Why Santa Monica dog bites cases are different
Santa Monica's Promenade, Pier, and bike-and-scooter corridors generate a high rate of pedestrian, cyclist, and e-scooter injury claims. Tourist traffic and rideshare pickups multiply the risk.
Local context we account for
- Pedestrian and cyclist strikes along Ocean Avenue and the Promenade
- E-scooter (Bird, Lime) injury claims
- Rideshare pickup incidents at the Pier and on Main Street
- Cases filed in Los Angeles Superior Court — Santa Monica Courthouse (1725 Main)
California law that governs your claim
- Filing deadline. Two years from the date of injury under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Claims against a city, county, Caltrans, or other public entity require a six-month government claim under §911.2.
- Fault rule. California is a pure comparative negligence state. Even at significant fault, an injured person can still recover — the award is reduced by their share of responsibility.
- Damages. Recovery includes past and future medical care, lost income and earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
About dog bites claims
California Civil Code §3342 makes a dog owner strictly liable for bites in public places and lawful visits to private property — no 'one free bite' rule. Most claims are paid by the owner's homeowners or renters insurance. We pursue full recovery for medical care, scarring, and emotional trauma, especially for children.