The expectation that a dog will be friendly and happy to be petted, only to turn vicious in an instant, is shocking and disturbing – ask anyone who has experienced it. After all, dogs are supposed to be “man’s best friend,” right? The truth is, not always.
According to published figures, approximately 40% of California households own at least one dog. If that statistic holds for Sacramento County, with over 550,000 households, about 220,000 households own at least one dog.
In the City of Sacramento alone (one of many cities in Sacramento County, but by far the largest), the Department of Animal Control received over 800 reports of dog bites in 2023.
Learn more about our Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney Services.
A Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney Can Help If You’ve Been Bitten
If a dog has bitten you or someone you love, you may need legal advice. We have helped countless dog bite victims recover compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Call our office at (916) 438-1819 for a free consultation. We charge no fees up front.
Danger Zones: Sacramento’s Dog Bite Hot Spots
In Sacramento County, several neighborhoods have been notorious for dog attacks over the years, with some notable cases making the news.
- North Sacramento: The Del Paso Heights (95815) and Oak Park (95838) areas have had the highest reported numbers of dog bite reports.
- South Sacramento (including Lemon Hill): In one recent report, a man was attacked in his own front yard by neighbors’ dogs.
- Natomas: In early 2025, a pack of wolf-hybrids was reported, with two of the three dogs captured and the owner cited.
- Midtown and Downtown Sacramento: High-density, mixed-use developments (commercial and residential) are notorious for off-leash violations and resulting dog bites.
Overlapping Causes for Dog Bites in Almost Any City
In almost any city or even neighborhood, common factors are present in dog bites and dog attacks. These include:
- Lack of adequate fencing or containment
- Non-socialized dogs (e.g., security or guard dogs) coming into contact with humans
- Lack of sufficient animal control services to respond to reports of loose dogs
Your Rights as the Victim of a Dog Bite
For 30 years, we have helped dog bite victims get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Our expertise in Sacramento County’s dog bite laws enables us to develop effective strategies for winning dog bite cases.
California’s Strict Liability Rule: Dog owners in California hold dog owners accountable for the aggressive actions of their dogs, regardless of where the bite occurred. Even if a dog has never shown aggressive tendencies toward humans, the owner is still held responsible for any damage. This is true on private property and in public areas, including parks, recreational areas like rivers and lakes, as well as on city-owned property in residential neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Dog Bite Compensation
As with other personal injuries, damages stemming from a dog bite are eligible for compensation. Finding the right Sacramento dog bite attorney is the first and most crucial step for recovering maximum compensation in the following areas:
- Medical expenses, including past and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional trauma
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Dog Bite
Some of these steps happen in quick succession. It’s essential to call someone for assistance (in addition to an ambulance or law enforcement) if you aren’t able to complete these steps at the scene.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Don’t risk infection by trying to handle broken skin, puncture wounds, bleeding, etc., at home. If necessary, go to an emergency room. This is critical if the wounds are severe.
- Begin documenting everything and ask someone else to if you can’t. This includes photos of the injuries, the scene of the dog bite, the dog, and any other details that may stand out.
- Try to find out the name, address, and insurance information of the dog’s owner.
- Report the attack. Call Sacramento Animal Control immediately at 3-1-1. Or visit 311.saccounty.gov.
What NOT To Do Following a Dog Bite
Do not speak to any attorneys or insurance representatives who contact you about the dog bite incident. Please direct them to your attorney. You may offer the facts to a police officer for the purposes of completing a police report at the scene.
Protect Your Rights If You Are Bitten by a Dog in Sacramento
Sacramento is a densely populated county, which means tens of thousands of dogs live there as well. If you are bitten by a dog in North Sacramento, Oak Park, or any other area, you have rights. Just as importantly, dog owners are subject to strict liability laws that hold them responsible. Call an experienced dog bite attorney at Eason & Tambornini. We offer a free consultation and case review. If we take your case, you pay nothing until your case is settled.
Call us today at (916) 438-1819 and get your questions answered.