Dog bites are physically and mentally traumatic experiences. However, knowing your legal rights and what you should do immediately after a dog bite incident can provide you with some relief if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. The dog bite attorneys at Maison Law can help guide you through the essential steps to receive full compensation for your damages and provide you with the peace of mind you need to get through this unfortunate situation. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Legal Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident in California
To take the appropriate legal action and begin building your case after a dog bite incident, you should:
- Document the incident: take photos and write down details of your injuries, the dog, and your surroundings.
- Exchange information with the dog owner: get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance info. If any witnesses were on the scene, collect their contact information and record their testimony if possible.
- Seek immediate medical attention: go to the nearest emergency room or see your primary care physician as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to dangerous infections. Also, any delay in medical treatment could be harmful to your personal injury case.
- Report the incident to Animal Control: contact your local animal control agency and report the bite. An investigation by animal control will not only be helpful to your case, but can prevent future injuries.
- Speak to an attorney: discuss your legal option with an experienced Dog Bite Attorney by contacting Maison Law today.
What Victims Should Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident in California
If you’re bitten by a dog, the most important thing you do is remove yourself from the dog’s presence. Once the dog is no longer a threat, you should immediately start treating your injury. Treating your wound includes:
- Looking over the wound to note if the skin is broken or not
- Washing the wound with non-scented soap and warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the wound is dirty, it may require extended cleaning time
- Stopping the bleeding by putting pressure on the wound with a clean cloth until it has stopped
- Applying antibiotic ointment if available will help decrease infection
- Dress the wound with a clean dry bandage
What Owners Should Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident in California
If your dog bites someone, immediately remove your dog from the situation and remain calm. The more emotional you are in a tense situation, the more agitated your dog is likely to become. It is important to take the following steps after your dog has bitten someone:
- Secure the dog: once your dog is removed from the area, secure them, so they cannot cause more damage.
- Help the victim: offer the victim whatever support you can to ease their pain and ensure their safety. Assist in cleaning their wound with soap and water to prevent infection.
- Provide information: share your contact info and information about the dog’s vaccination status.
- Report the incident: it is important to comply with local regulations and report the incident.
- Prevent future incidents: address behavioral issues and take the proper safety precautions to prevent future bites.
After the dog bite, it is pertinent to cooperate with the victim and prioritize their well-being. Do NOT admit fault, even if you think you were at fault. Liability is best determined by an investigation and admitting fault at the scene can have legal implications.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite Incident in California?
Depending on the details of your dog bite incident, proving becomes complicated quickly. For that reason, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced Dog Bite Lawyer to know the necessary steps you should take. California is a strict liability state. So, in the case of a dog bite, the dog’s owner is liable for your injury even if it is the dog’s first time biting someone. However, two factors about the dog bite incident must be true to establish liability:
- The attack occurred in a public place or on private property that the victim was invited onto.
- The victim did not provoke the dog into aggressive behavior.
An attorney will not only help you prove liability, but they can file a lawsuit on your behalf to recover the following damages from your dog bite incident:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages (if you have to miss work to recover)
- Retraining or re-education for job placement if you have suffered a disability from the accident
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, the attorneys at Maison Law can help you recover the maximum amount of damages or represent you in court if your case goes to trial. We help numerous dog bite victims reach successful settlements, so they can put this traumatic event behind them and resume their normal lives. Our firm provides a custom, legal plan for each case and will explore every legal avenue toward getting you the compensation you need. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
