Can you sue for pain and suffering for a dog bite?

In California, a victim may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering resulting from a dog attack. Pain and suffering claims are non-economic claims, meaning that they are not associated with a loss of money, per se.

SAN BERNARDINO
DOG BITE ATTORNEY

Q: How long do you have to report a dog bite in California?

A statute of limitations refers to a law outlining how long an individual has to bring specific legal actions against another party. The statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite claims, is two years in California. That means that a San Bernardino dog bite victim seeking compensation has two years from the day that the dog attack occurred to file a claim against the dog’s owner.

Q: Can you sue for a Minor Dog Bite in California?

Although a minor dog bite may not result in visible severe injuries, they are often associated with pain, suffering, and psychological trauma. Dog bite victims, particularly children, are likely to be diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a dog attack. Regardless of how minor the dog attack may initially seem, it is wise to contact a San Bernardino dog bite attorney to review your case, as you may still be entitled to compensation under California law.

Q: What is a Level 4 dog bite?

A Level 4 dog bite is an injury categorized by one to four puncture wounds from one bite where one or more of the puncture wounds are deeper than half of the length of an animal’s teeth. Level 4 dog bites typically occur when the dog holds on to the victim for an extended period or shakes its head from side to side while the victim is in its grip. Level 4 dog bites often feature deep bruises around the bite wound or lacerations occurring in multiple directions.

Dog Bite Lawyer - Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates representing victims of dog attacks in San Bernardino County — Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Quick Answer: If you’ve been bitten by a dog in San Bernardino County, California law holds the dog’s owner strictly liable for your injuries under Civil Code Section 3342—meaning you may be entitled to compensation even if the dog has never shown aggression before. The San Bernardino dog bite attorneys at Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates offer free consultations and handle claims on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Key Points:

California’s strict liability law means dog owners are responsible for bite injuries even without prior aggressive behavior. Source: California Civil Code § 3342
You have two years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite lawsuit in California. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates
Our firm has recovered significant settlements for dog bite victims, including a $785,000 settlement for physical and psychological injuries. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates
Free consultation with no upfront fees—we work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates
Our Ontario office conveniently serves San Bernardino County residents with experienced trial-ready attorneys. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Dog Bite Statistics: California Leads the Nation

California consistently reports more dog bite incidents and insurance claims than any other state. According to the Insurance Information Institute, California recorded 2,417 dog bite claims in 2024, with an average payout of $86,229 per claim—the highest in the nation. Nationally, homeowners insurers paid out a record $1.57 billion for dog-related injury claims in 2024. Source: Insurance Information Institute, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, with about 885,000 requiring medical attention. Children between ages 5 and 9 face the highest risk of serious injury from dog attacks. Source: CDC, 2024

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in the Inland Empire—whether in San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, or surrounding communities—understanding your legal rights is essential. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers have extensive experience handling dog bite claims and can help you pursue fair compensation.

California Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability Explained

California’s Dog Bite Statute (Civil Code Section 3342) holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause—regardless of whether the animal has ever shown aggressive behavior before. Unlike some states that follow a “one-bite rule,” California does not require proof that the owner knew their dog was dangerous. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Strict liability applies when the bite victim was:

In a public place, or
Lawfully on private property (including invited guests, mail carriers, and service workers)

The only major exception to California’s strict liability law is provocation. If the victim provoked the dog, the owner may have a defense. However, determining what constitutes provocation requires careful legal analysis. Children, for example, may unknowingly provoke dogs through normal behavior that a court would not consider legal provocation.

Types of Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims in San Bernardino may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Understanding the full scope of damages in lawsuits helps ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care
Lost wages: Income lost while recovering, including future earning capacity if injuries cause permanent disability
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma related to the attack
Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring, which may require reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
Psychological trauma: Treatment for PTSD, anxiety disorders, and phobias that commonly develop after dog attacks
Wrongful death damages: In fatal dog attack cases, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of support, and loss of companionship

What to Do After a Dog Bite in San Bernardino

Taking the right steps after a dog attack can significantly impact both your health and your legal claim. Here’s what San Bernardino dog bite victims should do: Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Dog bites can cause serious infections, nerve damage, and other complications. Even seemingly minor bites require medical evaluation. You may need vaccinations (tetanus, rabies), antibiotics, or wound care. Prompt medical treatment also creates documentation essential for your legal claim. If you’ve suffered a serious brain injury or head trauma from being knocked down during the attack, specialized medical care is critical.

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Owner

Collect the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and driver’s license information. If someone else was handling the dog, get their contact information too. Take photos or note the dog’s description, breed, color, and size. This information is essential for San Bernardino Animal Services to investigate and for establishing liability.

Step 3: Gather Witness Information

If anyone witnessed the attack, get their name and contact information. Witness testimony can be crucial in establishing what happened, especially if the dog owner disputes the facts or claims you provoked the animal.

Step 4: Report the Attack

File a report with San Bernardino County Animal Care at (800) 472-5609 or your local animal control agency. The report creates an official record and may reveal whether the dog has attacked others. This documentation becomes important evidence in your claim, similar to how documenting a car accident scene helps preserve evidence.

Step 5: Document Your Injuries

Take photographs of your injuries before and after medical treatment. Continue photographing as wounds heal (or don’t heal properly) to document long-term effects. Keep copies of your damaged clothing as evidence. Save all medical records, bills, and receipts.

Step 6: Contact a San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney

Before speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company, consult with an experienced attorney. Similar to how insurance companies in car accidents may try to minimize your claim, homeowners insurers may offer lowball settlements that don’t reflect your true damages.

Proof Stack: Our Dog Bite Case Results & Recognition

The dog bite attorneys at Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates have a proven track record of recovering substantial compensation for victims across Southern California. Here are examples of our dog bite settlements: Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates Case Results

$785,000 Settlement – Physical and psychological injuries from a dog bite in Ventura. Our client was attacked by a pitbull named “Cookie” during a meet-and-greet at a shelter, requiring immediate facial surgery.
$400,000 Settlement – Dog bite to the leg causing critical injuries and knee dislocation in Los Angeles.
$300,000 Policy Limit Recovery – Dog bite case in National City where our client was walking their dog when both were attacked by an escaped dog.
$300,000 Settlement – Dog attack victim in Laguna Woods.
$100,000 Settlement – Facial scarring from a husky attack in Los Angeles. The victim, an actress and model, suffered permanent facial scarring. Settlement recovered through the owner’s renters insurance.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

Firm Recognition & Awards:

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation
Best Law Firms ranking by U.S. News & World Report
Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
Member of Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Brain Injury Association of America Preferred Attorneys

“Thank you for taking care of my case. I highly recommend them and would hire them again. Thank you!!!!”
— Former Client

Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma. Our attorneys have experience with all types of dog bite injuries: Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Puncture wounds and lacerations: Deep tissue damage requiring stitches or surgery
Facial injuries: Bites to the face, lips, nose, and ears requiring reconstructive surgery
Nerve damage: Loss of sensation or motor function in affected areas
Infections: Bacterial infections including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga
Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scarring often requiring multiple cosmetic procedures
Broken bones: Fractures from being knocked down or having limbs crushed in the dog’s jaws
Head and brain injuries: Especially in children and elderly victims who are knocked down during attacks—learn more about traumatic brain injury FAQs
PTSD and psychological trauma: Anxiety, depression, and lasting fear of dogs, particularly common in child victims

Understanding Dog Bite Severity Levels

Medical professionals and animal behaviorists categorize dog bites by severity levels, which can affect both treatment and legal claims: Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Level 1-2: No skin contact or minor scratches—lowest severity, but may still warrant medical evaluation
Level 3: One to four shallow puncture wounds—skin is broken but wounds are not deep
Level 4: One to four deep puncture wounds (deeper than half the dog’s canine teeth) with bruising and lacerations—often occurs when the dog holds on and shakes
Level 5: Multiple bite incident with deep wounds—indicates serious attack requiring extensive medical care
Level 6: Fatal attack—survivors may pursue wrongful death claims

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in San Bernardino

How long do you have to report a dog bite in California?

You should report a dog bite to animal control immediately, but the legal deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the date of the attack under California’s statute of limitations. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to gather evidence and pursue compensation. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Can you sue for a minor dog bite in California?

Yes. Under California’s strict liability law, you can pursue compensation for any dog bite injury, regardless of severity. Even “minor” bites can result in infections, scarring, and psychological trauma—particularly for children who often develop PTSD after dog attacks. A consultation with a San Bernardino dog bite attorney can help you understand your options. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Can you sue for pain and suffering from a dog bite?

Absolutely. California law allows dog bite victims to recover non-economic damages including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, humiliation and embarrassment, and loss of consortium. These damages are separate from your medical bills and lost wages. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

What is a Level 4 dog bite?

A Level 4 dog bite involves one to four puncture wounds where at least one wound is deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. These bites typically occur when the dog latches on and shakes its head, causing deep tissue damage, significant bruising, and lacerations in multiple directions. Level 4 bites often require surgery and result in permanent scarring. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

What should I do if a dog bites me but the owner has no insurance?

Even without homeowners or renters insurance, you may still have options. Some attacks occur on rental properties where the landlord’s insurance may apply. In other cases, you may pursue a claim directly against the dog owner’s personal assets. Our attorneys can investigate all potential sources of recovery to help you get compensation. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Who is liable if a dog bites someone in California?

The dog’s owner is primarily liable under California’s strict liability statute. However, other parties may also share liability: landlords who knew about a dangerous dog, property managers, dog walkers or sitters who had control of the animal, or businesses that allowed dogs on their premises. Similar to how comparative negligence works in other injury cases, liability can be apportioned among multiple parties. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

How much is the average dog bite settlement in California?

In 2024, the average dog bite claim payout in California was $86,229, the highest in the nation. However, settlement values vary widely based on injury severity, required medical treatment, permanent scarring, lost wages, and psychological impact. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $100,000 to $785,000 for dog bite victims. Source: Insurance Information Institute, 2025; Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Can I file a dog bite claim if I was bitten while trespassing?

California’s strict liability law only applies if you were lawfully present when the bite occurred—either in a public place or legally on private property. If you were trespassing, you may still have options under negligence law, but the claim becomes more complex. Consult with an attorney to evaluate your specific situation. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Should I hire a lawyer for a dog bite claim?

While not legally required, having an experienced dog bite attorney significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often minimize dog bite claims, especially regarding pain and suffering and future medical needs. An attorney can properly document your damages, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary. Our firm offers free consultations and works on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

What if my child was bitten by a dog?

Children face the highest risk of severe dog bite injuries, particularly facial bites. Child victims often suffer not only physical injuries but also lasting psychological trauma, including PTSD and dog phobias. The statute of limitations may be extended for minor victims. Our compassionate attorneys understand the unique needs of child dog bite cases and can help your family pursue justice. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Meet Your San Bernardino Dog Bite Attorney

Samer Habbas, Managing Partner

Samer Habbas is a California personal injury attorney with over 18 years of experience representing victims of accidents, including dog bites, car accidents, and wrongful death cases. Throughout his career, he has recovered over $380 million for his clients. Born and raised in Southern California, Samer founded Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates in 2006 with a mission to help injured victims receive the justice they deserve.

Credentials & Recognition:

✓ J.D., Whittier School of Law (Cum Laude)

✓ B.A., Political Science, UC Irvine

✓ Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2021-2026)

✓ Selected to Super Lawyers California

✓ Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

✓ Top 100 Trial Lawyers (The National Trial Lawyers)

✓ Member: CAOC, CAALA, OCTLA, AAJ

Samer’s practice includes dog bites, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, bus accidents, bicycle accidents, brain injuries, premises liability, and wrongful death. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

Our San Bernardino County Office

Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC
3491 Concours St, Suite 104
Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: 909-490-4043

Our Ontario office is conveniently located in the heart of San Bernardino County, serving clients throughout the Inland Empire including San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Rialto, Colton, Redlands, and surrounding communities. We’re easily accessible from I-10 and I-15, located near Ontario International Airport.

Additional Office Locations

We also serve dog bite victims from our offices in Riverside, Los Angeles, Irvine/Orange County, San Diego, El Segundo, and Anaheim.

Are We the Right Fit for Your Dog Bite Case?

We may be a good fit if:

You suffered serious injuries requiring medical treatment
You have significant medical bills or ongoing treatment needs
You’ve missed work or lost income due to your injuries
You’re experiencing psychological trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
The dog owner has homeowners or renters insurance

We may not be the right fit if:

You suffered only minor injuries that healed quickly without treatment
The dog owner has no insurance and no significant assets
You provoked the dog or were trespassing at the time of the attack

Not sure if your case qualifies? Contact us for a free consultation—we’ll give you honest feedback about whether hiring an attorney makes sense for your situation.

Talk With a San Bernardino Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog in San Bernardino County, you have the right to hold the dog’s owner liable for your medical treatment, pain and suffering, and other damages. Don’t let the insurance company minimize your claim—our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation: Call 909-490-4043

No Fee Unless We Win
Or contact us online to schedule your complimentary consultation.

San Bernardino County Legal Services

Our Ontario office provides comprehensive personal injury representation for San Bernardino County residents. In addition to dog bite cases, we handle:

Bus Accident Claims – Complex injury claims involving public and private buses
Bicycle Accident Claims – Compensation for cyclists injured by negligent drivers
Motorcycle Accident Claims – Fighting for riders’ rights after collisions
Wrongful Death Claims – Compassionate guidance for families who lost loved ones
Medical Malpractice Claims – Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and delayed treatment
Brain Injury Claims – TBI and head trauma representation
Funeral Home Negligence – Justice for mishandling of remains

Related Resources

Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contacting our office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation. Source: Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates

I first contacted the offices of Samer Habbas due to a lack of care and attention to my case from my previous attorney. Thankfully Mike and Samer were able to help resolve my case and address my concerns. If you are looking for a law firm that will a

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I first contacted the offices of Samer Habbas due to a lack of care and attention to my case from my previous attorney. Thankfully Mike and Samer were able to help resolve my case and address my concerns. If you are looking for a law firm that will advocate go above and beyond for you, you have found the right place.

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Thank you for taking care of my case. I highly recommend them and would hire them again. Thank you!!!!

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Thank you for taking care of my case. I highly recommend them and would hire them again. Thank you!!!!

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Couldn't have found a better Accident and injury attorney. They go above and beyond to find the best Needs for Your injuries. I'm giving the team 5 Stars.‼️ Thanks again

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Couldn't have found a better Accident and injury attorney. They go above and beyond to find the best Needs for Your injuries. I'm giving the team 5 Stars.‼️ Thanks again

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SAN BERNARDINO DOG BITE ATTORNEY