$3.0M
Personal Injury
Riverside Dog Bite Lawyers
Were you or your child bitten by a dog in Riverside? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — our attorneys help Inland Empire victims pursue compensation for medical bills, scarring, and trauma. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review — there are no fees unless you get paid.
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Understanding Your Dog Bite Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team that has recovered compensation for thousands of injured Californians across Riverside and the greater Inland Empire. Our attorneys investigate the attack, identify the dog's owner and their insurance, document your injuries, and handle every conversation with the insurance company so you can focus on healing. There are no fees unless you get paid.
Yes — in most cases. California follows a strict-liability rule under Civil Code §3342, which means a dog owner is generally responsible for a bite even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to think it was dangerous. Liability typically applies when you were bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property. A legal professional can review how this applies to your case during a free case review.
Dog bite victims in California can generally recover both economic and non-economic damages. These commonly include emergency and ongoing medical bills, reconstructive or plastic surgery for scarring, lost wages, and compensation for pain, disfigurement, and emotional trauma — which is often significant when the victim is a child. Because every case is unique, a legal professional can review your losses during a free case review.
Take five steps to protect your health and your claim: (1) seek medical attention immediately, since bites carry a high infection risk; (2) identify the dog's owner and get their contact and any vaccination records; (3) report the bite to Riverside County Animal Services or local animal control; (4) photograph your injuries and the location; and (5) speak with a dog bite lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurer.
In most California dog bite cases you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1). Claims involving a government entity can have much shorter deadlines — often six months. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it's best to speak with a legal professional early.
Meet Our Dog Bite Attorneys
Nationally-Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
Colin M. Jones, Esq.Senior Partner and Senior Trial Attorney, Chair of the Personal Injury Litigation Department
Jennifer P. Burkes, Esq.Senior Partner & Strategic Advisor, Personal Injury Litigation Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Ryan Casey, Esq.Senior Partner and Trial Attorney
Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq.Senior Partner
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. Guest, Esq.Partner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.Partner$3.0M
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
How Do I Know If I Have a Dog Bite Claim in Riverside?
You likely have a valid dog bite claim if you were bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property and suffered real injuries. Under California Civil Code §3342, the dog's owner is generally strictly liable — you do not have to prove the animal was previously aggressive or that the owner was careless. Proof such as medical records, photos, an animal control report, and witness statements strengthens your case. California's two-year statute of limitations applies, so contact Wilshire Law Firm's dog bite attorneys for a free case review.
Start Your Free Dog Bite Case Review
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Record breaking results
Winners of #1 Settlements in California
Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.
17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*
TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements
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*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Dog Bite FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
Yes. Civil Code § 3342 applies countywide in Riverside, so a dog owner is generally liable for a bite in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, even for a first bite and even without prior signs of aggression. You do not have to prove the owner was careless.
A dog bite case arising in Riverside is generally handled in the Riverside County Superior Court, depending on where the attack occurred. Venue can vary. Your attorney can confirm the right courthouse.
Provocation and trespassing are common defenses, but they are fact-specific and often disputed. Under California's pure comparative negligence rule, provoking a dog might reduce your recovery by your share of fault, but it usually does not eliminate a claim entirely. An attorney can assess how these defenses affect your case.
You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Deadlines are shorter when a government entity is involved. Deadlines have exceptions, so confirm yours promptly.