Level 4 Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in California: What Victims Can Expect

Dog bites can range from minor scratches to life-altering injuries. In California, victims of serious dog attacks are protected by strict liability laws that allow them to pursue compensation regardless of the dog’s history. When a bite is classified as Level 4, it typically involves one to four deep puncture wounds, with at least one penetrating more than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth, often accompanied by bruising or tearing. These injuries are considered severe and often require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. This article explores what Level 4 dog bite victims can expect in terms of settlement amounts, legal rights, and the factors that influence compensation.

Understanding the Dunbar Bite Scale

The Dunbar Bite Scale is a widely accepted system for classifying dog bite severity:

  • Level 1: No skin contact
  • Level 2: Skin contact without puncture
  • Level 3: Shallow punctures
  • Level 4: Deep punctures and tearing
  • Level 5: Multiple bites with serious injury
  • Level 6: Fatal attack

Level 4 bites often result in nerve damage, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma, especially when the victim is a child or elderly adult.

California’s Strict Liability Law

Under California Civil Code § 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for bites that occur:

  • In public places
  • On private property where the victim is lawfully present

Victims do not need to prove negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s aggression. The law applies even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Exceptions include:

  • Trespassing
  • Provoking the dog
  • Working with dogs professionally (e.g., veterinarians)

Typical Settlement Range for Level 4 Bites

Level 4 dog bite settlements in California generally range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Insurance coverage

According to LawLinq, Level 4 bites are considered moderate to severe and often result in higher compensation than Level 2 or 3 bites due to the depth of injury and potential for long-term effects.

Real-Life Examples

Woman Bitten on the Face – $45,000 Settlement

  • Incident: A woman was bitten on the cheek by a neighbor’s dog during a backyard gathering
  • Injuries: Deep puncture wounds and facial scarring requiring plastic surgery
  • Why This Amount: Included medical bills, cosmetic procedures, and emotional trauma

Child Bitten on the Leg – $50,000 Settlement

  • Incident: A child was attacked by an off-leash dog at a public park
  • Injuries: Multiple deep punctures and muscle tearing requiring surgery and physical therapy
  • Why This Amount: Covered medical treatment, psychological counseling, and parental time off work

Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts

1. Medical Costs

Level 4 bites often require:

  • Emergency care
  • Surgery or wound debridement
  • Antibiotics and pain management
  • Physical therapy
  • Scar revision or cosmetic procedures

Documented medical expenses form the foundation of any settlement.

2. Lost Income

Victims may miss work due to:

  • Hospitalization
  • Recovery time
  • Follow-up appointments

Pay stubs and employer statements help substantiate these claims.

3. Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages reflect:

  • Physical pain
  • Anxiety or fear of dogs
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Impact on daily activities

Children and elderly victims may receive higher compensation due to vulnerability.

4. Emotional Distress

Level 4 bites often cause:

  • PTSD symptoms
  • Social withdrawal
  • Avoidance of outdoor activities

Psychological evaluations and therapy records strengthen these claims.

5. Insurance Coverage

Most settlements are paid through:

  • Homeowners insurance
  • Renters insurance
  • Umbrella policies

Policy limits may cap the payout, even if damages exceed coverage.

Comparative Fault in California

California follows a pure comparative negligence model. If the victim shares fault (e.g., provoking the dog), their compensation is reduced proportionally.

Example:

  • Total damages: $50,000
  • Victim found 20% at fault
  • Final payout: $40,000

Statute of Limitations

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, victims have:

  • Two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit
  • Six months to file a claim against a government entity (Gov. Code § 911.2)

Missing these deadlines may bar recovery entirely.

How to Strengthen Your Claim

To maximize your settlement:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately
  2. Document the incident with photos and witness statements
  3. Report the bite to animal control or local authorities
  4. Keep records of medical bills, missed work, and communications
  5. Consult a dog bite attorney

Legal representation helps negotiate with insurers and build a compelling case.

Final Thoughts

Level 4 dog bites are serious injuries that can have lasting physical and emotional consequences. California’s strict liability laws make it easier for victims to recover compensation, and settlements in the $10,000 to $50,000 range are common. By documenting injuries, understanding your rights, and working with an experienced attorney, you can pursue fair compensation and hold negligent dog owners accountable.

References

  • California Civil Code § 3342. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=3342
  • California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=335.1
  • California Government Code § 911.2. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&sectionNum=911.2
  • California Dog Bite Settlements Ranked by Level – LawLinq
  • Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in California – Beliz Law
  • Dog Bite Settlements in California – Shouse Law Group
  • Top Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in California – Helbock Law