California’s dog-friendly culture has led many businesses to welcome pets into their restaurants, wineries, breweries, and shops. While this trend creates a more inclusive environment for pet owners, it also raises the risk of dog-related incidents in public spaces. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in a business, you may be left with medical expenses, emotional stress, and legal questions. Understanding whether the dog’s owner, the company, or both are responsible is the first step toward protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you may deserve.
Who’s Responsible When a Dog Bites You in Public?
Being in a public place doesn’t always mean you’re protected. A dog bite can cause painful and costly injuries, even if you’re shopping or having coffee. In California, the law follows the rule of strict liability, which means dog owners are almost always held liable when their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s history.
Determining liability becomes more complex when a dog bite occurs inside a business. Business owners may also be liable depending on the specific circumstances of the incident
When Can a Business Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
Dog-friendly businesses are increasing in popularity, with many encouraging pet owners to bring their dogs inside. But allowing their dogs into a public setting means more risk. Business owners have a legal duty to keep their space safe for visitors. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in a business, it’s important to understand the situations where the business itself may be held accountable.
Businesses may be held liable if they:
- Allowed dogs with known aggression issues
- Failed to enforce leash rules
- Ignored previous customer complaints
- Created an unsafe environment for patrons and pets
In these dog bite cases, both the dog owner and the business may be at fault. Our experienced dog bite lawyer can investigate and help determine who should be held liable.
Why Dog-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Liability-Free
A pet-friendly environment does not eliminate potential risks. Businesses that allow dogs have a duty of care to protect their customers and employees. This includes monitoring for aggressive behavior, establishing clear safety protocols, and responding quickly and effectively to concerns.
Even if businesses proudly promote being dog-friendly, they can still be responsible if a dog bite occurs on their property. Like spills that cause slip-and-fall accidents, dog attacks in public places can lead to injury or property damage, and victims have the right to seek compensation, especially in cases where the business neglected to implement basic safety measures.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in a Business
Sustaining a dog bite in a business setting can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. Acting quickly can protect your health and your legal rights. What you do right after the bite can affect your claim later.
Take the following steps after a dog bite in a business:
- Seek medical help right away, even for small wounds
- Take photos of your injuries and where the bite happened
- Get contact info for the dog owner and the business
- Ask the business to file an incident report
- Speak with any witnesses and document their full names and contact information.
- Avoid speaking with the insurance company without legal advice
Following these steps helps build a stronger case and ensures you’re taken seriously when filing a personal injury claim.
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Can I Still Sue If I Wasn’t a Customer?
It’s a common misunderstanding that only paying customers can pursue a legal claim after a dog bite. In reality, anyone lawfully on the property, regardless of whether they made a purchase, may have the right to seek compensation. This includes delivery drivers, maintenance workers, contractors, or individuals who enter the premises for legitimate reasons, such as asking for directions or dropping off an order.
For example, if a DoorDash driver is bitten by a dog in a business while making a delivery, they may still have a valid claim. Even though the driver didn’t buy anything, they were legally allowed to be there. In that scenario, both the pet owner and the business owner could be held liable for the attack.
Keep in mind that dog bite cases are subject to time limits. In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident. However, if the business is owned by a public agency, such as a city-run facility, you may need to file a government claim within just six months.
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
Dog bite injuries that occur in business settings often raise complex legal questions. These cases involve multiple insurance companies, typically representing the dog owner and another representing the business. Both may attempt to shift blame or minimize your compensation.
That’s why having an experienced legal team on your side is essential. We’re here to handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. Our dog bite attorneys will:
- Investigate the dog’s behavior, including any history of aggression or past incidents
- Review surveillance footage, business records, and witness statements to support your case
- Identify all potentially responsible parties, including the dog owner, business owner, or others involved
- Communicate directly with insurance companies to protect you from lowball offers
- Pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term effects
You won’t have to face this process alone, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Injured by a Dog? Speak to a Dog Bite Lawyer Today for Free
If you were injured by a dog in a business, you deserve clear answers, strong legal support, and full compensation. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. We’ve successfully handled numerous dog bite cases and helped clients recover the compensation they need for medical care, lost income, and lasting trauma. Let us fight for the justice you deserve, starting with a free consultation!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
