Legal Question in Administrative Law in California

Re: settlement for damaged lawn

I learned in law school that trespassing cattle receive what is called a "strict liability" analysis. In other words, you don't have to prove negligence, you only have to show that these were his cattle, and the damage that they did. And that's really where your question lies - damages. Sounds like the rancher knows about strict liability and has offered to replace the portions of grass his cattle ruined, and he probably sees that as reasonable. I think many a juror would see it as reasonable too, probably with an analysis along the lines of, "he's willing to replace the lawn where his cows trampled, but you want a whole new lawn out of it? Give it a few months to grow in. A few mowings later and it'll look just fine." You are absolutely in the right, but should be reasonable on damages. I would try to herd the rancher more in your direction without actually filing a claim over it.