The Dog Never Bit Me — But I’m Injured. Do I Still Have a Van Nuys Claim?

The dog never sank its teeth in — but it still hurt you. Maybe it knocked you down, chased you into the street, or jumped up and sent you crashing to the pavement. Now you’re dealing with real injuries and a nagging worry: does “no bite” mean “no case”? For a lot of people, that assumption stops them from ever calling a lawyer. Don’t let it stop you. You may still have a valid claim.

Here’s what this post covers:

• Why the bite statute isn’t the only path
• The owner’s duty to control their dog
• Real examples of non-bite injuries
• The two-year deadline

Strict Liability Covers Bites — But Negligence Covers More

California’s strict liability dog bite law, Civil Code § 3342, specifically covers bites. If the dog didn’t bite you, that particular statute may not apply.

But that’s not the end of the story. California recognizes a separate path: a negligence or “dangerous dog” claim. This kind of claim doesn’t depend on a bite at all. Instead, it focuses on whether the owner failed to reasonably control their animal — and whether that failure caused your injuries. No bite doesn’t mean no claim — negligence law can cover non-bite injuries the bite statute leaves out.

The Owner’s Duty to Control Their Dog

Every dog owner has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to control their animal and prevent it from harming others. When an owner ignores that duty — letting a dog run loose, jump on people, or lunge at passersby — and someone gets hurt as a result, that failure can support a negligence claim.

Evidence of a dog’s known tendencies matters here. If the owner knew the dog liked to jump, chase, or charge and did nothing to prevent it, that strengthens your case. An owner who fails to control a dog they know can cause harm may be liable for your injuries.

Real Examples of Non-Bite Injuries

Non-bite attacks can cause serious, lasting harm. Consider:

• A knockdown fracture — a large dog lunges, knocks you to the ground, and you break a wrist or hip.
• Chased into traffic — a loose dog charges, you run into the street to escape, and you’re struck or fall hard.
• A jumping dog head injury — a big dog jumps up, knocks you over, and you hit your head on concrete. A traumatic brain injury can come in many forms and have last effects following a knockover by a dog.

Broken bones, head injuries, and road rash from these incidents are all real, compensable harm under a negligence theory — even without a single bite. Serious injuries from knockdowns and lunges are compensable, just under a different legal theory.

The Two-Year Deadline

California’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the incident to file. Miss that window, and you can lose your right to compensation entirely. Photograph your injuries, note the location, report the dog to animal control, and gather any witnesses right away.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

A dog didn’t have to bite you to turn your life upside down. At Walch Law, we pursue negligence claims for Van Nuys knockdown and non-bite injuries that other firms overlook.

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