Your Child Was Bitten by a Dog in Van Nuys: A Parent’s Guide to California Law
Few things are more frightening than seeing your child hurt by a dog. Maybe it happened at Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park, along a neighborhood sidewalk, or during a visit to a friend’s or relative’s home. Now you’re juggling doctor visits, your child’s fear, and a hard question: should you really pursue a claim against someone you know? Take a breath. California law is built to protect your child, and this guide explains how.
Here’s what this post covers:
- Why California law protects your child even at a friend’s home
- Who actually pays the claim
- The special deadline rules for kids
- Why facial and head injuries matter so much
California’s Strict Liability Protects Your Child
California is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is generally responsible when their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property.
Your child almost always qualifies. Playing at Woodley Park, walking on a sidewalk, or visiting a friend’s home as a welcomed guest all count as being lawfully present. And here’s the part that surprises many parents: this applies even at a friend’s or relative’s house.
You also don’t have to prove the owner was careless, and you don’t have to show the dog ever bit anyone before. California does not follow a “one free bite” rule.
Takeaway: The dog owner can be held responsible even if the bite happened at a loved one’s home and even if the dog never showed aggression before.
Who Actually Pays — It’s Usually Not the Person
This is the worry that stops most parents from acting: “I don’t want to take money from my sister, my neighbor, or my child’s best friend’s family.”
Here’s the reassuring truth. Dog bite claims are almost always paid through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance — not out of anyone’s personal savings. That’s exactly what these policies exist for. Pursuing a claim usually means dealing with an insurance company, not draining a friend’s bank account. Compensation for your child’s injuries typically comes from insurance, so you can protect your child without financially harming someone you care about.
The Special Deadline Rule for Children
California’s statute of limitations normally gives adults two years to file. But the rules work differently for kids.
For a minor, the deadline is generally tolled until they turn 18 — meaning the two-year clock often doesn’t start running until your child’s 18th birthday. Even so, waiting is risky. Evidence fades, witnesses forget, and medical records get harder to gather. Photograph your child’s injuries, save every medical record, and note any witnesses now — even if you’re not ready to decide about a claim.
Why Facial and Head Injuries Are Taken Seriously
Children are often bitten on the face, head, and neck simply because of their height. These injuries can lead to scarring, disfigurement, and lasting emotional trauma.
The law recognizes this. Permanent facial scarring on a child, along with future treatment like reconstructive care or therapy, carries real weight in a claim. Facial and head injuries in children are treated as serious, lasting harm — not minor scrapes.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
Your child deserves to heal without your family carrying the medical bills alone. At Walch Law, we help Van Nuys parents pursue insurance-backed claims with compassion and discretion.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Contact Walch Law today for a free, confidential consultation. 1-844-999-5342