Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Sherman Oaks?

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

Local Sherman Oaks Injury Attorney · UCLA Law

Arya Firoozmand is the founding partner at L&F Brown. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and has spent his career representing injured clients across the Valley — including Sherman Oaks and the 405 corridor.

California has one of the strongest dog bite liability laws in the country. Unlike many states where a dog gets one free bite before its owner faces liability, California holds dog owners strictly responsible for bites from the very first incident. If you were bitten by a dog in Sherman Oaks, here is who may be legally liable for your injuries.

The Dog Owner: Primary Liability Under California Law

California Civil Code section 3342 places liability squarely on the owner of the dog. You do not need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, failed to take precautions, or acted negligently. If their dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable for your damages.

Dog bite incidents happen throughout Sherman Oaks, from residential neighborhoods near Van Nuys Blvd to apartment complexes, parks, and commercial areas along Ventura Blvd. Regardless of where the bite occurred, if you were lawfully present, the dog's owner is responsible.

Landlords and Property Owners

In some cases, a landlord or property owner may share liability for a dog bite even if they do not own the dog. This can occur when:

• The landlord knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to require its removal
• The landlord allowed a specific dog onto the property despite knowing its history
• The bite occurred in a common area the landlord controlled

Landlord liability in dog bite cases is separate from owner liability and requires proving the landlord had actual knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities. This is a harder standard than the strict liability applied to owners, but it can be valuable when the owner has insufficient insurance or assets.

Dog Keepers and Handlers

California's dog bite statute also applies to anyone who keeps or has charge of a dog, not just the legal owner. If someone was dog-sitting, walking, or otherwise responsible for the dog when it bit you, they may also share liability alongside the owner.

Exceptions to Strict Liability

The strict liability rule has two main exceptions:

• Trespassers: People who are unlawfully on private property at the time of the bite are not protected by the strict liability statute, though they may still have claims under other theories of negligence.
• Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog, such as by teasing, hitting, or startling it, the owner may argue provocation as a defense. This can reduce or eliminate the owner's liability depending on the circumstances.

Children who encounter unfamiliar dogs may be held to a lower standard on the provocation question because they cannot be expected to understand dog behavior the way adults can.

Documenting Liability

Reporting the bite to LA County Animal Control creates an official record of the incident and the dog involved. This report, combined with medical records from Sherman Oaks Hospital, photographs of your injuries, and witness statements, builds the evidentiary foundation for your claim.

If you were bitten by a dog in Sherman Oaks, contact a Sherman Oaks dog bite lawyer. Reach out to L&F Brown serving Sherman Oaks today for a free case evaluation and to understand exactly who is liable for your injuries.