Legally Reviewed by Daniel Setareh on August 3, 2026
Dog bite cases can be complex, both legally and emotionally. A dog attack can leave you with serious physical injuries, scarring, and lasting anxiety, on top of medical bills and time away from work.
A Stockton dog bite lawyer at Setareh Law can investigate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our Stockton accident attorneys have recovered more than $400 million for California accident victims and bring over 60 years of combined experience to dog bite claims.
Time-Sensitive: California Law Limits Your Window to File
You generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a dog bite lawsuit in California.
Setareh Law handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront cost, and our attorneys are available around the clock to talk through your options.
Who Is Liable for a Stockton Dog Bite?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is held responsible for any harm caused by their pet. Liability can also extend to other parties, such as property owners or caretakers, who knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies. California applies a strict liability rule to dog bite cases under California Civil Code Section 3342, meaning the owner is responsible for damages regardless of the dog’s previous behavior.
Under this statute, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or while lawfully present in a private place, including the owner’s property. This strict liability applies unless the victim provoked the dog, was trespassing, or was engaged in a criminal activity at the time of the attack.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Stockton
Seek medical attention immediately to address any injuries and prevent infection. Document the incident by taking photos of your injuries, obtaining the dog owner’s contact information, and gathering witness statements if possible. Report the bite to local animal control to help prevent further incidents, and consult a dog bite attorney to understand your legal rights.
Compensation Available After a Stockton Dog Bite
After sustaining a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses | Pain and suffering |
| Lost wages | Emotional distress |
| Scarring and reconstructive treatment costs | Loss of enjoyment of life |
In cases where the dog owner’s actions were particularly reckless, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Statute of Limitations for Stockton Dog Bite Claims
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Failing to file within this window can result in the loss of your right to pursue legal action. You can review the state’s general filing deadlines through the California courts self-help statute of limitations guide.
How Setareh Law Approaches Your Dog Bite Case
Insurance companies representing dog owners often try to minimize liability or argue that the victim provoked the attack. Our attorneys investigate the circumstances of the incident, assess liability under California’s strict liability rule, and build a strong case for the compensation you deserve. Setareh Law has recovered more than $400 million for injured clients across California.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Stockton
Setareh Law has recovered more than $400 million for California accident victims and brings over 60 years of combined experience to dog bite claims, backed by over 900 five-star reviews. Check out our five-star client reviews to see what past clients have said.
If you were bitten by a dog in Stockton, contact Setareh Law for a free, no-obligation case review by calling (310) 659-1826 or filling out our contact form. We serve clients in English and Spanish and are available around the clock.
