What To Do If A Dog Bites You In Los Angeles

No one wants to think about the possibility of their dog biting someone. However, dog bites are more common than we realize. Dogs have strong protective instincts, and when they feel threatened or uncomfortable, they may resort to barking, growling, and, in some cases, biting.

According to a study by the California Department of Healthcare Access and Information, there were around 48,596 emergency visits for dog bites in 2022, a 12% increase from 2021. According to the U.S. Postal Service, Los Angeles ranked No. 2 on the list of cities with the most dog bite reports in 2022.

Dog bites can happen anywhere in Los Angeles. Whether you’re walking down the street or enjoying the park, an aggressive dog, whether owned by someone or a stray, can suddenly attack and bite you. This can result in catastrophic injuries, lasting emotional trauma, and even death.

Pet owners are responsible for dealing with and managing their dog’s aggressive behavior. Owners who fail to take reasonable precautions to control their pets may be considered negligent under California law. The state operates under a strict liability doctrine, holding negligent dog owners accountable for bites inflicted by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s behavior in the past and whether the incident happened in a public space or on private property.

How Do I Report A Dog Bite In Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, animal bites – except those from rodents and rabbits – must be reported immediately. Here’s how you can report a dog bite:

• Call the authorities – If you need to report a dog bite in Los Angeles County, you can contact the Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control at (213) 288-7060.
  • To report bites in Pasadena, contact the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151.
  • To report bites in Long Beach, reach out to Long Beach Animal Care Services at (562) 570-7387.
  • To report bites in Vernon, call the city of Vernon and ask to speak to the Health Department at (323) 583-8811.
• Use an online form – Human medical facilities and other members of the public can use this online portal to file a report.

  When reporting, you would need to submit information like:

  • Date, time, and location of the incident
  • Breed, name, and sex of the dog that bit you
  • The owner’s name, address, and contact details
• Report by fax – If you’re a physician, veterinarian, or member of an animal control agency, you are also required to report the incident. Download the appropriate reporting form and fax it to the number on the form.

What Happens After You Report A Dog Bite?

After you report a dog bite, the authorities will ask you questions about the incident and create a bite report. They will then evaluate the details to decide on the appropriate action to take. This will involve launching an investigation, which includes reaching out to the dog owner to verify their pet’s vaccination status and assess the potential risk of rabies.

The responding officials will also quarantine the dog for ten days and observe for signs of rabies. During the quarantine period, both the pet owners and the county health officers will monitor the animal for symptoms such as:

• Excessive barking
• Drooling
• Extreme aggression
• Overreaction to touch, light, or noise
• Difficulty swallowing
• Seizures
• Loss of balance

If you sustained injuries from a dog bite, you can request a copy of the bite report and use it in filing a personal injury claim. The report will serve as your evidence to make your case strong and valid for claims.

The Importance Of Reporting A Dog Bite

Many people hesitate to report dog bites because they worry about the dog’s fate. If you were bit by a dog belonging to a family member, you might be even more hesitant to report the incident.

However, filing a dog bite report helps local and state officials enforce dog bite regulations. Here are some other reasons why you need to report a dog bite:

Rabies control – The best way to prevent rabies is to stop it from spreading to other animals. When you report a dog bite, authorities can immediately investigate to see if the dog has rabies. The 10-day quarantine period will effectively mitigate the risk of potential attacks and the spread of virus.

Evidence for injury claims – To prove your injuries from a dog attack, you need to file a dog bite injury report. This document will show a clear record of your injuries, including their severity. Failing to report the bite injury may make it harder to seek compensation from the dog owner’s insurance company.

Risk prevention – Local authorities and animal control will investigate a dog bite to determine whether the animal is vicious or dangerous. When a dog is categorized as dangerous, the owner must take the necessary precautions to prevent the dog from causing harm to others. Owners might be obligated to:

• Utilize appropriate restraints when in public
• Put cautionary signage outside their house
• Obtain liability insurance and registration for a dangerous dog

If an animal is declared a “vicious dog,” it must be kept in permanent quarantine. This way, the risk is mitigated without needing to put down the dog.

What To Do If A Dog Bites You

Dog bites can be life-threatening, especially if your injuries are extremely severe. If a dog bites you, try your best to remain calm and follow these steps:

Apply First Aid And Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think your case is just a minor dog bite, your first priority must be to avoid infection in your wound. It is advisable to clean the wound as soon as possible, apply some antibacterial ointment, and cover it with a clean bandage or cloth. You also need to contact a medical health professional to assess you and determine what medical procedure is suitable for your case.

A doctor can determine the severity and nature of your injuries. They can give you proper medical attention, such as:

• Proper cleaning of the wounded area
• Injection of tetanus and anti-rabies
• Conducting imaging tests to assess possible damage, such as CT, MRI, or X-rays
• Orthopedic or cosmetic procedures
• Physical therapy
• Evaluation of psychological needs and PTSD impact

After any hospital procedure, securing documents like medical reports and receipts to prove your injuries is important when filing a claim. Typically, these reports will influence how much compensation you should receive for your pain and suffering.

Call The Police And Report Your Injury

After being bitten by a dog, contact the police and animal control immediately and submit an official report. A dog bite injury report will help to strengthen your personal injury claim if you ever decide to pursue one.

Gather Evidence From The Scene

Promptly document the incident so you will have physical evidence of what happened. You’ll also need to take pictures of your wound and the dog that bit you. If there is CCTV in the area, try to get a copy of the footage to prove that you did not do anything to trigger the dog. Make sure to get the owner’s contact details and insurance information.

Document Your Injury

Take a picture of the injuries you sustained while they’re still new. You can ask the nurses and doctors to take the photos for you. Then, try to take several photos throughout your recovery. This can help you monitor your healing progress.

If you want to pursue a case, these pictures can serve as evidence of the extent of your injury and its progression. Your lawyer can use this as a basis for calculating the compensation you’re entitled to.

Determine The Dog’s Vaccination Status

If you know the dog’s owner, then you can have immediate access to its immunization status. If the dog has received proper immunizations, the situation will be less concerning. Alternatively, you can wait for animal control officers to investigate and check this information after you have filed a report.

Talk To Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers

Before you pursue an insurance claim, consult with a Los Angeles dog bite injury lawyer first. They can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Hiring a personal injury attorney is crucial if you seek compensation from the liable party.

Personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles can help you process important documents, advocate for your compensation, and negotiate with various insurance companies to ensure you will get a fair settlement amount for your dog bite injury. If you need to bring your case to court, reliable litigation attorneys can represent you and argue on your behalf.

What To Do If The Dog Bites Your Child

Children and toddlers are by far the most common victims of dog bites. If a dog bites your child, take the following steps right away:

1. Apply basic first aid and seek emergency medical attention.
2. Comply with the physician’s instructions.
3. Observe the wound area closely for any redness, edema, or other unsightly complications.
4. Consult a mental health professional if your child requires assistance with stress or anxiety management.
5. Report the dog bite incident to the authorities.
6. Consult with a personal injury attorney who handles dog attack cases.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually, and at least half of the 800,000 Americans who require medical attention for dog bites are children.

Younger people are at a higher risk of sustaining fatal injuries in a dog attack because their heads and necks are easily accessible. Furthermore, a huge dog could easily overpower them. This highlights the need to teach parents how to prevent dogs from biting children.

Many child victims of dog bites suffer emotional distress and may develop a fear of going outside. They might also face physical and social challenges for a long time during their recovery from the trauma.

Common Types Of Injuries After Dog Bite Attacks

Some common bodily injuries after a dog bite accident include:

The injuries mentioned above have the potential to cause permanent disfigurement and emotional distress, which can last a lifetime. A severe infection from the bite wound can also lead to serious complications or even death in the majority of cases.

Dog Bite Attacks And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Most dog attack victims experience PTSD and might have difficulties coping with the traumatic event. Typically, the majority of dog attack victims require a longer time to recover. Here are the most common symptoms victims experience:

Our personal injury lawyers have seen firsthand the detrimental impact dog bites have on victims and their families. Individuals who experience dog bite attacks must seek the assistance of a mental health professional. Addressing the trauma and identifying the most effective treatment is essential to facilitating the recovery of patients with PTSD.

Does Los Angeles Euthanize Dogs That Bite People?

Most victims refuse to report their dog bite injuries because they fear that the dog will be put down. However, a report itself doesn’t automatically label the dog as “dangerous.” Dog bite attacks are unpredictable and might happen due to excessive excitement or provocation. To completely understand the situation, animal control officers thoroughly investigate all animal attack incidents.

Euthanasia is required in California only if the dog has rabies, has bitten at least two people, has seriously injured a person, and/or has been trained to attack people. Unless the dog is already infected with rabies, a hearing is mandatory prior to the euthanasia of the dog. This hearing aims to assess whether the canine poses a risk to public safety.

Understanding Dog Ownership In Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, dog owners are required to register their pets with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC). Dog registration aims to support animal control and public safety initiatives.

To register, all you need to do is show proof of rabies vaccination and pay the registration fee. You can register your dog in person at a DACC animal care center, or you can register online through the website.

The county of Los Angeles governs dog ownership through a number of policies and laws, including:

• Licensing – All canines in Los Angeles must be licensed through the DACC. This helps in ensuring that dogs are properly identified and vaccinated against rabies.
• Leash laws – In most areas of the city, dogs must be on a leash when they are out in public. Dog parks and other designated areas allow dogs to be off-leash, but owners must still maintain control over their pets’ behavior around people.
• Vaccinations – Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, and proof of vaccination is needed for licensing.
• Dangerous dogs – If a dog is found to be dangerous or vicious, it may be subject to additional restrictions, such as mandatory muzzling or confinement.

All dog owners must be aware of these laws and take reasonable care to avoid any fines or penalties. If you have questions about the regulations surrounding responsible dog ownership and dog attack claims, our dog bite lawyers may be able to help.

Critical Case Processing Unit

The Central Case Processing Unit (CCP) of Los Angeles County is responsible for investigating reported dog bites and animal attacks. Its officers would prepare a petition for review and may mandate a series of restrictions on negligent pet owners.

This program aims to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents. At the same time, it protects dogs and other animals from potential abuse and dangerous situations.

Safe Neighborhoods Program

Dogs can sometimes become aggressive, especially if they haven’t been properly trained. This can lead to concerning behavior, like growling at passers-by and charging towards the fence. To prevent these situations from escalating into attacks, the Department of Public Health offers the Safe Neighborhoods Program (SNP).

Under this program, individuals can report threatening dogs to the department. An animal control officer will then visit the property to conduct a safety assessment and ensure compliance with local ordinances regarding:

The SNP also benefits dog owners. If their dog gets reported, the investigating officer can give them advice on proper behavioral training.

By being proactive about potential threats in the community, residents and authorities can help prevent dog bites, animal attacks, and diseases.

Helpful Resources For Dog Bites And Animal Attacks

Contact The Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Los Angeles Trusts!

Are you asking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a dog bite?” If you want to pursue justice and compensation, the answer is yes.

You need the help of our reliable dog bite injury attorneys in Los Angeles. Feel free to contact Arash Law, led by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq. We can help you recover the costs of your medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and other losses. Our legal team will also support you in your recovery, referring you to the top medical doctors in LA and California.

You can approach your recovery with confidence, knowing that you have the assistance of a competent legal team by your side. Our dog bite injury lawyers in Los Angeles have a proven track record of getting a favorable outcome and holding negligent dog owners responsible for their pet’s conduct. We have recovered a total of over $750 Million in settlements & awards for our clients, helping thousands of victims get their lives back on track.

We can do the same for you. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free case evaluation.

We provide legal services across different places in Los Angeles County, including Huntington Park, Glendale, South Gate, West Hollywood, South Pasadena, Commerce, Maywood, Alhambra, Montebello, and Bell Gardens.