Why Dog Bites Spike Over the Holidays—and How to File a Claim Against Homeowners Insurance

The holiday season, from Thanksgiving through the New Year, should be a time of joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones. Unfortunately, for many families, it can also be a time of unexpected trauma. Canoga Park Dog bites often see a significant increase during this period. The disruption of routines, crowded homes, and heightened stress can create a perfect storm for a dog to act out of character, sometimes with devastating consequences.

If you or your child has been injured by a dog during a holiday gathering, you are not alone, and you have rights. In California, dog owners are typically responsible for the harm their pets cause, and their homeowners or renters insurance is often the source of compensation. At Walch Law, our consultations are always free and confidential, and we handle all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win a recovery for you. Call now– 1-844-999-5342

Why Do Dog Bites Increase During the Holidays?

Even a normally well-behaved dog can become anxious or aggressive when its environment changes. The unique circumstances of the holiday season can trigger a bite incident.

• Unfamiliar Guests: Homes are filled with new people, including children who may not know how to interact safely with a dog.
• Overstimulation and Stress: The constant noise, activity, and new smells of a holiday party can be overwhelming for a dog, leading to fear or anxiety.
• Food Guarding: With more food around at dog-level—from dropped appetizers to full holiday plates—a dog may become possessive and guard its newfound treats.
• Alcohol Consumption: Guests who have been drinking may be less cautious and misread a dog’s warning signals, such as growling or showing its teeth.
• Disrupted Routines: Changes in walking, feeding, and sleeping schedules can make a dog feel insecure.
• Package Deliveries: The constant arrival of delivery drivers can put a dog on high alert at the front door.
• Visiting Other Homes: Bringing a pet to a new environment or interacting with other people’s pets adds another layer of stress.

Who Is Responsible for a Holiday Dog Bite in California?

California has a “strict liability” dog bite statute (Civil Code § 3342). This means that if a dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible for the damages, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. It doesn’t matter if the owner says, “He’s never done that before!”

This rule applies in most common holiday scenarios:

• A bite that occurs at the dog owner’s home during a party.
• A bite that happens at a park or during a neighborhood walk.
• An incident in a common area of an apartment complex or HOA.
• A bite from a visiting dog at a host’s home.

There are limited exceptions, such as if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog, but these are defenses the owner’s insurance company must prove.

Critical First Steps After a Dog Bite

Your actions in the moments and days after a bite are crucial for both your health and your legal rights.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Dog bites carry a high risk of infection. Go to an emergency room or urgent care right away to have the wound properly cleaned and treated.
2. Report the Incident: File a report with your local animal control agency (e.g., Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control or Ventura County Animal Services). This creates an official record of the attack.
3. Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information. If possible, ask for their homeowners or renters insurance details.
4. Document Everything: Take clear photos of the injuries immediately and continue to photograph them as they heal. Save any torn or bloody clothing.
5. Gather Witness Information: Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the incident.
6. Stay Off Social Media: Do not post anything about the bite, your injuries, or the dog owner online. Insurance companies will use this against you.

How Homeowners Insurance Pays for a Dog Bite Claim

The dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy is the primary source for compensation. These policies contain several types of coverage that can apply.

• Coverage E (Personal Liability): This is the main coverage that pays for damages caused by the policyholder’s negligence, which includes harm caused by their pets. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Medical Payments to Others (Med-Pay): This is a smaller, no-fault coverage (usually $1,000 to $5,000) that can be used to pay for initial medical bills immediately, regardless of who was at fault.
• Renters and Umbrella Policies: Renters insurance functions just like homeowners insurance for dog bites. Some owners also have umbrella policies that provide an extra layer of liability coverage (often $1 million or more).

The best Canoga Park dog bite law firm will handle all negotiations with the insurance company and also manage any liens from your own health insurer, working to reduce the amount you have to pay back from your settlement.

Filing the Claim: The Process and Your Lawyer’s Role

Once you hire an attorney, you no longer have to deal with the insurance adjuster. Your lawyer will:

• Formally notify the dog owner and their insurance company of your claim.
• Handle all communications and shield you from requests for recorded statements or overly broad medical releases.
• Gather all evidence, including medical records and expert opinions, to build a comprehensive demand package.
• Value your claim, accounting for all current and future damages.
• Negotiate aggressively for a full and fair settlement.
• File a lawsuit and proceed with litigation if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable.

Special Considerations for Child Victims

When a child is bitten, the emotional and physical impact can be long-lasting. Scars can affect their self-esteem for years, and the trauma often requires therapy. In California, any settlement for a minor must be approved by a court in a process called a “minor’s compromise” to ensure the settlement is fair and the child’s interests are protected. We use school records, counseling notes, and expert reports to document the full developmental impact of the attack to ensure the compensation accounts for these future needs.

A Few Practical Prevention Tips

You can help keep holiday gatherings safe by encouraging hosts and guests to:

• Give dogs a quiet, separate space away from the main party.
• Supervise all interactions between children and pets.
• Tell guests not to feed the dog from the table.
• Keep the dog on a leash during walks in crowded holiday areas.

Let Our Family Help Yours This Holiday Season– Winning Canoga Park Dog Bite Law Firm

If your holiday was ruined by a dog bite, you don’t have to navigate the complex insurance claims process alone. The team at Walch Law can step in immediately to protect your rights, manage the legal burdens, and fight for the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today for a free, compassionate consultation to learn how we can help.