California residents love their dogs, but encountering an unfriendly, aggressive dog is an unsettling reminder that they are animals. We can’t always understand or predict their motives. Experiencing an attack from a dog is terrifying, especially if you’ve suffered a serious bite. After a dog bite in California, it’s important to know what to expect, how to report the bite, and your legal options.
First, Take the Right Emergency Measures to Protect Yourself After a Dog Bite
Dogs have sharp teeth and strong jaws. Bites can be very serious, causing deep punctures and lacerations. After a dog bite, first ensure the dog is properly restrained. Then, apply emergency first aid before doing the following:
- If the injury is severe, such as a traumatic amputation or bites to the face, scalp, or throat, call 911 to request an ambulance; otherwise, call a friend or family member to arrange transportation to an emergency room or an urgent care facility
- Then, if the dog’s owner is present, add the contact information to your phone
- Add the contact information of any eyewitnesses
- Use your phone to take photos of the dog, and anything relevant, such as a broken fence or gate, or a trailing leash
- Photograph your injuries
- Then, use your cell phone to report the dog to animal services
Always go directly to a hospital or urgent care center for emergency treatment. Then ask for a detailed medical report listing your injuries and your doctor’s treatment recommendations, including antibiotic treatment to prevent infection and any upcoming procedures for reconstruction or plastic surgery.
Reporting a California Dog Bite to the Property Authorities
It’s crucial to report a dog bite. Your health may depend on the dog’s background and vaccination information. In addition, your local animal control service must take appropriate action to monitor dangerous dogs in your area. If the bite occurred in LA County, you can use the LA County Animal Services reporting portal, or report the bite by phone by calling the Veterinary Public Health program directly at (213) 288-7060.
You can also contact your local health department to request an investigation of the dog’s health record and vaccination history.
Why Report a Dog Bite In California?
It’s always important to report a dog bite to establish a dangerous dog record for the animal. It’s especially necessary to file a report if you don’t know the dog’s history and need an investigation into the animal’s health status. Knowing the dog’s health history is critical to your treatment and to preventing serious dog bite infections. In addition to dangerous rabies, dog bites are prone to spreading infections such as strep, staph, Fusobacterium, E. coli, Pasteurellosis, and potentially deadly Capnocytophaga.
Liability In California Dog Bite Claims
Reporting a dog bite after it occurs also provides key evidence in a dog bite claim to recover damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering. If your injuries require reconstructive procedures, a successful claim recovers compensation for your future damages.
Under California Code CIV 3342, pet owners are held responsible under the strict liability standard. This means a bite victim doesn’t have to prove negligence because the dog’s owner takes responsibility for all damages caused by their pet from the moment they take ownership or control. However, dog bite claims are not always straightforward. They are typically filed against the pet owner’s insurance, and insurance companies are not on your side. A successful claim requires careful handling and skilled legal representation by a Van Nuys dog bite lawyer.
