Understanding Owner Liability When Attacked By an Animal

At the Law Office of Daniel J. O’Neill, we advise and represent people who have suffered dog bite injuries or other animal attacks when they have been attacked or bitten by someone’s pet.

To learn about the pet owner’s obligation to pay for your medical treatment and other related damages, contact our office in San Luis Obispo for a free initial consultation with an AV-rated* attorney.

Animal and Dog Attacks

Under California law, an animal owner is strictly liable for the actions of his or her pets. This means that a dog owner is responsible for the injuries caused by his or her dog to a person when in public or when they are legally in a private place, even if the owner didn’t behave negligently and if the dog has never previously attacked a person.

If the owner knew about his or her dog’s violent behavior prior to the attack, liability for dog bite injury is the same, but the owner may face further penalties. Where the injuries caused are significant, the owner may be charged with a crime.

In cases where the person responsible for the animal is not its owner, it must be shown that his or her negligent or reckless behavior led to the attack.

Attorney Daniel O’Neill has more than 35 years of personal injury litigation experience. He is skilled at gathering evidence to prove the extent of the dog bite injuries and presenting it in the best light possible to demonstrate the effect the attack and related injuries have had on you and your family.

Call 1-805-542-0639 to Schedule an Appointment

If you or your child has suffered dog bite injuries, contact the Law Office of Daniel J. O’Neill in San Luis Obispo for a free consultation.

*AV, BV, and CV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.