Dog Bite Attorney in Shasta County

35 Years Fighting for Dog Bite Victims in Shasta County

California gives dog bite victims one of the strongest legal frameworks in the country. Under Civil Code Section 3342, an owner is strictly liable when their dog bites someone lawfully in a public place or on private property, regardless of the dog’s history. That legal advantage matters most when you have experienced representation behind it. Haslerud Law Office, A Professional Corporation has spent over 35 years handling personal injury cases throughout Shasta County, fighting for individuals against insurance companies every step of the way.

Dog bite victims often face three burdens at once: recovering from injuries, fielding calls from insurance adjusters, and trying to understand their legal rights. We’re here to take the legal pressure off. If your injuries prevent you from coming to us, we can come to you, whether that’s at home or in a hospital room.

Contact us today for a free confidential consultation. We handle dog bite cases throughout Shasta County with no fees until we win or settle your case. Call us at (530) 968-4300.

How California’s Strict Liability Law Works

Most states follow some version of a “one free bite” rule, requiring victims to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. California doesn’t. Civil Code Section 3342 holds the owner liable for a first bite just as readily as a second. The dog’s breed, its history, and whether the owner had any prior warning are largely irrelevant.

To bring a claim under Section 3342, a victim must establish three things: the defendant owned the dog, the victim was lawfully present at the location, and damages resulted. The owner’s primary defense is intentional provocation, which they must prove. Accidentally startling a dog or petting it without invitation doesn’t meet that standard under California law.

Timing matters. California’s personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, though your specific situation should be reviewed by an attorney to confirm which deadlines apply. One important exception: if the bite occurred on government-owned property, a tort claim may need to be filed within six months. Missing that shorter deadline can affect the right to recover entirely.

Injuries & Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bites cause a wide range of physical harm. Puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve and tendon damage, permanent scarring, and serious infections including cellulitis and MRSA are all common outcomes. Many victims also experience PTSD, anxiety, and lasting fear of dogs that affects daily life long after wounds have healed. Children are particularly vulnerable and often suffer facial injuries requiring reconstructive care and long-term psychological support.

Compensation in a California dog bite case may include:

• Economic damages: Emergency treatment, surgery, reconstructive procedures, infection care, physical therapy, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life, which aren’t subject to a statutory cap in most personal injury cases and often represent a significant portion of a settlement
• Punitive damages: Potentially available under California Civil Code Section 3294 where an owner knowingly kept a dangerous dog with willful disregard for others’ safety, proven by clear and convincing evidence

Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Even when the owner appears to lack coverage, other liability policies may be available. We identify every potential source of recovery before concluding what compensation a client may pursue.

Why Shasta County Dog Bite Victims Work with Haslerud Law Office, A Professional Corporation

Insurance companies don’t concede dog bite claims easily. They challenge liability by arguing provocation, dispute the severity of injuries, and minimize long-term effects including scarring and psychological trauma. More than 35 years of personal injury practice in Shasta County means we know these tactics and how to counter them with evidence, documentation, and, when necessary, an aggressive trial presence.

Our representation is built around the client. Consultations are available in-office, by phone, or at your home or hospital room. We offer bilingual service in Spanish. There are no fees until we win or settle your case, and every consultation is free and confidential.

Start Your Dog Bite Claim with a Free Consultation

The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better positioned you may be. Early representation preserves evidence, identifies all liable parties and available insurance policies, and helps protect you from recorded statements that insurers use to minimize claims.

We serve dog bite victims throughout Shasta County and can come to you when injuries make travel difficult. Call (530) 968-4300 to speak with our team about your case. Your consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation.