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Is a Santa Rosa dog owner responsible for a bite even if the dog was never aggressive before?

Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner did not know it was dangerous. The Law Offices of J. Chrisp represents people bitten by dogs in Santa Rosa, and its office there is at 3558 Round Barn Blvd, Suite 200. A person trespassing on private property when bitten is not covered by section 3342.

The Law Offices of J. Chrisp has recovered over $350 million for clients since 2010. The sections below cover the steps to take after a bite, the filing deadlines and the firm’s Sonoma

Is the owner responsible for a dog bite in California?

Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable when the dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place. Strict liability means the owner can be liable even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner did not know it was dangerous.

A person trespassing on private property when bitten is not covered by section 3342.

What to do after a dog bite in Santa Rosa

Get medical care the same day, and keep records of every visit.
Get the owner’s name, address and phone number, and ask for the dog’s vaccination information.
Photograph the wounds when they are fresh and as they heal, along with the place where the attack happened and any torn clothing.
Write down the names and numbers of anyone who saw the attack.
Do not give a recorded statement about the bite before you have legal advice.

How long do you have to file a dog bite claim?

For adults, most dog bite lawsuits must be filed within two years of the bite (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1). If a city or county was responsible, a written government claim is generally due within six months (Government Code section 911.2), and a lawsuit against it has separate deadlines (Government Code section 945.6).

For a child, the two-year deadline is generally paused while the child is under 18 (Code of Civil Procedure section 352). The pause does not apply to claims against a public entity or public employee that require a government claim. Even so, it helps to act early, while witnesses remember the attack.

Service area, offices and founding attorney

The firm serves people injured in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County, as well as Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties and the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to the Santa Rosa office, the firm has offices in Lower Lake (main office) at 9667 Highway 29 and in San Francisco at 1330 Bush Street, Suite 9D.

The firm has recovered over $350 million for clients since 2010. Founding attorney Jesse Chrisp was selected to Northern California Rising Stars from 2013 to 2021, an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in the state. He has represented thousands of injured clients. He holds the record for the highest personal injury verdict in Lake County.

A client testimonial on chrisplaw.com reads: “He’s incredibly skilled at what he does and a true pro!” (Eddie Berengue)

Frequently asked questions

Can I sue if a dog bit me in Santa Rosa?

Under Civil Code section 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place. You do not have to show the dog had bitten anyone before.

Does California have a one-bite rule?

For bites covered by Civil Code section 3342, California does not follow a one-bite rule. The owner can be strictly liable for a first bite, even if the dog had never shown aggression.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?

Most adults have two years from the bite to file a lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. For children, the deadline is generally paused while the child is under 18, but it helps to act early. The pause does not apply to claims against a public entity or public employee that require a government claim.

How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?

The Law Offices of J. Chrisp offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee. There is no fee unless we win.

If you were bitten by a dog in Santa Rosa or elsewhere in Sonoma County, call the Law Offices of J. Chrisp 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477) for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win.

About the Law Offices of J. Chrisp

The Law Offices of J. Chrisp is a Northern California personal injury law firm founded by attorney Jesse Chrisp, who was raised in Lake County. The firm represents injured people, with offices in Lower Lake (main office), Santa Rosa and San Francisco, and serves Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties and the San Francisco Bay Area. Consultations are free, the firm works on a contingency fee with no fee unless the firm wins, and the phone is answered 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477). The firm was named to Best Law Firms 2026 (Tier 1, Santa Rosa, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs). Jesse Chrisp has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2024 and selected to Super Lawyers from 2023 to 2026.