This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
If a dog bit you in Pleasant Hill, California law usually makes the owner responsible for your injuries, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. A Pleasant Hill dog bite lawyer can identify the owner's insurance, document your medical costs and scarring, and pursue full compensation while you recover.
Cefali & Cefali represents dog bite victims throughout Pleasant Hill and Contra Costa County from our office at 2800 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 100. Call (925) 289-7997 for a free consultation. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
How Our Pleasant Hill Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
A dog attack leaves you with painful wounds, medical bills, and often time away from work. Our team takes the claim off your hands so you can focus on healing. We gather your medical records, obtain the animal control file, and deal with the insurance company from start to finish.
Taking over communications: We handle all calls and letters from insurance adjusters so you do not say something that hurts your claim.
Investigating the attack: We collect surveillance footage, photos, and statements from people who saw the attack.
Calculating future needs: We work with your doctors to estimate the cost of scar revision, reconstructive surgery, and counseling.
We prepare every claim as if it will go to trial, which puts us in a stronger position to negotiate a fair settlement.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Pleasant Hill
Get medical care right away. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and a doctor can check whether you need antibiotics, stitches, or rabies treatment.
Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner's name, address, phone number, and, if possible, the dog's vaccination records.
Report the bite. Report it to Contra Costa County Animal Services, which handles bite reports and rabies quarantines for Pleasant Hill. Call the Pleasant Hill Police Department if the attack is ongoing or someone was seriously hurt.
Photograph everything. Take photos of your wounds as they heal, torn clothing, and the place where the attack happened.
Talk to a lawyer before giving a statement. The owner's insurance company may call quickly. You do not have to give a recorded statement.
California Dog Bite Laws: Your Rights as a Victim
California holds dog owners to one of the strictest standards in the country. Which rule applies to your case depends on how you were hurt and where the attack happened.
The Strict Liability Rule: California Civil Code § 3342
Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is liable when their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner's own property. A person is lawfully on private property when they are invited or are performing a legal duty, such as delivering mail. You do not have to prove the owner was careless or failed to restrain the dog.
The statute covers bites only. If a dog knocked you down, chased you into the street, or caused a bicycle crash without biting, you can still recover, but the claim is based on the owner's negligence instead of strict liability.
Strict Liability vs. the One-Bite Rule
Some states follow a one-bite rule, which protects an owner from liability for a first attack unless the victim proves the owner knew the dog was dangerous. California does not follow that rule for bites. An owner is responsible for the very first bite, whatever the dog's past behavior.
Exceptions: Trespassing, Provocation, and Police Dogs
Strict liability does not protect someone who was trespassing on private property when bitten. An owner can also argue that the victim provoked or abused the dog, which can reduce or defeat the claim. Veterinarians, groomers, and kennel workers who are bitten while caring for a dog often face an assumption of risk defense. Finally, Civil Code § 3342(b) limits claims against government agencies whose police or military dogs bite while assisting in apprehending a suspect or other law enforcement work.
Insurers use these exceptions to deny valid claims. We review the facts early so that the owner's insurer cannot stretch an exception to fit a case where it does not apply.
What Is My Pleasant Hill Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of a dog bite claim depends on your medical costs, the severity and location of any scarring, time missed from work, and how the injury affects your daily life. Facial scars, nerve damage, and injuries to children usually increase a claim's value.
Insurance companies often argue that injuries are minor or that the victim provoked the dog. We counter with medical records, expert opinions on future treatment, and the animal control file. We also check every policy that may apply, including the owner's homeowners or renters insurance and any landlord's policy. For more detail, see our guide to dog bite compensation in California.
Delaying medical care or failing to report the attack can lower the value of your claim, so act quickly.
What Losses Can a Dog Bite Victim Claim?
California law allows dog bite victims to recover both financial losses and the personal impact of the injury.
Type of damages
What it covers
Key evidence
Economic damages
Medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs
Medical bills, receipts, pay stubs, doctor cost estimates
Non-economic damages
Pain, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life
Medical and counseling records, photos, testimony from you and your family
Economic Damages: Medical Bills, Lost Wages, and Future Care
Economic damages cover losses with a dollar amount: emergency care, surgery, medication, rabies shots, physical therapy, and lost wages or benefits. Serious bites often require scar revision or plastic surgery years later, and we include those future costs in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain, Scarring, and Loss of Enjoyment
Non-economic damages compensate for harms that do not come with a receipt: physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety or fear around dogs, and the embarrassment of visible scars. If the attack keeps you from activities you enjoyed, that loss counts too.
Valuing Life-Changing Injuries
For serious injuries, we consult your treating doctors and, when needed, specialists to show how scarring, nerve damage, or limited movement will affect your work and home life. Those opinions support a demand that covers your long-term needs, not just the bills you have today.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks often cause deep puncture wounds, torn skin, and muscle damage. Many victims develop infections or suffer nerve damage that limits movement, and bites to the face or hands can leave permanent scars. Children are especially likely to be bitten on the face and neck. Beyond the physical injuries, many victims experience anxiety or post-traumatic stress after an attack. We make sure your claim accounts for every diagnosis, including reconstructive surgery and counseling.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Dog Attack in California?
Strict liability covers most bites, but negligence matters when the injury was not a bite, when someone other than the owner is responsible, or when the owner raises an exception.
Determining Ownership and Responsibility
The first step is identifying who owned or controlled the dog. We check county licensing records and identify anyone who was caring for the dog at the time, such as a dog sitter or walker, so that every responsible party's insurance is included.
Premises Liability: When a Landlord Is at Fault
A landlord or property manager can be liable even though they do not own the dog. Generally, you must show that the landlord knew the tenant's dog was dangerous and had the ability to have it removed or restrained, but did not. We review lease terms, prior complaints, and property conditions to find out what the landlord knew. Learn more about premises liability in California.
Investigating a Breach of Duty
Negligence means someone failed to use reasonable care to prevent a foreseeable injury, such as letting a dog off leash in violation of local leash laws or leaving a gate open. We collect the evidence that proves it:
Police and animal services reports: Pleasant Hill Police Department and Contra Costa County Animal Services records show when and where the attack happened.
Prior complaints: Animal services files can show earlier bites, complaints, or a dangerous dog designation.
Neighbor and witness statements: Neighbors can confirm whether the owner regularly let the dog run loose.
Some of this evidence, like video footage, can be lost within days. Contact us early so we can preserve it.
Pleasant Hill Dog Bite FAQ
Where do dog bites happen most in Pleasant Hill?
Most dog bites happen at the owner's home or a neighbor's home. Bites also happen on sidewalks, in apartment common areas, in parks, and on busy walking routes such as the Contra Costa Canal Trail and the Iron Horse Regional Trail.
Can I recover damages if I am partly blamed for a dog bite?
Yes. California follows pure comparative fault, so your compensation is reduced by your share of fault but is not eliminated.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in California?
Generally two years from the date of the bite under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. If a government agency is responsible, a government claim must usually be filed within six months.
Do you have to report a dog bite in California?
Yes. California health regulations require animal bites on people to be reported to local health authorities, and doctors usually file a report when they treat a bite. In Pleasant Hill, you can also report the bite to Contra Costa County Animal Services. A report creates an official record for your claim.
Who pays for a dog bite injury claim?
Usually the owner's homeowners or renters insurance. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history. If there is no coverage, the owner is personally responsible, and in some cases a landlord's policy may also apply. See how homeowners insurance covers injury claims.
What happens to a dog after it bites someone in Pleasant Hill?
The dog is usually placed in a 10-day rabies quarantine, often at the owner's home. If the dog has a history of attacks or caused a serious injury, it can be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under California law, which can lead to restrictions or, in the most serious cases, euthanasia.
Contact a Pleasant Hill Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can leave you with painful injuries and growing medical bills. Cefali & Cefali will hold the responsible owner accountable and handle every part of your claim, from the animal services report to the final settlement.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
