What Happens If My Dog Bites Someone On The Beach?

Summer is a great time to hang out on the beach with your dog, particularly in San Diego, where there are plenty of excellent dog beaches. But what happens if your dog bites someone? 

In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of dog bites in California, and discuss a few steps you can take to prevent dog bites while you enjoy the sun and the sand with your pup this summer.

Understanding What Happens After A Dog Bite On The Beach In California

Whether you’re bitten by a dog or your dog bites another person, it’s important to understand what you should do after a dog bite in California. 

• Get medical attention – Dog bites can cause infections and permanent scarring. The person bitten by a dog should get medical attention as soon as possible to ensure they can recover from their injuries.
  

• Report the incident to the San Diego Department of Health – All dog bites must be reported to the San Diego Department of Health. The dog will be isolated and observed for 14 days to ensure it is not rabid.
  
  
• Actions against the dog – The first time a dog bites a person, no action is typically taken against the animal. However, if the dog has bitten more than one person, the court may determine that the dog must be removed from the current owner or even may recommend that it be euthanized.
  
  
• File a personal injury lawsuit – Under California law, dog owners are "strictly" liable when their dog bites another person. This means that negligence doesn't have to be proven to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a dog bites someone in public or someone who is lawfully on private property, the victim may sue the dog owner.
  
  
• Obtain compensation for damages – Depending on the case, the person filing the lawsuit may obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, disabilities, disfigurement, and more.
  

Preventing Dog Bites At The Beach – Our Top Safety Tips

Looking to enjoy the California sun with your dog? Here are some tips that can help you and your pup stay safe and avoid dog bites.

• Properly train and socialize your dog to ensure it behaves around other people and dogs.
  
  
• Keep your dog leashed when possible. Dog bites often happen when dogs get loose and are out of your control, so keep your dog properly restrained.
  
  
• Know your dog. Not all dogs do well around large crowds or other dogs. If that applies to your pup, going to the beach may not be the best thing to do.
  
  
• Recognize warning signs of aggression like growling, showing teeth, ears pinned back, and stiff, rigid body position, and be ready to remove your dog from the situation if they’re showing signs of aggression.
  

Bitten By A Dog In San Diego? Hire A Dog Bite Attorney

At Laureti & Associates, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve after a dog bite. As an experienced San Diego dog bite attorney, Anthony Laureti has helped clients pursue justice after the trauma and pain of a serious dog bite. Contact us online or give us a call at 619-344-0628 to discuss your case and get the help you need.