{"id":4586,"date":"2025-04-28T18:44:05","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T18:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesrianilaw.com\/?p=4586"},"modified":"2025-04-28T18:47:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T18:47:31","slug":"homeowners-liability-if-a-dog-bites-a-trespasser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesrianilaw.com\/blog\/homeowners-liability-dog-bites-trespasser\/","title":{"rendered":"Homeowner\u2019s Liability If a Dog Bites a Trespasser"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is important to\u2002note that dog bite cases can be complicated, particularly when the injured person was present on the property illegally. A dog bite injury can have some of the\u2002most nuanced scenarios when it comes to liability involving a trespasser. Knowing homeowner liability in some\u2002of those incidents is important for property owners and legal staffs alike. Our dog bite attorney<\/i><\/b><\/a> in Los Angeles at\u2002Mesriani Law Group has the experience to handle cases who have an unclear or disputed liability.<\/p>\n

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Homeowner Liability<\/b><\/h2>\n

Also known as the \u201cDog Bite Statute,\u201d California Civil Code \u00a7 3342 provides that if a dog bites a person who is on private property legally or a person who is in a public place, the owner is strictly liable for the damages, regardless of whether the dog had a\u2002history of aggression. But this statute likely does not\u2002afford the same protection to anyone who is present on the property without permission \u2014 a trespasser.<\/p>\n

Dog owners have a general duty to use reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm caused by their dogs, but that duty is often limited with regard to people who enter the property\u2002without permission.<\/p>\n

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Trespassers and Liability<\/b><\/h2>\n

Note: A trespasser is someone who enters someone else\u2019s property without a proper\u2002legal right or permission. California law does\u2002not usually provide the same level of protection for trespassers as it does for invited guests or lawful visitors.<\/p>\n

That\u2002being said, homeowners could still be cited if someone can prove that:<\/p>\n