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Dog Bites · California · Texas · Florida
Bitten by a dog? The owner is often responsible for your injuries.
Dog attacks and other animal injuries in California, Texas, and Florida.
Dog bite rules differ by state
| State | Owner’s responsibility |
|---|---|
| California | Strict liability: the owner is responsible for a bite in a public place or lawfully on private property, even if the dog never bit before Civ. Code § 3342 |
| Florida | Strict liability for bites, reduced by the victim’s share of fault. A clearly posted “Bad Dog” sign can limit claims in some cases Fla. Stat. § 767.04 |
| Texas | No dog bite statute. You generally must show the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was negligent, such as violating a leash law |
What to do after a bite
- Get medical care. Dog bites infect easily.
- Report the bite to animal control.
- Get the owner’s name, address, and insurance information.
- Photograph your injuries as they heal.
Common questions
Who pays for a dog bite?
Often the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
The dog belongs to a friend or relative. Should I still make a claim?
Many people do, because the claim is usually paid by insurance, not by the owner personally.
What if a child was bitten?
Children are the most frequent dog bite victims. Special rules can extend deadlines for minors. Call us to review the timeline.
Time limits
Deadlines in California, Texas & Florida
| State | Deadline to sue for most injuries | Claims against a government agency | If you were partly at fault |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2 years CCP § 335.1 | Written claim usually within 6 months Gov. Code § 911.2 | You can recover, reduced by your share of fault |
| Texas | 2 years CPRC § 16.003 | Written notice usually within 6 months CPRC § 101.101 | Barred if you are more than 50% at fault CPRC ch. 33 |
| Florida | 2 years for negligence (injuries on or after March 24, 2023) Fla. Stat. § 95.11 | Written notice to the agency before suing Fla. Stat. § 768.28 | Barred if you are more than 50% at fault Fla. Stat. § 768.81 |
Deadlines can be shorter or longer depending on the facts. Call early so evidence and deadlines are protected.
Hurt in an accident?
Free consultation. No attorney’s fee unless we recover.