Can a Landlord Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite Inflicted by a Tenant’s Dog?

Michael Waks

9 years ago

Over five million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Unfortunately, young children are the ones most frequently attacked. Dog bites cause severe trauma for victims, and often result in permanent disfigurement.

According to California dog bite laws, the owner of the dog is responsible for damages caused by a dog bite or dog attack. California Civil Code Section 3342 states the owner is strictly liable for any damages caused by the dog regardless of whether the dog has displayed any prior violent tendencies. Strict liability means the owner is still responsible for the damages caused by a dog bite even though the dog may have never bitten anyone before this incident.

When can Landlords be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite?

Unfortunately, dog owners who are renting their residence may not have property insurance that covers dog bites and they may not have sufficient assets to pay for damages caused by dog bites. In some cases, the landlord, who typically does have insurance and may have substantial assets, can be held liable when a tenant’s dog bites someone. The courts have held that if the landlord had knowledge that a dog had vicious propensities and the landlord did not terminate the lease when possible, the landlord could be held liable if the dog attacked and bit someone on the property.

Because it can be difficult to prove the landlord had prior knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities, in addition to knowing that the dog was on the premises, it is important to hire an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible following the accident. Each dog bite case is different and the circumstances surrounding the accident are unique to that case.

Contact an Experienced Long Beach Dog Bite Attorney to Assist You with Your Claim

Your Injuries are Personal to Me

I perform a thorough investigation in each dog bite case to determine who is liable for your injuries to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for your damages.

My law practice exclusively represents personal injury victims and does so with a deep understanding of their suffering and an absolute commitment to their recovery. I take your injuries personally, and that is why I directly handle all aspects of every case to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.

Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. You are under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover damages for your injuries. I offer bilingual services as part of my comprehensive approach to legal representation and I am available 24/7 to talk to you about your case.

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Michael Waks

Michael Waks is an aggressive advocate for people who have suffered because of someone else’s actions. Michael decided to become a personal injury lawyer when, while clerking at a legal defense firm during law school, he witnessed and was infuriated by asbestos manufacturers spending millions to avoid taking responsibility for the egregious injuries they caused. Immediately after passing the bar, Michael opened his own firm in Long Beach, CA to help the victims of personal injury accidents get every benefit owed them under the law.