How to Report a Dog Bite in California
While there may be many instances of dog bites, many of those injured do not report the accident out of concern for the dog and the owner. Most people do not want to punish the dog and cause the animal to be put down. Authorities in California only require euthanasia after a dog attack if the animal has rabies, if the injuries were severe, if the dog has bitten two other individuals, or if they were trained to fight and attack people. Before ordering euthanasia, there must be a court hearing unless the dog has rabies.
For the most part, many less severe dog bite accidents do not involve punishing the dog. Instead, it seeks to punish the owner for any bites inflicted by their dog. There are many reasons why reporting dog bite cases is vital to you and your community. Not only does a report notify proper agencies to create a physical record of the bite, but it also allows authorities to track the aggressive behaviors and intervene if others are in danger. Reporting a dog bite might also protect vulnerable children and senior citizens from an untrained and violent animal. If an aggressive dog bites you, contact a California dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Understanding the Importance of Reporting Animal Bites
Reporting animal bites is crucial for protecting public health and safety. When an animal bites, it can transmit diseases such as rabies, which can be fatal if left untreated. By reporting animal bites, local health departments and animal control agencies can investigate the incident, verify the animal’s vaccination status, and take necessary actions to prevent the spread of diseases.
In California, reporting animal bites is mandatory, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences. By ensuring that animal bites are reported, individuals help prevent future incidents and ensure that the animal is properly quarantined and treated if necessary.
Additionally, reporting animal bites can also help victims receive the necessary medical attention and compensation for their injuries.
5 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in California
Your automatic reaction to a dog bite might be to brush it off or assure the person that you are fine, but that can be extremely dangerous if the bite causes severe injuries and other damages, requiring immediate medical attention. Depending on the dog and the area of the bite, you could suffer injuries that significantly affect your life. Follow the below steps after you suffer injuries from a dog bite in California:
Get Medical Care
Your number one priority should be your health and safety. After suffering a dog bite, clean the injury and seek immediate medical treatment. Many injuries can become infected, bleed excessively, or scar without the proper treatment, so it is vital that you have your wounds examined by a doctor immediately following the bite. Immediate medical treatment is also crucial to prevent the potential spread of the rabies virus.
Exchange Information
As with any personal injury case, it is critical that you exchange information with the dog’s owner. This will help your lawyer gather information and talk with the defendant about your dog bite claim. You will want to collect their name, phone number, insurance, type of dog, and any other relevant information, like whether it was on a leash at the time.
Look For Witnesses and Evidence
If anyone watched the event or happened to record the attack, you will also want to get their information and possibly the video as well. Pictures of the surrounding area and your injuries can also be vital to your dog bite claim.
Report a Dog Bite to Animal Control
Reporting the incident to your local animal control agency and public health department will allow the authorities to properly document the aggressive behavior and have the danger on file if something happens in the future. It will also help to prove basic factual information like the circumstances that led to and the location of the incident. Additionally, contacting your local animal control office can provide access to critical records related to the dog’s history, including any prior aggressive behavior or incidents involving the animal.
Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Reporting your dog bite and going through the legal personal injury process can be stressful for those unfamiliar with the law. With the help of a lawyer with experience working on dog bite claims, you will receive guidance and honest advice for your case.
When you are dealing with medical fees and other financial losses because of a dog bite, talking with a lawyer can give you the reassurance you need. As soon as you are able, contact a dog bite lawyer and discuss the details of your case.
The Consequences of Not Reporting a Dog Bite
Not reporting a dog bite can have serious consequences for both the victim and the dog owner. If a dog bite is not reported, the victim may not receive the necessary medical attention, which can lead to serious health complications, including infection and even death.
Furthermore, not reporting a dog bite can also lead to legal consequences for the dog owner. In California, dog owners are liable for damages suffered by any person who is bitten by their dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. If a dog bite is not reported, the dog owner may not be held accountable for their dog’s actions, which can lead to future incidents.
Moreover, not reporting a dog bite can also undermine public safety. If a dog is not reported as a biter, it may continue to pose a threat to the community, and future incidents may occur. By reporting dog bites, individuals can help ensure that dangerous dogs are identified and taken off the streets, protecting public safety and preventing future incidents.
In summary, reporting animal bites is essential for protecting public health and safety, and not reporting a dog bite can have serious consequences for both the victim and the dog owner. It is crucial to report dog bites promptly to ensure that the necessary actions are taken to prevent the spread of diseases and protect public safety.
Speak with Younglove Law Group for an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in California
Our dog bite accident lawyers have years of experience protecting clients’ rights across California. We understand that a dog bite can come with many challenges and that each case is unique. Not reporting a dog bite can have serious consequences for both the victim and the dog owner, and it prevents animal control officers from enforcing laws against dangerous dogs. Our legal services are tailored to your needs and focus on the client’s interests. After gathering reliable resources and tools, you can count on our team to do everything in our power to advocate for your case. Our main goal is to make sure you have the legal representation you deserve and that you feel comfortable and confident in your case.
In California, dog owners are liable for damages suffered by any person who is bitten by their dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, and the local health department plays a crucial role in monitoring these incidents. Learn more about our services and schedule a free consultation by calling (949) 691-3660 or filling out our contact form today.
