Summary
After a dog bite in Los Angeles, immediate action is crucial for your health and legal protection. This guide explains California’s strict liability laws, essential post-bite steps, and how victims can pursue compensation for injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma with help from an experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney.
Table of Contents
A dog bite in Los Angeles can turn a regular day into a traumatic ordeal. Whether it happens at a park near Griffith Observatory or while walking through your neighborhood, the aftermath can be painful and confusing.
Victims often face not just physical wounds but emotional distress and medical expenses. Fortunately, California law offers strong protections for victims of dog attacks. Understanding what to do right after the bite can protect your health and your rights.
Let’s go over the steps to take immediately and how to ensure you’re fully compensated for your injuries.
Understanding California Dog Bite Laws
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, the dog owner is held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog. This means victims do not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the animal had a history of aggression.
The law applies when:
- The bite occurs in a public place or on lawfully private property.
- The victim did not provoke the vicious dog.
Exception: Government agencies using trained police or military dogs are not held liable when bites occur during official duties.
According to the CDC, between 2011 and 2021, over 460 people in the U.S. died due to dog-related injuries, an average of about 43 deaths per year. This highlights why dog bite awareness and accountability are so important in urban areas like Los Angeles.
With the law on your side, it’s essential to know what actions to take after a dog bite to ensure your well-being and preserve vital evidence.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even a minor dog bite injury can lead to serious infections. Visit an emergency room or an urgent care clinic right away for proper medical treatment.
Healthcare professionals may:
- Clean and disinfect the wound
- Administer antibiotics or a rabies vaccination
- Evaluate the need for plastic surgery for severe lacerations
- Classify your injury based on the dog bite injury scale
Prompt care not only protects your health but also provides critical documentation for your legal case.
💡Tip: Wondering how long you have to file a dog bite claim? Don’t miss our detailed guide on California’s statute of limitations for dog bite cases.
Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Gather as much information as possible about the dog and its handler, whether it’s a neighbor, a passerby, or a dog walker. Ask for:
- The owner’s name, address, and contact information
- Proof of rabies vaccination
- Details of the dog attack (time, place, witnesses)
If the owner refuses to cooperate, write down a description of the dog and take photos if it’s safe to do so.
Step 3: Report the Incident to Animal Control
You should report all animal bites to local Animal Control authorities. In Los Angeles, the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control manages these cases. Reporting helps ensure the animal is evaluated for rabies and prevents future incidents involving dangerous dogs.
This report can also serve as vital evidence to support your claim, demonstrating that you took responsible steps in the aftermath of the incident.
Step 4: Keep Records and Documentation
Maintaining accurate records is essential for any potential claim. After a dog bite in Los Angeles, create a file containing:
- Medical bills, treatment records, and prescriptions
- Photos of your injuries and the location of the incident
- Witness statements and police or animal control reports
- Notes on pain, emotional trauma, and work absences
These documents will help your dog bite lawyer build a strong compensation claim on your behalf.
Step 5: Consult a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney
An experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Victims of a dog bite in Los Angeles may also claim compensation for emotional trauma and cosmetic procedures such as plastic surgery.
A Los Angeles dog bite attorney can:
- Investigate liability under the California Civil Code
- Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair dog bite settlement
- File a lawsuit if necessary to recover full compensation for your injuries and losses
Frequently Asked Questions
You can still file a claim under California’s strict liability law since you were lawfully on the property performing work duties.
California’s law applies even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
Not without legal guidance—let your dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles handle communications to protect your case.
Yes, emotional distress or bruising from a dog bite attack may still qualify for damages if it caused measurable harm.
Get Powerful Representation for Your Dog Bite Case Today
Being bitten by a dog can have lasting consequences—from medical expenses to emotional distress. Knowing your rights and acting quickly is key. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite, reach out to a Los Angeles dog bite attorney for a free consultation today.
📞 Contact Farahi Law Firm – Your Trusted Dog Bite Lawyers in Los Angeles.
Get the Medical Care You Need and the Money You Deserve.
