It was supposed to be a relaxing summer visit. The kids were playing in the backyard. The family dog had always been around them–loyal, playful, gentle. But in a moment, everything changed.
A growl. A snap. Then screaming.
Your child has been bitten by a dog. Not a stranger’s. A relative’s. The same dog that’s at every family barbecue.
Now you’re faced with questions no parent wants to ask:
If you’ve been bitten by a family member’s dog in California, you’re not alone. And yes-you still have rights.
According to the CDC, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S., and more than half of those victims are children. In California, dog bite laws are especially strict-but here’s what might surprise you: Most dog bites don’t come from strangers. They come from friends, relatives, and neighbors.
This means many dog bite victims–especially kids–are injured during family visits, sleepovers, and holidays. That makes the emotional toll even greater.
California is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means that if a dog bites someone in California, the owner is legally responsible-even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Unlike some states, California does not require proof that the dog had a history of aggression. The only requirement is that:
This law applies even if the bite happened at your cousin’s house, your sister’s backyard, or your in-laws’ living room.
This is where many parents hesitate. You love your relatives. You don’t want to start a fight. You don’t want to cause financial strain. But here’s what you need to know:
Filing a claim doesn’t have to break the family-it can help protect it.
Children are especially vulnerable to serious dog bite injuries because of their size and how they interact with dogs. Common injuries include:
These injuries are not just medical. They can be deeply emotional, and long-term treatment can be expensive.
Mateo was 6 years old when he was bitten at his aunt’s house during a family BBQ in Delano, CA. Her dog, Max, had always been good with kids. But when Mateo reached too quickly for a toy near Max’s food bowl, Max lunged.
Mateo needed stitches in his cheek and later had to undergo two laser scar treatments. His parents were devastated. They didn’t want to sue Mateo’s aunt, but the medical bills were climbing, and their insurance didn’t cover it all.
We helped file a claim through the aunt’s homeowners’ insurance. The family remained close, Mateo got the care he needed, and the insurance company paid out $48,000 for medical care, pain, and future scar revisions.
In California, victims of dog bites can seek compensation for:
If the bite was particularly severe or the owner was negligent (e.g., didn’t leash the dog), punitive damages may also be awarded.
If you or your child is bitten by a dog, take these steps:
This is one of the biggest concerns clients raise. The truth is:
“We didn’t want to ‘sue’ Grandma. But we couldn’t let our daughter suffer without care. The claim let us focus on healing-not hospital bills.” – Former Colvin Client, Kern County
Every day you wait, evidence can fade: Bite marks begin healing. Medical records get harder to retrieve. Witnesses forget details. Insurance companies grow more skeptical.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of injury. But earlier is always better. We recommend speaking to a personal injury attorney within days, not months.
Q: Will I have to sue my family member in court?
A: Not likely. Most dog bite claims are settled privately through insurance without ever going to court.
Q: What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
A: In California, that doesn’t matter. Owners are strictly liable for the first bite.
Q: Can I file a claim even if it happened at a family gathering?
A: Yes. As long as you were lawfully on the property and the bite occurred, you may have a valid claim.
Q: Will animal control take the dog away?
A: Not necessarily. Animal control may conduct an investigation, but unless the dog is deemed dangerous, it may remain with the owner.
Q: Can children sue for dog bites?
A: Children cannot sue on their own, but parents can file a claim on their behalf. Settlements for minors often require court approval to protect the child’s interests.
Q: Is there a time limit to file a claim?
A: Yes. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. However, for children, that clock may extend until they turn 18.
A dog bite from a family member’s pet is one of the hardest injuries to deal with. It combines physical pain with emotional conflict. But you don’t have to choose between family harmony and your child’s well-being. You can do both with the right legal guidance.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we’ve helped hundreds of California families navigate dog bite claims with compassion, care, and respect. If a family pet caused harm, don’t let shame or guilt keep you from protecting your loved ones. Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers for a confidential consultation. Let our family help yours heal.
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