Dog Bite in Santa Rosa. California law, local courts, and the deadlines that apply here.

Dog Bite in Santa Rosa

Dog bite claims are governed by California Civil Code section 3342, which imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites in public places or when the victim was lawfully on private property. No prior bite history is required.

California Law That Applies

California's pure comparative fault system under Civil Code section 1714 applies to dog bite cases in Santa Rosa. Recovery is reduced proportionally by the claimant's fault percentage but is never fully barred. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1.

Claims against the City of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County Transit, or Sonoma County require a government tort claim within six months of the incident under Government Code section 945.4. This shorter deadline runs concurrently with, and is separate from, the two-year personal injury SOL. Missing the six-month government tort claim deadline permanently bars claims against government entity defendants regardless of when the lawsuit is filed.

Courts and Procedures in Santa Rosa

Dog Bite personal injury claims from Santa Rosa are filed in Sonoma County Superior Court — Hall of Justice at 600 Administration Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. This courthouse handles unlimited civil cases from Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Personal injury cases in this court typically reach trial in 18–28 months from filing.

Key Deadlines for Dog Bite Claims in Santa Rosa

Two years from the accident date to file suit against a private party under CCP section 335.1. Six months from the incident to file a government tort claim against the City of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County Transit, or Sonoma County under Government Code section 945.4. Both deadlines run from the date of the accident, subject to the discovery rule and tolling exceptions.