at Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. will investigate the attack, gather evidence, handle insurance negotiations, and identify all recoverable damages. Every dog bite case is different, and working with a legal representative who understands the complexities of personal injury law can profoundly impact the outcome of your case. Call 818-242-8201 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted attorney today.