Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite

Dog bite injuries can result in chronic pain, long-term injuries, and emotional and mental distress. The physical and psychological damages caused by a dog bite may also require emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care, resulting in high medical expenses.

If you are a dog bite victim in California, you can receive compensation for your medical bills, losses, and other damages. Here are some steps to take to protect yourself following a dog bite:

• Remain Calm: As hard as it might be, try to remain calm after a dog bite incident. This can help de-escalate the situation and stop the dog from potentially biting you again. Staying calm is also important, as it can help you assess the situation properly and seek medical treatment. It can also help avoid altercations with the pet owner. 

• Gather Information About the Owner: Try to gather as much information as possible about the dog, including its name and address. If the dog owner is known, write down their contact information, including their full name, address, phone number, and insurance details. This information will be used to hold the pet owner accountable and make them pay for your medical expenses later. Gathering more information can also shed light on the dog’s vaccination status.

• Seek Medical Attention: It is always a good idea to seek medical attention following a dog bite, even if it seems minor. Dog bites can cause severe infections, especially if the pet is not vaccinated. Getting professional medical care for a dog bite injury will ensure you get proper medications, such as antibacterial ointment, a rabies shot, or other antibiotics to prevent further infections.

• Report the Incident to the Animal Control: Report the dog bite to your local animal control agency. This will help the authorities identify and evaluate the risk associated with the dog and implement the necessary steps to protect the public and prevent a similar incident from happening in the future.

• Document the Incident: Documenting the incident is crucial because it will provide the information needed to hold the dog owner liable and pursue compensation for your injury. If possible, take pictures of your injuries and the surrounding area.

Continue documenting the changes in your injuries and other damages, such as emotional distress. Copies of your medical records and signed statements from independent eyewitnesses can also help your case against the dog owner.

Contact a San Diego Dog Bite Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered injuries following a dog bite in California, contact a dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help determine if you have a case and fight for a reasonable settlement for your dog bite injuries.

Ready to get started? Call us at (619) 389-2794 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with Anthony Laureti, our leading San Diego dog bite accident lawyer from Laureti & Associates.