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Of the nearly 4.7 million people in the U.S. that sustain dog bites every year, about 800,000 require medical attention—a dozen or so are fatal. Annual liability can exceed $1 billion. It is prudent to know what California’s state law requires of you as a dog owner, as well as city and county laws.
Strict liability states hold the owner responsible for any damage the dog causes, regardless of its past history. Common-law states require the victim to prove that the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous but did not take precautions. The dog owner is not held liable if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog. California is a strict liability state.
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