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:

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 determine what appropriate action to take. This process involves 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 part of your evidence to help support your claim.

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 bitten 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 it’s important 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 the virus.
• Evidence for Injury Claims — It’s essential to file a dog bite injury report after an attack to create documentation of the incident and your injuries. This document can 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 the dog down.

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 to remain calm and follow these recommended 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. Clean the wound as soon as possible, apply some antibacterial ointment, and cover it with a clean bandage or cloth. Contact a medical health professional to assess your condition 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, secure documents, such as medical reports and receipts, to provide evidence for your injuries and associated costs when filing a claim. Typically, these reports will influence how much compensation you may pursue for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and 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 can 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. Take pictures of your wound and the dog that bit you. If there is CCTV footage in the area, obtain a copy to show that you did not do anything to trigger the dog. Additionally, the owner’s contact details and insurance information.

Document Your Injury

Take pictures 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 may pursue in a claim.

Determine The Dog’s Vaccination Status

If you know the dog’s owner, then you can easily verify its immunization status. If the dog has received proper immunizations, the situation may 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, it can be beneficial to consult with a Los Angeles dog bite injury lawyer first. They can evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. A personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of seeking compensation from the liable party.

Personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles can help you prepare important documents, advocate for your rights, and negotiate with insurance companies while working to pursue a fair settlement for your dog bite injury. If you need to bring your case to court, our litigation attorneys can represent you before a judge or jury.

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, here are the recommended steps you can take 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 signs of redness, edema, or other 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:

• Lacerations and cuts
• Nerve damage
• Infections (including Capnocytophaga, Rabies, Pasteurella, MRSA, and Tetanus)
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Severe bruises
• Eye injuries
• Tendon damage
• Head trauma
• Back injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Permanent scarring
• Disfigurement
• Amputations
• Soft tissue damage

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)

Many 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 common PTSD symptoms victims may experience:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Nightmares
• Avoidance
• Self-isolation
• Irrational perceptions of danger
• Physical stress
• Extreme anxiety
• Low self-esteem

Our personal injury lawyers understand the detrimental impact dog bites have on victims and their families. Individuals who experience dog bite attacks may need to consider seeking the assistance of a mental health professional. Addressing potential trauma and identifying effective treatment options is an important step in facilitating recovery for those who develop conditions like PTSD.

Are Dogs That Bite People Euthanized In Los Angeles?

Many 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 often unpredictable and might happen due to excessive excitement or provocation. To understand the situation, animal control officers thoroughly investigate incidents involving animal attacks.

Euthanasia is required in California only if the dog has rabies, has bitten at least two people, has seriously injured a person, or has been trained to attack people. Unless the dog is already infected with rabies, a hearing is mandatory prior to euthanasia. 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, simply show proof of rabies vaccination and pay the registration fee. You can register your dog in person at a DACC animal care center or 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 many 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.

Dog owners need to be aware of these laws and take reasonable care in managing their animal’s behavior and environment 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 prepare a petition for review and may impose a series of restrictions on negligent pet owners.

This program prioritizes 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 check compliance with local ordinances regarding:

• Rabies vaccination
• Licensing
• Spay/neuter
• Microchip

The SNP also benefits dog owners. If their dog is 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 the spread of diseases.

Helpful Resources For Dog Bites And Animal Attacks

Contact Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers In Los Angeles

A dog bite victim suffering from their injuries and other losses might ask, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for a dog bite?” Seeking legal representation from a lawyer can be beneficial when pursuing compensation for a dog bite.

If you’re seeking legal support after an incident, consider reaching out to our skilled dog bite injury attorneys in Los Angeles. Feel free to contact Arash Law. We can assist you in pursuing compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other related losses. Additionally, our legal team can also support you in your recovery by connecting you with qualified doctors in LA and California.

Our dog bite injury lawyers in Los Angeles have extensive experience helping victims of dog bites assess liability and seek compensation from negligent dog owners. We have the resources to manage your case, from filing an injury claim to representing you in court, if necessary. We can handle the legal matters on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.

Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to discuss your situation.

We provide legal services in a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, and more. We serve clients across different areas in Los Angeles County, including Huntington Park, Glendale, South Gate, West Hollywood, South Pasadena, Commerce, Maywood, Alhambra, Montebello, and Bell Gardens.