[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/california-dog-bite-laws-one-free-bite-rule\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/california-dog-bite-laws-one-free-bite-rule\/","headline":"California Dog Bite Laws: Do Dogs Get One Free Bite?","name":"California Dog Bite Laws: Do Dogs Get One Free Bite?","description":"With nearly 90 million domesticated dogs in the United States, it should come as no surprise that each year about 4.5 million people are attacked or bitten by dogs. Depending on the circumstances and where the injury happened, the victim may also pursue an injury claim based on the dog owner\u2019s negligence or \u201cstrict liability\u201d dog bite law that makes the owner liable regardless of the animal\u2019s history or the owner\u2019s carelessness.","datePublished":"2020-10-15","dateModified":"2026-03-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/author\/admin\/#Person","name":"Samer Habbas, Esq","url":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/author\/admin\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/328046d5a3bfc49c9999e96862d136a3f4bc810c33ae5a18d4d702bce2c20ecf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/328046d5a3bfc49c9999e96862d136a3f4bc810c33ae5a18d4d702bce2c20ecf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Samer Habbas & Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/1241504_HabbasLogoUpdates_Logo1_Op1Black_060822-scaled.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/1241504_HabbasLogoUpdates_Logo1_Op1Black_060822-scaled.jpg","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/one-bite-rule-dog-bite-law.png","url":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/one-bite-rule-dog-bite-law.png","height":338,"width":510},"url":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/california-dog-bite-laws-one-free-bite-rule\/","about":["Dog Bites"],"wordCount":575,"articleBody":"With nearly 90 million domesticated dogs in the United States, it should come as no surprise that each year about 4.5 million people are attacked or bitten by dogs. Depending on the circumstances and where the injury happened, the victim may also pursue an injury claim based on the dog owner\u2019s negligence or \u201cstrict liability\u201d dog bite law that makes the owner liable regardless of the animal\u2019s history or the owner\u2019s carelessness.What is California\u2019s \u201cOne Bite Rule\u201d?Under the \u201cone bite rule\u201d, a dog owner is held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog might act in a dangerous or harmful way. The name of this theory stems from the notion that a dog gets one free bite, and after that, the owner is aware of and responsible for the animal\u2019s vicious propensities.However, since California is considered a strict liability state, it does not recognize the \u201cone bite\u201d law at all. Under a strict liability cause of action, a plaintiff does not have the burden of proving a breach of duty. The mere fact that the dog bit another individual automatically establishes the breached duty of the dog\u2019s owner. As such, under the doctrine of strict liability, a dog owner may be held liable, regardless of the degree of care exercised, for damages or injuries caused by themselves or their property (i.e. dog).Compensation Allowed to Dog Bite VictimsDog bite and attacks can result in serious injuries that wreak havoc on the victims\u2019 financial livelihood. If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the dog\u2019s owner for the following:Past and future medical billsLoss of earning capacityLoss of wagesPain and sufferingEmotional and mental anguishOut of pocket expenses related to the caseWith the help of an aggressive and competent Orange County dog bite lawyer, they can help you get the full compensation that you deserve for the injuries you have suffered.Contact an Experienced Dog Bite AttorneyIf you or a loved has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should discuss your legal options with an attorney as you may be entitled to compensation. The Orange County dog bite attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates advocate for their clients\u2019 full financial recovery through hard work and an aggressive approach. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our attorneys, please call 888-848-5084.With nearly 90 million domesticated dogs in the United States, it should come as no surprise that each year about 4.5 million people are attacked or bitten by dogs. Depending on the circumstances and where the injury happened, the victim may also pursue an injury claim based on the dog owner\u2019s negligence or \u201cstrict liability\u201d dog bite law that makes the owner liable regardless of the animal\u2019s history or the owner\u2019s carelessness.Contact an Experienced\u00a0Dog Bite AttorneyIf you or a loved has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you should discuss your legal options with an attorney as you may be entitled to compensation. The\u00a0Orange County dog bite attorneys\u00a0at the\u00a0Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates\u00a0advocate for their clients\u2019 full financial recovery through hard work and an aggressive approach. For more information or to\u00a0schedule a complimentary consultation\u00a0with one of our attorneys, please call 888-848-5084."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"California Dog Bite Laws: Do Dogs Get One Free Bite?","item":"https:\/\/www.habbaspilaw.com\/california-dog-bite-laws-one-free-bite-rule\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]