What to do After a Dog Bite or Attack in California

There are two things that happen simultaneously after a dog bite occurs. The victim is addressing
the physical aftermath of the attack and also trying to gather information about what happened.
The two activities are mentally and emotionally counterintuitive.

Your top priority is your health and recovery. However, if you can do so, there are a few
additional measures you can take after a dog bite or attack to maximize your chances of
receiving compensation for your injuries. It would best if you directed your specific legal
questions about your potential injury claim to a dog bite lawyer in California.

Here are a few steps to take if you or a loved one is the victim of a dog attack:

Seek Medical Attention

Dog attacks are particularly severe due to the nature of a canine’s teeth and jaw structure. The
first thing you should do following a dog attack is to stabilize the wound and head to the nearest
hospital. An emergency room doctor can treat your injuries, administer vaccines, and document
the medical extent of the damages you have incurred.

Exchange Information with Relevant Individuals

If you are conscious and able, exchanging information with the dog’s owner and eyewitnesses is
critical to the outcome of filing a claim in the California civil court system. The dog owner
should provide you with his or her contact information as well as the dog’s vaccination history.

Witnesses can speak to the validity of your claims. You or a family member should ask for each
person to provide his or her contact information in case they need to be interviewed later.

File a Report with the Police and Animal Control

Every county or municipality in California carries some form of reporting requirement following
a dog bite or attack. Cover your legal bases by reporting the attack to local law enforcement and
animal control officers. Their account of the injury scene is critical to personal injury claims in
the future.

Document the Attack and Injuries

Your personal account of the attack is admissible as evidence should you choose to file a lawsuit
for your injuries in court. The most critical aspect of this type of evidence is that you verifiably
document the incident. Common examples of documentation include:
 ● Videos and photographs
● Journal entries and personal notes
● Medical and insurance records
● Witness information and statements
● A timeline of events before and after the attack

It is also a wise move to keep track of correspondence with insurance companies and any other
parties involved, including the dog’s owner, witnesses, and attorneys. Maintain meticulous
financial records regarding all expenses related to the attack.

Consider Discussing Your Case with a Dog Bite Lawyer in California

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer licensed to practice in California may help you gain
insight into the outcome of your case. Since recovering maximum financial losses is tantamount
to dog bite injury victims, finding the right attorney is one way to accomplish your goals. A
personal injury attorney in California will have the professional training and experience to
advocate fiercely on your behalf in court.

At Deldar Legal, our team of California dog bite lawyers want to learn more about your case by
offering you a free consultation. Schedule yours today at one of our eight locations throughout
California by calling (844) 335-3271 or by visiting us at www.deldarlegal.com.