For many of us, dogs are family. However, even the sweetest dog can act unpredictably. A sudden bite can be a painful, traumatic experience, especially when the dog belongs to a close friend or family member.
Now you’re left in a difficult position: you’ve been hurt, you need medical care, maybe time off work, and support for your recovery, but you’re also deeply concerned about preserving your relationship. The last thing you want is to make your friend feel like you’re turning on them.
However, it is crucial to understand that you have the right to seek compensation for the injuries from a dog bite accident, even if the at-fault party is a close friend. In this article, you will learn why you must file a claim and how to do it legally and efficiently while preserving relationships.
How Dangerous Are Dog Attacks?
While some people think that dog bites are minor, unfortunately, such attacks can cause severe injuries and even death.
Did you know that dogs are the third-deadliest creature on Earth? Although the number of dogs contributes to these figures, the World Animal Foundation reports that over 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year.
Out of those, approximately:
- 885,000 seek medical treatment
- With 370,000 requiring emergency care
- Around 16 individuals lose their lives annually due to dog attacks
- Children account for 70% of all fatal dog bite incidents
- In 2023, the number of dog bite-related deaths rose to 58 nationwide
Moreover, the World Animal Foundation notes that California leads the nation in dog bite insurance claims, with 1,954 cases in 2022 and a noticeable increase to 2,104 claims in 2023. While this was a slight dip from 2,026 claims in 2021, the state ranks highest for these incidents.
Why Is It Important to File Dog Bite Injury Claims?
A dog bite can quickly become serious, even life-threatening, if not treated properly. Filing a claim ensures you can get the medical care you need now without worrying about how you’ll pay for it. This includes emergency treatment, follow-ups, surgeries, therapy, and even counseling for emotional trauma.
Apart from your health, there are other reasons why you must file a dog bite injury claim, including:
You Shouldn’t Have to Shoulder the Cost Alone.
From lost wages to ongoing pain, a dog bite can impact your life in ways you didn’t expect. Filing a claim helps you recover the compensation you deserve for missed work, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. You didn’t choose to be injured, so you shouldn’t be stuck with the bill.
It Helps Prevent Future Attacks.
Filing a claim holds negligent dog owners accountable and encourages them to take steps to properly train or restrain their dogs in the future. Your action today could help prevent another person or child from being injured tomorrow.
It Is Practical.
We understand that filing a claim can feel uncomfortable, especially if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member. But most of the time, you are not suing them personally; you are filing through their insurance. That is why insurance exists: to protect everyone involved when something goes wrong.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Attack in California?
No matter how well-behaved a dog is, it is the owner’s legal duty to keep it under control at all times. This includes following local leash laws and taking reasonable steps to prevent bites or attacks, whether in public or on private property.
In California, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone, even if it has never shown signs of aggression before the incident. Under California Civil Code 3342, victims have the right to seek compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
To file a successful claim, you’ll need to show that:
- Someone owned the dog.
- That dog bit you or your child.
- The owner failed to control or restrain the animal.
- The bite caused physical injuries and financial losses.
In some situations, landlords or property managers may also be held accountable, especially if they knew a dangerous dog was on the property and chose to ignore the risk.
Can I Sue a Close Friend for a Dog Bite Injury?
We know what you’re thinking: “I don’t want to sue my friend.” And we get it, nobody wants to turn a painful moment into a legal battle. But here’s the truth: most people don’t realize:
You’re not suing your friend personally. You’re filing a claim with their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which is the coverage they pay for specifically to handle these kinds of incidents. That means they likely won’t be paying anything out of pocket, and their personal finances won’t be affected.
What you’re doing is making sure you get the care, compensation, and support you need to heal, without putting your friend or family member in financial jeopardy.
Steps to Take When Filing Dog Bite Injury Claims Against Close Friends
- Prioritize Your Health First: No matter who the dog belongs to, your well-being comes first. Seek immediate medical attention, even if the bite seems minor. Infections and complications can develop quickly.
- Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, keep all medical records, and write down everything you remember about the incident. These details will be vital if you decide to file a claim later on.
- Have an Honest, Calm Conversation: It is never easy, but talking to your friend about what happened is essential. Explain that your goal is not to ruin the relationship, but that you’ve suffered harm and need help covering the costs.
- Understand You’re Not Suing Your Friend Personally: Most dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, and not their personal bank account. This is why they have insurance: to protect both themselves and others in difficult moments like this.
- Consider the Bigger Picture: Filing a claim doesn’t make you a bad friend; it makes you someone taking necessary steps to recover. Medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma are real burdens, and you deserve support to heal fully.
- Speak with a Compassionate Dog Bite Injury Attorney: Legal professionals understand the delicate nature of these cases. An experienced dog bite injury attorney can guide you with empathy, protect your rights, and handle all communication with insurance companies, so you don’t have to feel like you’re fighting both an injury and a friendship.
- Focus on Healing: Getting bitten by a dog, especially one you’ve known and trusted, can leave emotional scars, too. Let your legal team handle the tough parts so you can focus on recovery, without guilt, pressure, or added stress.
What California Dog Bite Victims Can Rightfully Recover
If you or someone you love has been attacked, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone. California law allows you to seek compensation for tangible and intangible losses.
Economic Damages
These are the financial losses that often start piling up immediately after the attack and that you can prove with receipts and records:
- Medical Expenses—You can claim every cost related to your recovery, from emergency room visits and surgeries to physical therapy and medications.
- Lost Wages – Time away from work while you heal is time you’re not getting paid.
- Future Earning Loss – If your injury impacts your ability to work long-term, your settlement should reflect the income you’ll miss in the years to come.
- Damaged Property – Torn clothing, shattered glasses, or even a broken phone; if it was damaged during the attack, it counts.
- Wrongful Death Costs – If you lost a loved one in a dog attack, funeral and burial costs should never be yours to carry alone.
Non-Economic Damages
These emotional and psychological damages are just as real and deserve just as much recognition:
- Pain and Suffering – The lasting physical pain, discomfort, and disruption to your daily life.
- Emotional Distress – Many survivors experience PTSD, anxiety, or fear around dogs, especially children. These emotional shifts can affect every corner of your life.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – A permanent scar can be a constant, painful reminder of the attack. It may change how you see yourself and how the world sees you.
- Loss of Companionship – If a loved one died because of a dog attack, the emotional void left behind is profound and legally recognized.
While medical bills come with a dollar amount, emotional trauma doesn’t, and that’s why having the right legal team matters. A skilled dog bite attorney will not only help you fight for today’s losses but also the unseen costs of tomorrow: your peace, your confidence, and your sense of safety.
You Deserve to Heal Without Guilt
You didn’t choose to be injured. And needing help doesn’t make you selfish or disloyal; it makes you human. Medical bills, missed work, emotional trauma, and the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming. You have every right to recover in peace, without the added burden of guilt or fear.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our California dog bite injury attorneys are here to walk this difficult path with you by fighting for what you’re owed while protecting your personal relationships as much as possible.
Here is how we can help you:
- We Speak Human, Not Legalese: You’ve got enough on your plate. The last thing you need is confusing legal talk. We explain your case in real words, so you always feel confident and in control.
- We Fight Like It’s Personal: Insurance companies know every trick in the book, but so do we. When they try to offer you less than you deserve, we don’t just push back; we push harder.
- Your Health Is Priority #1: Getting better should be your only job right now. We’ll help you connect with trusted doctors who’ll take care of you, so you can heal the right way.
- We Handle It All So You Don’t Have To
Paperwork, deadlines, negotiations, court appearances, leave it to us. You just rest, recover, and let us do the heavy lifting. - We Don’t Blink in a Fight
If the insurance company refuses to do the right thing, we’re ready to take them to court. We don’t bluff, and we don’t back down.
Let us help you find a solution that honors both your right to recover and your desire to preserve a valued friendship. Call us at 800-333-0000 for a free, compassionate consultation.
When you call us, we’ll listen, we’ll review, and we’ll help — all starting with a free case evaluation for your car accident situation.
What Our Clients Say About Us
While many personal injury lawyers may accept your case and build a legal defense, none will champion your cause as fiercely as we do. Our California accident attorneys are exceptionally well-equipped to create a flawless claim, as affirmed by our previous clients:
“These guys are true pros! My attorney did all the work. My settlement exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs to negotiate with an insurance company.” – Brandon B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accidents may be upsetting and complicated, leaving everyone involved with questions about their rights, obligations, and legal alternatives. Understanding the aftermath of an accident is critical for safeguarding your rights and getting proper compensation.
If you have further questions, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury.
- How to Protect Your Legal Interests if You Are Bitten by an Emotional Support Dog
- A California Dog Owner is Responsible if Their Dog Bites Someone – Except in These Specific Situations
- California Personal Injury Settlements: Taxable or Not?
- 4 Reasons Why Your Personal Injury Case Is Going To Trial
References
California Civil Code 3342. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=3342.&lawCode=CIV
Dog Attacks By Breed – Dog Bite Statistics & Fatalities 2025. (2023, January 30). World Animal Foundation. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/dog-bite-statistics/
Dog Bite Prevention: A New Screening Tool. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3258302/
Home Pet owners: Dog bite prevention. (n.d.). American Veterinary Medical Association. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
Lynn, C. (2024, January 30). 2023 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs – DogsBite Blog. DogsBite Blog. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://blog.dogsbite.org/2024/01/2023-fatal-dog-attack-breed-identification-photographs.html
