A day at the park or a quiet walk to school should feel safe, a place for children to laugh, play, and discover the world around them. Yet for some families in San Diego, these moments are shattered by devastating attacks from what many children are taught to be friendly companions: dogs.
The emotional and physical pain caused by these incidents is heart-wrenching, especially when children are involved. Parents are left grappling with their child’s injuries, medical bills, and a sense of helplessness at what to do next.
If your child has been hurt by a dog in San Diego, whether it was near a school, in a park, playground, or even in a family member’s house, you have every right to feel angry, but you should never feel helpless. No family in California has to navigate such a traumatic dog attack alone, not when injury lawyer Alan Nicolette of Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe is here to help. Guided by California’s strict liability laws, Alan works tirelessly to ensure families like yours can hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the financial support you need to move forward.
In California, dog bite injuries are governed by strict liability laws (California Civil Code Section 3342). This legal standard ensures that dog owners are held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggression or the owner knew of potential risks.
This law covers:
In a city like San Diego, where parks such as Balboa Park and Mission Bay offer vibrant community spaces, the likelihood of dog bite incidents is significant. These laws give parents a foundation to seek justice after any such harm occurs.
In some cases, it’s not just the dog owner who may be responsible. Premises liability might hold landlords, property owners, or event hosts accountable when they knowingly allow dangerous dogs onto their property without taking precautionary measures. A skilled dog bite injury lawyer can determine the full scope of liability in your case and identify all parties responsible for your child’s injury.
Under strict liability, dog owners are unable to claim they “didn’t know” about their pet’s aggression. However, two exceptions could potentially reduce or eliminate their liability:
San Diego ranks as one of the leading cities for dog bite incidents across the United States. Recent tragedies, such as the fatal attack in 2024 involving three dogs at Mesa Viking Park, just outside an elementary school, serve as sobering reminders of the danger unleashed dogs can pose. During this heartbreaking event, nearby Ericson Elementary School went into lockdown to protect its students as the police were unable to locate one of the dogs for a time.
With over 6,000 dog attacks reported annually in San Diego County alone, children remain among the most vulnerable victims. Locations like Kate Sessions Park and Trolley Barn Park, popular for family outings, frequently attract both pets and young children, creating high-risk situations. All too often, these attacks occur because dog owners disregard leash laws or fail to control their animals in public spaces.
Dog bite injuries can have a profound and lasting impact, particularly on children, due to their smaller size and limited ability to defend themselves. Some common injuries include:
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and psychological counseling. The financial burden of these treatments can be considerable, adding significant stress to an already devastating situation.
Following a dog bite injury, navigating the legal process on your own can be daunting. Working with an experienced dog bite attorney ensures your family has the resources and support you need to pursue justice and financial compensation.
Alan Nicolette and his team at Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe are committed to helping families recover both emotionally and financially. Here’s how we can assist you:
California law is designed to protect victims, but time is a critical factor. Acting quickly is essential, as failing to file your claim within the statute of limitations could prevent you from securing compensation altogether.
Although no one can predict when or where a dog bite might occur, parents can take steps to minimize risks:
San Diego’s leash laws are in place to protect the public. If you witness a dog owner violating these rules in shared spaces like Balboa Park, report the incident to San Diego Animal Control to help create a safer environment for all.
A walk to school or a fun day at the park should end with laughter not a trip to the emergency room. When a dog bite threatens your child’s well-being, you deserve an advocate who not only understands the pain you’re going through but has the experience and persistence to fight for justice.
Alan Nicolette with Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe is here to support your family every step of the way. Let him put his dedication, knowledge, and compassionate approach to work for you.
Take the first step to protect your child’s future. Call (760) 437-4737 to schedule a consultation today. Alan is ready to help your family heal and move forward with confidence
