A dog bite can happen quickly and leave you dealing with much more than a painful wound. You may need medical treatment, have questions about the dog’s vaccination history, miss work, or wonder whether the dog’s owner is responsible.
If you were bitten by a dog in Los Angeles, the steps you take afterward can help protect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim.
Here is what to know.
Get Medical Attention After a Dog Bite
Your health should come first.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. Dog bites can cause infections and other complications even when the injury does not initially look serious.
You should also consider having the bite evaluated by a medical professional promptly. Depending on the circumstances, a doctor may determine whether you need additional treatment, such as antibiotics, a tetanus booster, stitches, or evaluation for possible rabies exposure.
If the injury is severe, seek emergency medical care.
Medical treatment also creates documentation showing when the injury occurred, how serious it was, and what care was required.
Report the Dog Bite
Dog bites should generally be reported to the appropriate public health or animal control authority.
In Los Angeles County, animal-bite reports help officials locate the animal and determine whether there is a potential rabies concern. Dogs and cats involved in bites are generally observed for a period after the incident.
The exact reporting process can vary depending on where in Los Angeles County the bite occurred, so check with the appropriate local agency.
When making a report, provide as much information as possible about the dog, its owner, and where the animal can currently be found.
Document What Happened
Evidence can become harder to collect as time passes.
If you are able, take clear photos of your injuries soon after the attack and continue taking photos as the wound heals. This can be especially important if the bite causes bruising, infection, scarring, or other visible injuries.
You should also save information such as:
- The dog owner’s name and contact information
- Photos or video of the dog
- Witness names and contact information
- Medical records and bills
- Animal control or public health reports
- Records of missed work or lost income
- Photos of the location where the attack happened
Avoid relying only on your memory. Writing down what happened while the details are fresh can help later.
Understand California Dog Bite Law
California has a specific law dealing with dog bites.
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner may generally be responsible for injuries when their dog bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property.
Importantly, you usually do not have to prove that the dog previously bit someone or that the owner already knew the dog was dangerous.
For example, if you were invited to a friend’s home and their dog bit you, the fact that the attack happened on private property does not automatically prevent you from having a claim.
Every situation is different, however. How the bite happened, why you were on the property, who owned the dog, and other circumstances can affect the legal analysis.
Be Careful When Speaking With an Insurance Company
After a dog bite, an insurance company may contact you to ask questions about what happened.
Depending on the circumstances and available coverage, a dog-bite claim may involve a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
You should be cautious about giving detailed recorded statements or agreeing to a quick settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries.
Some injuries take time to fully evaluate. Scarring, nerve damage, infections, reduced movement, or emotional effects may not be clear immediately after the attack.
Once a claim is settled and a release is signed, reopening it later can be difficult or impossible.
How the Bark Law Firm Can Help After a Dog Bite
Dog-bite claims can involve more than simply showing that an injury occurred.
Evidence may need to be gathered from medical providers, witnesses, animal control agencies, insurance companies, and the dog’s owner. Questions may also arise about insurance coverage and the full effect the injury has had on your life.
The Bark Law Firm helps people injured in dog attacks in Los Angeles understand their options and the steps involved in pursuing a personal injury claim.
If you are unsure whether you have a case, speaking with the Bark Law Firm can help you understand how California dog-bite law may apply to your situation and what evidence may be important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Dog Bites
Can I have a claim if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Possibly. California’s dog-bite statute generally does not require an injured person to prove that the dog had previously attacked someone or that its owner knew it was dangerous. The circumstances of the bite still matter.
What if I was bitten at a friend or family member’s house?
Being bitten on private property does not automatically prevent a claim. California law generally applies when the injured person was lawfully on the property, including when they were invited there.
How long do I have to file a dog-bite claim in California?
Personal injury lawsuits in California are generally subject to a two-year deadline from the date of injury, but exceptions and shorter deadlines can apply in some situations. Because deadlines are highly fact-specific, it is important to confirm the deadline that applies to your particular case with an attorney.
Talk to the Bark Law Firm About a Los Angeles Dog Bite Injury
If a dog bite has left you dealing with medical treatment, missed work, scarring, or other problems, you do not have to figure out the claims process on your own.
Contact the Bark Law Firm to discuss what happened and learn what options may be available under California law.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Speak with an attorney about your specific circumstances.