Usually, yes. California is a strict liability state for dog bites, so an owner can be held responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before and even if the owner had no reason to think it was dangerous.
That rule comes from California Civil Code section 3342. It applies when you were bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property, including when you are invited onto someone's yard or working there. Unlike some states, California does not follow a "one free bite" rule. The owner cannot escape responsibility just because it was the dog's first time.
There are limits. If you were trespassing, or if you provoked the dog, the owner may have a defense. And because California is a pure comparative-fault state, if you were partly at fault, your recovery can be reduced by your share of the blame. Injuries that come from something other than a bite, like a big dog knocking you down, may fall under regular negligence rather than the strict liability statute.
A San Diego dog bite claim can cover medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering, often through the owner's homeowner or renter insurance. Keep in mind the general two-year filing deadline under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, and note that claims involving a public entity can have much shorter deadlines.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case turns on its own facts.
If a dog hurt you or your child, our dog bite team can walk you through a personal injury claim. Call Crudo Law at (858) 622-7280 or reach us through /contact for a free, confidential consultation.