You’re walking through your San Pedro neighborhood, enjoying a peaceful day, when suddenly, without warning, a dog lunges and bites. Pain sets in, blood flows, and panic rises. What just happened? What should you do next?
Dog bites can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. In California, the law takes these incidents seriously under its strict liability statute, meaning owners are often responsible, regardless of the dog’s history.
In this guide, you’ll learn what to do after a dog bite, covering both immediate medical care and legal rights. Farahi Law Firm in San Pedro is here to help you heal and protect your future.
Step 1: Get to Safety and Assess the Scene
First, move away from the animal calmly to prevent another attack.
Take a moment to assess the surroundings. Are you in a public space like a sidewalk or park, or on private property where you were lawfully present? This detail matters. Under California’s strict liability law, location plays a role in assigning responsibility.
Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical Care
After an animal attack, your priority is proper bite treatment—even minor wounds can raise concerns about rabies or lead to severe bacterial infections if not addressed quickly. Use a clean towel to control bleeding and immediately seek medical help, especially for deep bites. This is especially true for people with diabetes, liver disease, or other health conditions who face a greater risk of infection and other complications.
A doctor will clean the bite wound, assess the need for tetanus immunization, and check if rabies vaccination is necessary, especially if the dog’s status is unknown. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), untreated bites can escalate rapidly.
Don’t forget to save all medical records. They serve as critical evidence in your case and are vital for pursuing fair compensation through a personal injury claim.
Step 3: Report the Bite to Authorities
Once you’re safe and stable, report the bite accident to your local Animal Control agency or police department. In San Pedro, you can file a report with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care or contact them at 562-940-6898.
Filing an official report is essential—it documents the bite incident, initiates a rabies quarantine (if needed), and alerts authorities about potentially dangerous animals. This report is also valuable legal evidence, especially when pursuing action against negligent animal owners.
Public safety depends on these reports, as does your ability to pursue a strong personal injury claim.
Step 4: Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Once you’re safe and have received medical attention, try to identify the dog and its owner. Under California Civil Code §3342, the dog owner is strictly liable for any bite, even if the dog has never bitten anyone. To preserve your legal rights and assist in public health reporting, collecting as much information as possible at the accident scene is essential.
If the dog is stray or unknown, alert Animal Control immediately and give a full description. If the owner is present, ask for the following:
Information to Request from the Dog Owner
| Information | Why It Matters |
| Full Name & Contact Info | Needed for legal claims, insurance filings, and medical follow-ups. |
| Rabies Vaccination History | Verifies if post-exposure rabies vaccine treatment is necessary. |
| Dog’s Name, Breed & Age | It helps identify animals for animal control and medical risk assessments. |
| Owner’s Insurance Details | Used if the claim is filed under homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. |
| Prior Bite History (if known) | Supports potential claims of negligence or increases liability. |
| Veterinary Contact (if available) | It may help confirm vaccination status or behavior records. |
This information significantly strengthens your personal injury claim, helps Animal Control assess the threat to the public, and ensures you receive timely and appropriate care.
Step 5: Preserve and Document All Evidence
The strength of your legal claim depends on the evidence you collect. Every detail matters—especially in strict liability cases where your goal is to prove the extent of your injuries and their impact. Begin preserving evidence as soon as possible after the bite.
Keep the following:
| Type of Documentation | Why It Matters |
| Injury photos (initial + follow-ups) | Show wound progression, severity, and need for medical advice, especially if you see any signs of infection. |
| Damaged clothing or torn items | Help prove the nature and force of the bite attack. |
| Medical bills & treatment receipts | Document financial compensation needs. |
| Journal of symptoms & recovery | Capture emotional trauma, mild and intense pain, and daily impact. |
| Witness names & statements | Strengthen your claim with third-party credibility. |
Every detail counts in dog bite injury cases involving nerve damage, scarring, or psychological injuries. These records can also help your bite lawyer secure the maximum compensation available.
Step 6: Avoid Direct Contact with Insurance Companies
After a dog bite injury, it’s common for the pet owner’s insurance company to reach out quickly. But beware—anything you say can be used to reduce your bite injury claim or deny liability altogether.
❌ Don’t:
- Give recorded statements
- Accept quick settlements
- Admit fault or minimize your injury
✅ Do:
- Let our expert dog bite injury lawyer in San Pedro handle communications
- Get legal advice before signing anything
Insurance adjusters are trained to limit payouts, not to ensure your recovery. With our experienced legal representation, you’ll avoid costly missteps and position your claim for fair compensation.
Step 7: Contact our Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in San Pedro
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite involves more than just medical recovery—it means navigating legal liability, insurance claims, and financial uncertainty. That’s where an expert dog bite injury lawyer in San Pedro comes in.
At Farahi Law Firm, we:
- Investigate the bite incident and determine fault
- Collect medical records, photos, and witness statements
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to pursue maximum compensation
- Represent you in court, if needed
Our award-winning legal team offers free legal guidance and works contingently, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Step 8: Monitor Your Recovery and Mental Health
Healing doesn’t end after the stitches. Many dog bite victims experience long-term effects, from nerve damage and pain to anxiety, PTSD, or fear of animals. If you’ve missed work, experienced emotional distress, or needed therapy, keep detailed records.
Track everything: medical appointments, medications, mental health treatment, and days missed from work.
This documentation supports your personal injury claim and proves the full scope of physical and emotional damages. Your recovery journey matters—part of your case for fair compensation.
Step 9: Call Farahi Law Firm’s expert Dog Bite Attorneys
After a dog bite, time matters—not just for medical recovery, but for protecting your legal rights. In California, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim from the incident date. If you miss this deadline, you may entirely lose your right to financial compensation.
Don’t wait. The clock is ticking, and delay could cost you the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact Farahi Law Firm today to protect your rights and secure
The Medical Treatment You Need and the Money You Deserve.
FAQs on Dog Bite Injury in California
1. What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Move to a safe location, clean the wound gently with warm water and mild soap, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Seek medical care right away—even minor bites can lead to infection or nerve damage.
2. Do I need to report the dog bite to the authorities?
Yes. Report the incident to your local Animal Control agency or police department. This creates an official record, supports rabies monitoring, and helps your legal claim later.
3. What if the dog has never bitten before?
Under California’s strict liability law, the dog owner is still responsible, even if it’s the dog’s first bite. There is no “one-bite” rule in California.
4. Can I sue for emotional trauma after a dog bite?
Yes. If you’ve experienced anxiety, PTSD, or emotional distress, you may be eligible for compensation as part of a personal injury claim, especially in cases involving children or disfigurement.
5. How long do I have to file a legal claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the victim is a child, this period may be extended. Don’t wait—evidence fades.
