Suffering a dog bite or attack can be a frightening and traumatic experience. You might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. But you are not alone, and you have rights. California law strongly protects victims of dog attacks, and there are clear steps you can take to safeguard your health and legal interests.
This guide takes you through the critical steps to follow after a dog bite in California, empowering you to take control of your recovery and ensure justice is served.
Prioritize Your Safety and Medical Care
Your well-being is the most important priority after a dog-related injury. The moments following an attack can feel chaotic, but it’s essential to take swift action to protect your health.
- Move to Safety: If the dog is still present, create as much distance as possible between yourself and the animal to prevent further injuries. Seek shelter or assistance if needed.
- Treat the Wound Immediately: Even if the injury seems minor, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Dog bites can lead to dangerous infections like rabies or tetanus.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. Medical professionals can assess the severity of your injury, provide vaccinations if needed, and document your injuries, which is important for legal purposes.
Your health comes first. Never hesitate to reach out for medical assistance, no matter how small the injury seems at first glance.
Report the Incident
Reporting the dog attack is vital, not only for protecting yourself but also for preventing future incidents.
- Contact Animal Control or Local Authorities: File a report with your local animal control agency or law enforcement. Provide as many details as possible about the incident, including the dog’s description and the owner’s information (if known). This will create an official record of the attack.
- Inform Your Community: Reporting helps protect others in your area from potential harm. Authorities can investigate and, if necessary, take action to ensure the dog is handled appropriately.
Keeping a detailed record of the event ensures that your case is documented and sets the foundation for pursuing legal action if necessary.
Gather Evidence
Evidence plays a crucial role in any legal claim. Collecting relevant information at the scene and in the days following is critical.
- Photograph Your Injuries: Take clear, well-lit photos of your wounds immediately after the attack and during your recovery process.
- Document the Scene: Capture images of the location where the attack occurred. If possible, include photos of the dog, any nearby warning signs, or any damage caused by the dog.
- Obtain Witness Information: Ask for contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack. Their statements could support your case.
- Record Details: Write down everything you remember about the incident, including the time, date, location, and description of the dog and its behavior.
Thorough documentation strengthens your case and provides a clear account of what occurred.
Understand California Dog Bite Laws
California has some of the strictest dog bite laws in the country. Understanding your legal rights is essential for holding the responsible party accountable.
- Strict Liability: Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. This means the owner can be held responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
- No Provocation: To pursue a claim, it must be shown that you did not provoke the dog.
- Where the Bite Occurred: The bite must have occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully present on private property.
These laws are designed to protect victims and ensure that dog owners take responsibility for their pet’s behavior.
File a Claim for Compensation
If a dog bite has left you with physical, emotional, or financial challenges, you may be entitled to compensation. Damages in a dog bite case can include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, medications, and follow-up treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for any time missed at work due to recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional trauma, disfigurement, or a diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property damaged during the attack (e.g., clothing, glasses).
Pursuing a claim can help you regain control and cover the financial burden of your recovery. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through this process and advocate for your rights.
Connect with Glendale Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog bite cases can often feel overwhelming and emotionally draining. However, legal support is available. At Hartounian, APLC, we understand the pain and uncertainty that follows a dog attack, and we are here to help you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured by an aggressive or dangerous dog in California, the time to act is now.
Reach out to our dog bite attorney at (818) 463-1917 for a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.