Maison Law helps dog bite victims in California through the legal process. While every dog bite is traumatic and painful in some way, there’s actually levels to each in terms of severity. This range helps medical professionals evaluate and prioritize care, and not surprisingly, a level 5 dog bite is one of the most severe types that can happen. If you or someone you care about has suffered a level 5 dog bite, our team can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What is a Level 5 Dog Bite?

Dog bites are typically evaluated on a scale from one to six, with one being the least serious and six being fatal. Under these parameters, a Level 5 dog bite involves:

Several bites with at least two “Level 4” bites (where there’s at least one puncture that’s deeper than the dog’s canine teeth.) or;
A multi-attack situation with at least one Level 4 bite in each attack.

Obviously, a Level 5 bite is incredibly serious and is going to leave you facing injuries and other issues that you’re going to have to deal with. When there’s a Level 5 dog bite, though, it’s important to take the right steps to set up a potential claim.

What Should You Do After a Level 5 Dog Bite?

No matter where or even how a level 5 dog bite happens, taking the right steps is incredibly important for your health and safety. That should always be your first priority, but there are other things you need to do for a potential claim:

Get medical care right away – A level 5 dog bite means serious injuries. Calling 911 for an ambulance or going to the ER immediately not only takes care of your health but also creates medical records that you’re going to need for your injury claim.
Find the dog’s owner – If you can, track down the owner and get their contact details. If they’re uncooperative or you can’t find them, call the police or your local animal control. This helps identify who’s responsible for the dog.
Report the bite – Let animal control or the police know about the attack. An official report is key evidence for your claim and can also document the dog’s history of aggression.
Gather evidence – Take photos of your injuries, the area where the bite happened, and anything else relevant. Write down when, where, and how it happened. This information can make your claim stronger.

Remember, these steps not only protect your health but also build a solid foundation for your potential injury claim. But to get financial support, you will actually have to file a claim.

What Damages Can You Get in a Claim for a Level 5 Dog Bite?

In California, no matter how serious a dog bite is, the owner is going to be responsible for your damages under “strict liability” law. This takes care of a major hurdle for your claim–figuring out who pays for your damages.

From there, you can either file:

An insurance claim out of court.
A personal injury lawsuit.

The reason you file a claim is to recover “damages,” which relates to your injuries and other losses. With a Level 5 bite, your damages are going to be pretty extensive, and that means you can recover financial support for things like:

Medical expenses – This covers costs for all your medical expenses, like ER visits, surgeries, medications, and follow-ups.
Future care – If you need ongoing treatment, like therapy or additional surgeries, these damages are meant to cover these needs.
Scarring and disfigurement – These damages cover costs relating to any permanent scars or changes to your appearance from the bite.
Pain and suffering – These damages cover costs relating to the physical pain and discomfort you go through because of the attack.
Emotional distress – Similarly, these damages cover costs from any lingering fear, anxiety, or PTSD after the attack.
Lost income – If your injuries keep you from working, you can recover lost wages and any future income you might lose.
Reduced quality of life – If your injuries make it harder to enjoy life or changes how you interact with loved ones, these damages will cover those costs.

While you’re able to get these damages when you file a claim, what you ultimately recover depends on how serious your particular injuries are and how well you present your case. Also, you have to file within two years of the date of the bite to even be able to get these damages under California’s statute of limitations.

Contact Maison Law After a Severe Dog Bite in California

If you’ve been seriously injured by a dog bite in California, Maison Law is here to help. We understand the pain, stress, and challenges that come with a severe attack, especially one as serious as a level 5 bite. Our experienced California dog bite lawyers will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and make sure you get a result that helps you get better.

What is a Level 5 Dog Bite?