Dog Bite Lawyers in Sacramento, CA

At Goyette, Ruano, & Thompson, in collaboration with Peacock Law Firm, our Sacramento personal injury attorneys are committed to providing top-notch legal services to individuals who have suffered personal injuries. Our combined expertise ensures that our clients receive comprehensive representation and support to pursue their personal injury claims effectively.

It came out of nowhere. You were walking through your neighborhood, visiting a friend, or letting your child play at the park. Then a dog lunged. A bite. A scream. Blood. Chaos. What started as a normal day ended in an emergency room visit, and possibly surgery, trauma, and a long road to recovery.

Dog bites are frightening, painful, and often life-altering. The physical wounds can be deep, but the emotional impact may last even longer. At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, our Sacramento dog bite attorneys understand how serious these injuries can be—and we’re here to help you take legal action when a dog owner fails to take responsibility.

California Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know

California has one of the strictest dog bite liability laws in the country. Under California Civil Code, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or whether the owner knew the dog had a tendency to bite. This means:

• You don’t need to prove the dog had bitten before
• You don’t need to prove the owner was negligent

If the bite happened in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property, the owner is legally responsible

Whether the dog was on a leash or not, whether the owner apologized or denied fault, the law is clear: dog owners are liable when their dogs bite.

As experienced Sacramento personal injury attorneys, the team at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson uses California’s strict liability statute to aggressively pursue compensation for our clients.

The Real Impact of a Dog Bite Injury

Dog bites are not “just a scratch.” They can lead to serious injuries, infections, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma, especially when the victim is a child. Our Sacramento dog bite attorneys represent clients suffering from:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Torn tendons or nerve damage
• Infections, including rabies or sepsis
• Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• PTSD, anxiety, or fear of animals
• Painful rabies shots or tetanus treatment

Children are especially vulnerable. Dog bites to the face, head, or neck are tragically common among young victims. Many suffer long-term psychological effects that impact school, social life, and personal confidence. At Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, we treat these cases with the seriousness they deserve, because the damage goes far beyond the skin.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Sacramento

After a dog bite, your actions can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what our Sacramento personal injury attorneys recommend:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Dog bites can become infected quickly. Even if the injury seems minor, get checked by a medical professional right away.

Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the owner’s name, address, and proof of the dog’s vaccination status. If the dog is a stray or the owner is unknown, animal control should be called immediately.

Report the Incident: File a report with Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation or your local authority. This helps document the attack and may prevent future incidents.

Take Photos: Photograph your injuries, the scene, and (if possible) the dog. These images may serve as key evidence in your claim.

Do Not Sign Anything from the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company: Let a Sacramento dog bite attorney at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson review your case before you speak with insurance adjusters.

Call Our Office: The sooner we get involved, the more effectively we can build your claim.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in California?

Under California law, the owner of the dog is almost always liable. However, additional parties may also share responsibility:

• Landlords, if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to act
• Caretakers or dog walkers, depending on the situation
• Property owners, if the attack happened on premises they control

Our Sacramento dog bite lawyers investigate every aspect of your case to identify all potential sources of compensation.

What Damages Can You Recover?

A dog bite injury can lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills, missed work, and long-term emotional harm. Goyette, Ruano & Thompson helps victims recover compensation for:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Surgical treatment or plastic surgery
• Medications and follow-up care
• Physical therapy
• Lost wages and future lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

In some cases, we may also seek punitive damages if the dog’s owner acted especially recklessly, such as failing to control a known aggressive dog.

Why You Need a Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer

Even though California’s dog bite law seems straightforward, dog owners and their insurance companies often try to shift blame. They may argue that you provoked the dog, ignored a warning sign, or weren’t supposed to be on the property.

Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is prepared for these tactics. As a full-service California law firm with more than 30 years of experience, we know how to stand up to aggressive insurers and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

We’re also one of the few firms in Sacramento that brings a comprehensive legal lens to injury cases. That means we understand how these incidents affect more than just your health—they can impact your work, family, and future. And we’re here for all of it.

What Sets Goyette, Ruano & Thompson Apart?

Strict and Skilled Representation: Our firm doesn’t take shortcuts. When we represent you, we dig deep into the details and build a case built to win.

Compassionate Advocacy: We know dog bites are traumatic. We’ll listen, support you, and treat your case with the care it deserves.

Proven Track Record: With over 10,000 successful cases throughout California, we have the results to back up our reputation.

Honest Answers, No Fluff: From your first consultation forward, we give it to you straight—no guesswork, no sugarcoating.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in California?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. However, there are exceptions, especially if the dog belonged to a government agency (such as a police K-9), in which case you may have just six months to act.

The sooner you speak to a Sacramento dog bite attorney at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson, the better. Evidence fades quickly in these cases—witnesses forget, wounds heal, and dogs get relocated. Let us act swiftly on your behalf.

Call a Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney at Goyette, Ruano & Thompson Today

Dog bites can cause more than scars. They leave victims with pain, fear, medical debt, and a deep sense of injustice, especially when the attack could have been prevented.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Sacramento or anywhere in Northern or Central California, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Goyette, Ruano & Thompson is here to help you pursue justice, protect your future, and hold negligent dog owners accountable.

Call Goyette, Ruano & Thompson today to speak with a Sacramento dog bite lawyer. Let’s talk about your options, your rights, and your recovery.