What National Dog Bite Prevention Means for California Families + How Strict Dog‑Bite Laws Protect Victims

The creature that “never bites” is the one that sends most people to the emergency room.

Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs, and hundreds of thousands need medical care, even though many of the attacks involve family pets or dogs the victim knows well. National Dog Bite Prevention Week, held this year from April 7–13, is a reminder that every dog can bite, and every owner has a duty to prevent it.

“When a ‘good dog’ is allowed to hurt someone, that’s not an accident, it’s a failure of human responsibility,” said Chris Hagan, senior partner and attorney at the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Our laws exist to make sure the people who choose to own dogs, not the innocent victims they injure, are the ones held accountable.”

Veterinary and public‑health groups agree: dog bites are not rare flukes. They are a major, preventable source of injury, especially for children. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that about half of all victims are children, and kids 5–9 have bite rates two to three times higher than adults. Senior citizens are the second‑most common victims, and home‑service workers like mail carriers and delivery drivers are attacked at alarming rates.

California regularly leads the nation in dog‑bite reports. In one recent year, 777 U.S. Postal Service employees in California were attacked by dogs, more than any other state. Nationwide, USPS recorded over 6,000 dog attacks on postal workers in 2024 alone, prompting a separate Dog Bite Awareness campaign each June.

In communities like Bakersfield and throughout Kern County, those national trends show up as very real emergency‑room visits and long‑term scars. Chain | Cohn | Clark has seen cases involving:

• Children bitten in the face while hugging or trying to “kiss” a familiar dog.
• Delivery drivers attacked when a gate wasn’t latched or a door opened without restraining the dog.
• Walkers and joggers knocked down and mauled by dogs that got out of yards or open garages.

“Most of these bites happen in ordinary places: front yards, living rooms, sidewalks,” Hagan said. “They’re not freak accidents. They’re failures of supervision and control.”

One of the biggest myths Dog Bite Prevention Week tries to correct is that only certain breeds are dangerous. AVMA and the CDC have long emphasized that any dog — large or small, purebred or mixed, young or old — can bite under the right (or wrong) circumstances. A dog’s individual history, training, health, and environment matter far more than its breed label.

Common bite triggers include:

• Fear or anxiety (loud noises, unfamiliar visitors, rough handling).
• Pain or illness (an injured or arthritic dog suddenly being touched).
• Resource guarding (food bowls, toys, sleeping areas).
• Overstimulation (crowded parties, rowdy kids, or multiple dogs at once).

That’s why Chain | Cohn | Clark has focused on the “mental state” of dogs, encouraging owners to think about stress, training, and safe interactions. This year’s awareness campaign is on the emphasis is shifting from “understanding dogs” to taking concrete steps that stop bites before they happen, and knowing what the law requires when they do.

California is one of the most victim‑friendly states when it comes to dog bites. Under Civil Code section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or a private place where the person is lawfully present, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

To bring a successful claim, a victim generally must show:

1. The defendant owned the dog.
2. The dog bit the victim.
3. The bite occurred in a public place or while the victim was lawfully on private property (for example, as a guest, a meter reader, or a mail carrier).

Unlike some states, California does not require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that the owner was negligent; the bite itself is usually enough to establish responsibility. There can be defenses, such as trespassing or provocation, but in most everyday situations, the law is designed to make sure the person who chose to own the dog, not the innocent victim, bears the financial risk.

That strict‑liability rule can cover medical bills (emergency care, surgery, infection treatment, rabies shots); plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially in facial‑bite cases; lost wages if the victim cannot work during recovery; and pain, emotional distress, and trauma, including PTSD that is sadly common in child victims.

Safety organizations all say the same thing: most dog bites are 100% preventable with responsible pet ownership. Practical steps include:

• Supervise children around dogs … always. Most bites to kids occur during everyday activities with familiar dogs, often when adults are nearby but not paying close attention. Young children should never hug dogs tightly, climb on them, or disturb them while sleeping or eating.
• Use leashes, fences, and gates. Dogs should not roam freely in neighborhoods. Secure yards, latch gates, and use leashes on walks, even for “friendly” dogs.
• Train and socialize your dog. Positive‑reinforcement training and gradual exposure to people, other dogs, and real‑world situations can reduce fear and reactivity.
• Watch for warning signs. Stiff posture, yawning, lip‑licking, showing the whites of the eyes, growling, or trying to move away are early red flags. Step in before a snap or bite.
• Protect mail carriers and delivery drivers. Bring dogs inside or behind a solid barrier before opening the door. Don’t assume a small dog can’t seriously injure someone, or that a carrier can “just handle it.”

USPS stresses that “all dogs — regardless of breed, size or age — have the potential to bite” and that keeping them secured and away from the carrier is the simplest way to avoid attacks.

“Preventing dog bites is a collaboration between dog owners and the public,” Hagan said. The most important message is simple: keep your dog secured and away from the carrier as the mail is being delivered.”

Even with good precautions, bites still happen. When they do, quick action can protect both health and legal rights. Here is some guidance:

1. Get medical care right away: Even “small” bites can lead to serious infection or nerve damage. Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are especially vulnerable.
2. Identify the dog and owner: Get names, addresses, and contact information. Ask about rabies vaccinations and any prior bite history.
3. Report the bite: In California, bites are typically reported to local animal control or public health agencies; this helps track dangerous animals and ensure rabies protocols are followed.
4. Document everything: Take clear photos of injuries, torn clothing, the scene, and the dog if possible. Collect contact information for any witnesses.
5. Avoid signing anything with an insurer right away: Homeowners’ and renters’ insurers may contact you quickly with questions or a small offer. Before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement, talk with a lawyer who understands dog‑bite law.

A good personal injury attorney can help determine who is legally responsible, gather evidence, navigate insurance negotiations, and pursue compensation for both physical and emotional harm.

“We love dogs,” attorney Chris Hagan said. “Many of us are dog owners ourselves. But loving dogs means respecting what they are capable of and never forgetting that one moment of inattention can cost a child their smile or a worker their livelihood.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.