A dog attack in California can be terrifying. Whether it comes out of nowhere or escalates from a seemingly calm encounter, being bitten is painful and traumatic. You may be in shock, unsure of what to do next. But your next steps matter, for your health, safety, and right to compensation.
Here is what you need to do if you are attacked by a dog in California.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Health and Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if the bite looks minor, don’t brush it off. Dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, and emotional trauma. Did you know that in 2023, 58 fatalities resulted from dog bites?
It is strongly advised to see a doctor within 8 hours of the incident. If the bite is deep, bleeding, or showing signs of swelling, go to the ER right away.
For smaller wounds:
- Gently clean the area with mild soap.
- Rinse with warm water for at least five minutes.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Cover with a clean bandage and change it regularly.
In the days that follow, watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, fever, or worsening pain. If anything feels off, seek additional care immediately.
Do I Need Medical Attention for a Minor Dog Bite?
Yes. Even a minor dog bite deserves medical attention. While it might seem like just a small puncture or scratch, dog bites carry serious risks beneath the surface. A dog’s mouth harbors bacteria that can cause infections like cellulitis, pasteurella, or even rabies. These can develop within hours and lead to complications if not treated promptly.
What looks like a shallow wound may actually damage muscles, nerves, or tendons, especially in the hands, face, or feet. A medical professional can assess if there’s deeper trauma that needs treatment.
Moreover, if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or if you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 to 10 years, you may need preventive shots. Rabies, though rare, is fatal if untreated.
Even if you do not plan on filing a claim right away, seeing a doctor also creates a record of your injury, which could become important later, especially if complications arise or you face unexpected medical costs.
Step 2: Document Everything
Dog attacks are also accidents. Like a car crash, they require proper documentation and evidence.
Before leaving the scene (if you are physically able):
- Get the dog owner’s full name and contact information.
- Ask whether the dog is up to date on rabies and vaccination records.
- Identify any witnesses nearby who saw the incident and get their contact details.
- Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible.
As per your injuries, keep a personal record:
- Save all medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts.
- Log your pain levels, emotional distress, and any mobility issues.
- Continue taking photos of your injuries throughout your recovery.
These details help build a strong case if you choose to pursue legal action.
What Happens If I Can’t Collect Evidence Due to My Injuries?
If you can’t physically move and collect evidence at the scene due to your injuries, a California dog bite attorney can help you.
A seasoned lawyer for dog attacks in California will launch a full investigation on your behalf. They will move quickly to secure crucial evidence while it is still fresh, like:
- Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses
- Police or animal control reports
- Medical records and photographs of your injuries
- Witness statements from people who saw the attack
- Information about the dog’s vaccination and ownership
Even if you were rushed to the hospital and could not take a single photo, a legal team knows exactly where to look and what to request.
Step 3: Understand Who’s Responsible for a Dog Attack in California
In California, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone, even if it’s the dog’s first incident. That means the owner is financially responsible for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
Under California Civil Code 3342, you have the legal right to pursue compensation if a dog has bitten you or your child. This law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites that happen in public places, or even on private property where you had a legal right to be.
To build a successful claim, you must show that:
- The dog had an owner: The animal wasn’t a stray, and someone was legally responsible for it.
- You were bitten: The injury must be from an actual bite, not just a scratch or knockdown.
- The owner failed to restrain or control their dog: Whether the dog was unleashed, untrained, or known to be dangerous, the owner had a duty to prevent the attack.
- The bite caused real harm: You suffered physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial burdens like medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing treatment.
Who Is Responsible If a Stray Dog Bites Me?
But what if the dog was loose or unaccompanied?
- If the dog has an owner but was unattended, you may still hold them liable.
- If the dog is a stray, determining liability becomes more complex. Was the attack on private property or public grounds?
- On public property, the city or municipality may be responsible, especially if the animal was known to be dangerous and no action was taken.
- On private property, the landowner may bear liability for allowing dangerous conditions.
If you are unsure where the dog came from, contact local animal control immediately. They can contain the animal, prevent further attacks, and help identify the owner.
Can I Really Sue a Close Friend After Being Attacked By a Dog?
We understand that the idea of taking legal action against someone you care about feels uncomfortable. You might be thinking, “I don’t want to hurt my friend or cause tension between us.” That is a completely natural response. But here is what most people don’t realize:
You are not going after your friend’s bank account. Instead, you are seeking help from their insurance.
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance exists for situations just like this. Your friend pays for this coverage to protect both themselves and others in the event that something goes wrong. When you file a claim, you are not asking them to pay your medical bills, but are simply accessing the benefits their insurance was designed to provide.
Step 4: Speak with a Trusted California Dog Bite Attorney
A dog attack in California is not just a momentary injury; instead, it can impact your life for weeks, months, or even years. Medical bills pile up. Work may be missed. Anxiety or fear of dogs may linger long after the wounds heal.
After being attacked by a dog, you are expected to deal with insurance companies and manage legal procedures, all while trying to heal. That is unfair and exhausting.
This is where a dedicated California dog bite attorney, like us, steps in. They can handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
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Conducting a Thorough Investigation
We leave no stone unturned. Our legal team dives deep to gather the evidence that will strengthen your claim, from medical records and police reports to witness statements and even surveillance footage. The goal is to build a case that speaks clearly and powerfully: You were harmed, and you deserve full compensation.
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Managing All Legal Formalities
When you are in pain, paperwork should be the last thing on your mind. That is why we take care of everything, filing reports, communicating with authorities, serving legal notices, and tracking deadlines. We guide every step of the process so that you never feel lost or overwhelmed.
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Standing Up to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may question your injuries, suggest you were at fault, or pressure you to settle for far less than you need. We don’t let that happen. Our attorneys know their tactics, and we push back with the facts, negotiating aggressively to ensure you receive what you’re rightfully owed.
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Ready to Go to Court if Needed
Some cases settle quickly. Others require a courtroom fight. If insurance companies won’t do the right thing, we won’t hesitate to take them to trial. We prepare your case with confidence from day one, not just for settlement, but for victory in court, if that’s what it takes to get you justice.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we understand that a dog bite is a deeply personal and often emotionally complicated experience. Especially when the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or loved one, the last thing you want is to create conflict. That is why we are here: to fight for your recovery while honoring your relationships.
Here’s how we stand beside you every step of the way:
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We Speak Human, Not Legalese
You shouldn’t have to Google every word your lawyer says. We break down the legal process into clear, straightforward language, so you always know what’s happening and why. When you are informed, you are empowered.
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We Fight Like It’s Personal
Insurance companies are trained to minimize your pain, but we’re trained to maximize your recovery. If they try to cut corners on your compensation, we push back and we don’t stop until you get what you truly deserve.
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Your Health Comes First
Nothing matters more than your healing. We will connect you with trusted medical professionals and help you access the care you need.
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We Handle Everything, So You Don’t Have To
Legal forms, tight deadlines, frustrating phone calls, we take care of it all. You focus on resting and rebuilding. We will carry the legal weight on your behalf.
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We Don’t Back Down
If the insurance company refuses to make things right, we will take them to court, no hesitation. We are not here to play games. We are here to win justice for you.
Call 800-333-0000 for a free, compassionate consultation. Let us walk this path together, toward healing, fairness, and a future that feels whole again.
Seeking justice after a wreck? A qualified car accident lawyer can review your case for free.
What Our Clients Say About Us
While many personal injury lawyers may accept your case and build a legal defense, none will champion your cause as fiercely as we do. Our California accident attorneys are exceptionally well-equipped to create a flawless claim, as affirmed by our previous clients:
“This review has been long overdue. Staff have been exceptionally accommodating to any of my questions or needs. Everything was handled with such professionalism and in a timely manner. Thank you for all your hard work and commitment during my time of despair. I would highly recommend your firm to others who find themselves in my situation. Keep up the good work!” – R. Hamm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accidents may be upsetting and complicated, leaving everyone involved with questions about their rights, obligations, and legal alternatives. Understanding the aftermath of an accident is critical for safeguarding your rights and getting proper compensation.
If you have further questions, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury.
- How to Protect Your Legal Interests if You Are Bitten by an Emotional Support Dog
- A California Dog Owner is Responsible if Their Dog Bites Someone – Except in These Specific Situations
- 4 Reasons Why Your Personal Injury Case Is Going To Trial
- How to Handle a Dog Bite Injury When the Dog’s Owner is a Close Friend
References
California Civil Code 3342. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=3342.&lawCode=CIV
2023 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs. (2024, January 30). dogsbite.org. https://blog.dogsbite.org/2024/01/2023-fatal-dog-attack-breed-identification-photographs.html
