Dog Bite Injuries in California: What Victims Need to Do Immediately
Focus Keyphrase: dog bite injury California
Dog bites happen more often than you think—and they can result in painful injuries, infections, and permanent scarring. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in California, knowing what to do in the first 24 hours can make or break your ability to get compensation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your health and legal rights.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Even a small dog bite can lead to serious infection or nerve damage. Medical documentation also plays a major role in supporting your injury claim. If the skin is broken or bleeding:
- Wash the wound with soap and warm water
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding
- Go to the ER or urgent care for treatment and antibiotics
- Ensure your tetanus shot is up to date
Make sure the doctor records the bite as the cause of the injury—this will be important when filing your California dog bite injury claim.
Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner
You must confirm who owns the dog that bit you. Important information includes:
- Owner’s name and contact information
- Address where the bite happened
- Vaccination status of the dog
- Photos of the dog (if possible)
If the dog is a stray, animal control will investigate. Otherwise, the dog’s owner may be held legally and financially responsible under California’s strict liability law.
Step 3: Report the Bite to Animal Control
California law requires you to report dog bites to the local animal control department. This report serves as official documentation and helps ensure the dog is not a future threat. You can find your local reporting office through the California Department of Public Health.
Step 4: Document Your Injuries and Expenses
Successful injury claims depend on good documentation. After a dog bite injury in California, be sure to:
- Take photos of the wound(s) daily
- Save hospital bills, prescriptions, and receipts
- Keep records of missed work or lost wages
- Journal your pain, emotional distress, and any trauma
The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim for damages becomes.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in California?
Yes. California is a strict liability state, meaning the dog owner is responsible for bites regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. You don’t need to prove negligence—only that:
- You were bitten
- You were lawfully in a public or private place
- The defendant owned the dog
There are exceptions if you were trespassing or provoking the dog—but in most cases, victims can recover damages through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you file a dog bite injury claim in California, you may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Medical expenses and surgeries
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- PTSD or emotional trauma
Some cases can result in six-figure settlements depending on the severity of the injuries and emotional damage involved.
Statute of Limitations in California
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the victim is a minor, the clock doesn’t start until they turn 18. Filing late could permanently bar your claim.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Attorney
Insurance companies often downplay dog bite cases, blaming the victim or offering low settlements. A skilled personal injury lawyer can:
- Gather strong medical and legal evidence
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Fight for a fair settlement or take the case to court if needed
Case Example: Child Bitten at Public Park
We represented the parents of a 7-year-old bitten in a San Diego park. The dog was off-leash in violation of local ordinances. We helped the family secure a $200,000 settlement for medical costs, trauma therapy, and future plastic surgery.
