08/30/2026
🐕 “BUT MY DOG HAS NEVER BITTEN ANYONE BEFORE!”
Does that mean the owner isn't responsible if the dog bites someone in California?
Generally, no.
There's a common misconception that every dog gets “one free bite” before its owner can be held responsible.
That's generally not how California law works.
California has a dog-bite statute that generally holds a dog owner responsible when their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property.
And here's what surprises many people:
🐾 The dog generally does NOT need to have bitten someone before.
🐾 You generally don't have to prove the owner knew the dog was vicious.
🐾 There doesn't necessarily need to be a previous history of attacks.
So if you're bitten and the owner immediately tells you:
“I can't believe it! He's never done that before!”
That may be true—but it doesn't necessarily relieve the owner of responsibility.
Of course, there can be exceptions and defenses depending on the circumstances. And cases involving someone being knocked down, chased, or otherwise injured by a dog without actually being bitten can involve different legal issues.
🎥 In my latest video, I explain California's dog-bite law and why the so-called “one-bite rule” can be misleading.
I've represented injured people throughout California for nearly 30 years.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured by a dog in California, call my office for a FREE consultation.
📞 800-816-1529
Please share this video. A lot of California dog owners—and dog-bite victims—may be surprised by the answer.
— Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez
DogAttack CaliforniaLawyer InjuryAttorney KnowYourRights
