Maison Law helps dog bite victims through the claims process in California by answering their questions. When you’re bitten by a dog, your main focus needs to be on your health and safety. It also gives you legal options, but you might also be wondering about what happens to the dog. Our team can answer all these questions and help you get the financial support you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Happens to the Dog After You Report a Dog Bite?
When you get bitten by a dog, it’s obviously a pretty scary situation. But what happens to the dog is very important for making sure it either doesn’t happen again, or there’s at least a plan in place to take care of the dog. Generally speaking, dog bites are handled by local regulations, meaning every situation is different.
Usually, though, the following steps are taken by animal control when a dog bite is reported:
- Quarantine – Quarantine is the first step, where the dog is monitored for at least 10 days.
- Fines – The owner could be fined if the dog has a history of aggression.
- Behavior check – The dog might be evaluated to see if it’s dangerous.
- Removal – If the dog has bitten multiple times and the owner hasn’t taken action, it could be removed from the home or, in extreme cases, put down.
What happens depends on the situation and the dog’s past behavior, but what’s important for you, the victim, is that you take the right steps to protect your health and your potential claim.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Dog Bite Claim?
Legally speaking, a dog bite is among the most straightforward situations when it comes to your rights. Under California law, dog owners are “strictly liable” for the damage that results when their dog bites someone. Even still, when filing a dog bite claim in California, it’s your responsibility to prove your case. Insurance companies will look for any chance to reduce their liability and devalue your claim. So, here’s what you can do to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:
- Get medical care – Dog bites can cause serious injuries or infections if left untreated. Even if the bite seems minor, see a doctor to protect your health.
- Find the owner – Do what you can to get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner, and ask for witness details if anyone saw the incident. This information is vital for your claim.
- Report to animal control – Report the bite to your local animal control or police. They can investigate the incident and check the dog’s history for prior bites or aggressive behavior.
- Document everything – Take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the bite, and the dog (if possible). Note details of what happened, especially the time, location, and any information about the dog or its owner.
These steps protect both your health and legal rights. However, the process can become more complicated as you assess the full extent of your injuries, which might not be immediately clear.
Maison Law Helps Dog Bite Victims in California
Dog bites are never easy to deal with, and while California law protects victims, getting a lawyer can make a big difference in how your claim plays out. Here’s how our team of California dog bite lawyers at Maison Law can help:
- Understanding your options – We’ll explain what you can do and guide you through your legal rights.
- Gathering evidence and information – We’ll collect proof, like medical records and photos, and figure out which insurance will cover your damages.
- Handling your claim – From paperwork to negotiating with insurance, we’ll take care of everything for you.
We’re here to make things easier for you and your family. No one expects a dog bite, but if it happens, it’s good to know what to do. Our team will guide you through the claims process and make sure you have the best chance at getting financial support for your medical expenses, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and anything else you’ve lost. Contact us today for a free consultation to get the process started.
