Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury in California

In California, where dog bite accidents are unfortunately common, it is important to know what actions to take if you find yourself with medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses due to an aggressive canine.

To ensure you protect your legal rights after a dog bite attack, it is essential to seek medical attention, even if the injury appears minor. Next, you must report the dog attack to local animal control agencies or law enforcement. If you are able, collecting evidence and information about the incident can also strengthen your claim if you pursue damages from the dog owner.

If you were attacked by a dog, consult the highly-qualified dog bite injury lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. to discuss your legal rights. We handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery.

5 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury in California

If you have been harmed by a dog in California and suffered injuries, it is essential to take these steps to protect your health and your legal right to compensation:

1. Seek Medical Attention

You must first seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they appear minor. A medical professional should evaluate your injuries to prevent infections or other complications. These medical records can serve as evidence in a dog bite injury claim.

2. Report the Dog Bite

After receiving medical attention, report the dog bite injury to the local animal control agency or law enforcement, as this is vital to public safety and will help you identify the dog and its owner. In some cases, the owner may not be aware that their dog has bitten someone. Reporting the incident can prevent future attacks.

3. Document the Incident

It is essential to document the incident as much as possible. Take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog, if possible. Get the name of the dog owner, as well as any witnesses that may have observed the attack.

4. Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer

Consulting a California dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. You should not have to worry about navigating the legal process while recovering from injuries. If you were injured by a dog in your neighborhood, you may be hesitant to file a claim against your neighbor or someone you know. While this is an understandable concern, simply discussing your potential case with an attorney will not cause harm to your neighbor. Most often, these types of claims are easily resolved by a homeowner’s insurance policy. A good neighbor should be more concerned with your ability to recover from the harm their animal caused than any issues a claim against their insurance policy may create. Let us answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease about the legal process.

5. File a Dog Bite Injury Claim

In California, Civil Code 3342 states that a dog bite owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.

Taking the appropriate steps can make a significant difference in your recovery and the outcome of your dog bite injury claim. Speak with the dog bite injury lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. to protect your right to compensation.

Speak With the Dog Bite Injury Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.

Dog bite injuries can have serious consequences and should not be taken lightly. Taking the necessary actions following a dog bite accident in California is essential to support your recovery and right to compensation. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we fight to recover the physical, emotional, and financial losses you suffered and to create safer neighborhoods for Californians.

Contact us for a no-cost consultation with one of our skilled dog bite injury lawyers by calling (916) 970-9100 or filling out our contact form.