After a dog bite in California, seek medical attention, report the incident, document your injuries, gather information about the dog and dog owner, and contact a Fresno dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
A dog bite can cause serious physical injuries, medical expenses, and lasting pain and suffering, so taking the right steps after an attack can help protect your health and legal rights. Our law firm can help you learn what to do after a dog bite in California.
At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our attorneys have 40 years of combined experience helping injured people pursue compensation. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, call a Fresno dog bite lawyer 24/7 to discuss what happened and learn about your legal options.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even a bite that appears minor can cause puncture wounds, infection, nerve damage, and other complications. Prompt medical care can help prevent complications while creating documentation of the injuries caused by the attack.
Follow your medical providers’ treatment instructions. Keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, and other documents connected to treatment for the dog bite.
If the dog bite causes serious bleeding, deep wounds, loss of function, or another emergency, seek immediate medical care.
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Report the Dog Bite
After you or your family member gets medical attention, be sure to report the dog bite to the appropriate local authorities. Depending on where the attack occurred, this may include animal control or a local law enforcement agency.
A report can create an official record of the incident. Authorities may also need information about the dog’s vaccination history and whether the animal presents a risk to other people.
When reporting the incident, provide accurate details about where and when the attack happened. Include information about the dog’s appearance, the dog owner’s name if known, and the circumstances surrounding the bite.
Document What Happened
Evidence can become important when seeking compensation after a dog attack. If possible, document the scene and your injuries shortly after the incident.
Take Photos and Videos
Take clear photographs of your wounds, torn clothing, the location where the attack occurred, and anything else that may help show what happened. Continue photographing your injuries as they heal if visible changes occur.
Gather Contact Information
Get the name, phone number, and address of the dog owner if possible. If anyone witnessed the attack, ask for their contact information so a witness can potentially provide a statement later.
Gather information about the dog (its name and vaccination information) when available. Avoid confronting the dog owner or attempting to obtain information in a way that could put you at additional risk. Additionally, save any medical bills for evidence.
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Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause more than surface-level cuts. Depending on the circumstances, a bite may result in significant injuries requiring emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, or ongoing care.
- Puncture wounds: Dog teeth can penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissue, increasing the risk of infection.
- Lacerations: Bites can cause deep cuts that may require stitches, surgery, or treatment for scarring.
- Nerve damage: A severe bite can damage nerves and cause numbness, weakness, or changes in sensation.
- Fractures: A powerful bite or attack can contribute to broken bones, particularly when a person falls while trying to escape.
- Infections: Bacteria introduced through a bite can lead to serious infections without prompt medical treatment.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Facial and other visible injuries can leave permanent scars and may require reconstructive treatment.
- Psychological trauma: A serious dog attack can result in cynophobia (fear of dogs), anxiety, sleep problems, and other lasting effects that may require professional support.
Understand California Dog Bite Laws
California generally follows a strict liability rule for dog bites under California Civil Code Section 3342. In many situations, a dog owner can be held responsible when a dog bites a person who was lawfully in a public or private place, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies.
This means a victim generally does not have to prove that the dog owner knew the animal was likely to bite. However, the specific facts surrounding an attack can affect a claim, including where the incident occurred and whether the victim was lawfully present.
California law can also involve other legal theories when an injury occurs through conduct that does not fit within the state’s dog-bite statute. Because every attack has different circumstances, speaking with a Fresno dog bite lawyer at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt can help you understand which laws may apply.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
After a dog bite, an insurance company may contact you about the incident. The insurer may ask questions about your injuries, medical treatment, or what happened before and during the attack.
Be careful about providing statements or accepting a settlement before understanding the full extent of your injuries. A quick settlement may not account for future medical care, lost income, scarring, pain and suffering, or other damages.
Fowler | Helsel | Vogt can communicate with the insurance company and work to protect your interests while you focus on recovery.
What Compensation Can a Dog Bite Claim Provide?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may pursue compensation for different losses related to a dog attack, such as:
Medical Expenses
Compensation may cover reasonable medical costs associated with treating the dog bite.
Lost Income
A serious injury can prevent you from working while you recover. A claim may account for income lost because of the dog bite and, in some circumstances, reduced future earning ability.
Pain and Suffering
Dog bites can cause significant physical pain as well as lasting effects from scarring, disfigurement, or psychological trauma. Compensation for pain and suffering may account for the non-economic impact of the injury.
Contact Fowler | Helsel | Vogt to Speak to a Dog Bite Lawyer After an Attack
Now you know what to do after a dog bite in California. Taking prompt action can help preserve important evidence and support a potential claim for compensation.
A dog bite can leave you dealing with medical treatment, lost income, physical pain, and uncertainty about what to do next. We are available 24/7 to help you take the next step after a dog attack. Visit our blog to learn more about dog bite claims, personal injury law, and what you can do after an injury.
Fowler | Helsel | Vogt has 40 years of combined experience helping injured clients pursue the compensation available under California law. If a dog bit you, call a Fresno dog bite lawyer 24/7 to discuss your personal injury case with our team.
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