Dog bites can be traumatic, painful, and medically serious. Beyond the immediate injury, victims often face infections, scarring, emotional distress, and unexpected medical bills. In California, dog bite victims have strong legal protections—but the steps you take after the incident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health comes first. Even minor-looking dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, or complications such as rabies or tetanus.
Seeking medical care right away helps:
- Protect your health
- Create a medical record linking the injury to the bite
- Document the severity of the injury
Delaying treatment gives insurance companies room to argue that the injury was not serious or was caused by something else.
Report the Dog Bite
In California, dog bites should be reported to local animal control or public health authorities. Reporting serves several purposes:
- It creates an official record of the incident
- It helps determine whether the dog has a history of aggression
- It ensures public safety
Failing to report the bite can weaken your claim later.
Document Everything
Strong documentation can make or break a dog bite case. If possible:
- Take photos of the injury immediately and as it heals
- Photograph the location where the bite occurred
- Obtain the dog owner’s name, contact information, and homeowner’s insurance details
- Collect witness names and contact information
Dog bite injuries often worsen over time, so ongoing documentation is critical.
Understand California’s Strict Liability Law
California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means the dog owner is typically responsible for injuries caused by their dog—regardless of whether the dog had bitten someone before.
You do not need to prove negligence. As long as:
- You were lawfully on the property, and
- The bite occurred in a public place or while legally on private property
the owner may be held liable.
What Not to Do After a Dog Bite
Certain actions can harm your case, including:
- Apologizing or accepting blame
- Giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice
- Accepting a quick settlement before understanding long-term medical needs
- Posting photos or comments about the incident on social media
Insurance companies often use these actions to reduce or deny claims.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
Dog bite victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
Children, in particular, often suffer lasting psychological effects that must be properly evaluated.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Dog bite claims may seem straightforward, but insurance companies frequently dispute injury severity or argue provocation. Legal representation helps protect your rights and ensures the full impact of the injury is considered.
At Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, dog bite cases are handled with a focus on accountability and long-term recovery—not quick settlements.
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in California, call (310) 209-1600 to discuss your legal options.
