After a dog attack, if you are able and it’s safe, you’ll need to track down the dog owner. Request homeowners’ or renters’ insurance information. If the pet owner refuses to provide this information, you may need to rely on authorities to gather the necessary insurance information.
In cases involving a dog that’s still on the loose or when a severe injury is involved, local police may be involved. These investigators will help track down the owner and confirm information for you. Animal Control will also enforce dog ownership laws and gather information from the owner. A skilled attorney can also assist you in securing details on the dog owner’s insurer and in filing a claim.
Securing Information from a Dog Owner After a Dog Bite
In California, dog owners are automatically found responsible for dog bites in most circumstances. It means that bite victims can hold the owner liable and get help with medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Victims will need to make sure they can identify the dog owner and have the name of an insurer so they can file a claim with the right provider.
If a dog owner isn’t found immediately or if the owner is uncooperative, bite patients may have to rely on other means to retrieve evidence and information.
Victims should take these actions and gather these details after a bite:
- Contact 911. Request an ambulance if anyone is hurt. Have paramedics check out all injuries. Go to the emergency room if necessary.
- Alert the 911 operator if the dog is still on the loose and posing a danger.
- In cases involving a major injury or when a dog is still a threat, the police may also respond. Animal control officers will investigate most incidents.
- Take photos. Get photos of the dog and the dog owner. Take photos of your injuries and any damage to clothing. Take photos of the scene.
- Try to track down the dog owner if not present. Knock on doors and talk to local residents. Get an address if you do find out where the owner lives. If the police respond, they will likely locate the owner and gather information.
- If you can talk to the dog owner, ask for a full name, an address, and homeowners or renters insurance information and policy number. If you get an owner’s name, address, and an insurance company name, you may be able to call the insurer to confirm coverage.
- Go to your own doctor, even if you’ve already been to the emergency room. The shock of a dog attack can mask the pain of any injury until a day or two later. Have all injuries and any new pain examined. Follow your doctor’s orders, including making appointments with specialists and physical therapists.
- Contact a lawyer if your injuries are serious. A serious injury can include a deep bite wound, ligament damage, or a broken bone. When a case involves a lot of medical bills, you’ll need to protect your case from unhelpful insurance adjusters. Your lawyer is also ready to conduct a full investigation into what happened and locate a dog owner if necessary.
Contact a California Dog Bite Attorney Today
We offer a free and confidential case review to all dog bite and dog attack victims. If your injuries are serious, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your case is worth and how to hold a dog owner fully liable. A California dog bite lawyer is a critical protection when insurance companies try to blame you for what happened or attempt to devalue an injury.
And if you do need Maison Law’s help to secure more in support, remember that you don’t need to worry about having the money to hire a lawyer. We don’t get paid unless we win your dog bite case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that an insurer must provide.
