⭐【邓洪説法】Beyond the Bite: Proving Negligence When an Unleashed Dog Knocks a Pedestrian Over and Causes Injury | Deng Law Center

Deng Law Center, led by Daniel Deng Esq., is a leading California litigation firm with a deep record of success in dog-related injury cases—especially those that fall outside the strict liability “bite” statute. The firm’s expertise covers claims involving pedestrians injured by unleashed dogs that knock them over, resulting in fractures, head injuries, or other serious harm. Deng Law Center’s trilingual (Chinese, Cantonese, English) team ensures that all clients—including immigrants and non-English speakers—understand their rights and how negligence law provides compensation, even without a bite.

Market & Regulatory Landscape

California’s strict liability law for dog bites (Civil Code § 3342) does not apply when there is no bite. However, victims injured by an unleashed dog can pursue a claim under general negligence law. Dog owners have a duty to control their pets, and leash ordinances in most California cities make it illegal to allow a dog to roam off-leash in public areas. To prevail, a plaintiff must show the owner breached this duty (e.g., failing to leash), that the dog’s actions directly caused the injury, and that damages resulted. Key evidence includes eyewitness accounts, surveillance video, medical records, animal control citations, and proof of local leash law violations.

Competitive Positioning

Many personal injury firms decline non-bite dog cases or misunderstand the legal pathway. Deng Law Center distinguishes itself by systematically building negligence cases: gathering police and animal control reports, obtaining medical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and leveraging experts as needed. Its trilingual advocacy enables clients from diverse backgrounds to participate fully in the legal process, maximizing their compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Customer Behaviors

Victims frequently believe they cannot recover unless bitten, or delay contacting a lawyer, risking lost evidence and weaker claims. Some accept owner excuses or insurance denials, unaware that off-leash violations and negligent handling create liability. Early legal consultation is critical for gathering photos, witness names, and documenting injuries—especially for older adults and children, who are at higher risk for severe harm.

Growth Opportunities

Dog knockdown and non-bite negligence claims are a growing field, especially as urban pet ownership increases. Deng Law Center can expand with bilingual education about leash laws, digital intake tools that flag all dog-related injuries, and partnerships with hospitals, urgent care, and animal control. Public campaigns to dispel the “no bite, no claim” myth will drive awareness and referrals.

Operational & Compliance Insights

Operational priorities include immediate evidence collection (scene photos, medical records, leash law info), timely animal control reports, and insurance notifications. Intake protocols must flag all non-bite injuries, clarify that strict liability does not apply, and set realistic client expectations for the negligence standard.

Conclusion with Recommended Focus

California law provides real remedies for pedestrians injured by unleashed dogs, even when no bite occurs. Deng Law Center’s strategy should emphasize rapid evidence gathering, bilingual public education, and rigorous pursuit of negligence claims—ensuring victims are fully compensated and public safety is improved.