Dog bites can happen in a flash. One moment, you might be walking in your neighborhood or visiting a friend, and the next moment, a dog bites you. This experience can be scary and confusing. You might have questions like: “Should I see a doctor?” “Do I need to call the police?” “What does California law say?”

We understand these worries. That is why we put together this simple guide about what to do after a dog bite. Remember, if you have been bitten by a dog in California, you are not alone. You may want to reach out to a California dog bite lawyer for help, especially if your injuries are serious.

Why Do Dog Bites Happen?

Dogs can be loving pets, but sometimes they bite. It might happen because they are scared, protecting their territory, or feel threatened. A dog might also bite if it is sick or has not been trained well. Whatever the reason, if a dog bites you or someone you love, you need to know what steps to take next.

What Are the First Steps After a Dog Bite?

The first things you do right after a bite are very important. These actions can help protect your health and your rights. Below is a list of essential steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Go to a doctor or hospital right away if the injury is serious. Even small bites can become infected, so do not ignore them.
Report the Incident: In California, you should report the bite to the local health officer, especially if you suspect rabies.
Obtain Information from the Dog Owner: Get the owner’s name, address, phone number, and the dog’s license tag number. They must also share the dog’s vaccination history.
Document the Incident: Write down details like where and when the bite happened, how it happened, and who saw it. Taking photos of your injuries and the location is a good idea too.
File a Complaint if Necessary: If the dog has bitten multiple times, you can bring an action against the owner to check if conditions have improved.
Consider Legal Action for Damages: Under California law, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property.
Follow Up on Rabies Protocols: If you think the dog may have rabies, follow the health officer’s advice about quarantine or further medical steps.

Why Is Seeking Medical Attention Important After a Dog Bite?

Dog bites can cause infections. The dog’s mouth can hold bacteria that might enter your wound. Sometimes, these infections can spread and become serious, leading to fevers or worse. Even if you think your bite is small, it is smart to see a doctor. They can clean the wound, give you medicine if needed, and tell you how to care for it at home.

If the bite is deep or bleeding heavily, you might need stitches or even surgery. Getting help right away can also document your injury for legal or insurance reasons. Save any medical records or bills—you may need them later if you decide to file a claim.

Where Should You Report a Dog Bite in California?

In California, you should report dog bites to the local health officer. This is especially important if you think the dog might have rabies. The law mentions Section 2606 regarding rabies, which says reporting is necessary to control and prevent the spread of the disease. The health officer may want to observe or quarantine the dog for a short time just to make sure it is healthy.

Reporting also creates a record of the event. This helps local animal control know if that dog has bitten another victim before or if other safety measures are needed in your area.

How Do You Get Information from the Dog’s Owner?

Under California law, specifically Section 398, the person in control of the dog must provide their name, address, phone number, and the dog’s license tag number within 48 hours of the bite. They also need to share details about the dog’s rabies shots if the dog is required by law to be vaccinated.

Ask for this information politely but firmly. Having these details helps you and the authorities follow up if needed. If the owner refuses, make a note of that. This can be important for your records and any legal actions.

Should You Document the Dog Bite Incident?

Absolutely. Writing down the details soon after the bite helps you remember them clearly. Try to include:

Date and time of the bite.
Exact location (like the street address or park area).
Description of the dog (breed, color, size).
Owner’s name (if you know it).
What happened just before and during the bite—Were you jogging? Did you pet the dog?
Who was there? Collect witness names and contact info if possible.
Injuries—How deep the wound is, where on your body it is, and if you needed stitches.
Photos—Take pictures of your injuries and maybe the spot where the bite occurred.

All of this information can be very helpful later, especially if you need to work with a California dog bite lawyer to seek compensation.

What Does California Law Say About Dog Bites?

In California, the law is quite strict on dog bite liability. Civil Code Section 3342 states that if a dog bites someone in a public place—or when they are allowed to be on private property—the owner is liable for any damages. This is true even if the dog never bit anyone before. The goal is to make sure people who are hurt by dogs can get help with medical bills and other losses.

For example, if you are invited to someone’s home and their dog bites you, you may have a claim against the owner. You do not need to prove the dog was known to be vicious or dangerous beforehand.

What if the Dog Has Bitten Someone Before?

Under Section 3342.5, if a dog has bitten a victim on at least two separate occasions, you (or someone else) can bring a lawsuit to see if the conditions have changed to remove the danger. This might lead to stricter rules about how the dog is kept or, in very severe cases, removing the dog from the owner. The law wants to protect the public from dogs that keep biting.

If you find out the dog that bit you had a history of biting, this information can be very important in your case. It might mean higher damages or a faster legal process.

Can You Sue for Damages?

Yes, in many cases you can. California law allows you to seek damages if a dog bite caused you harm. Damages might include:

Medical bills (like hospital visits, medicine, surgery, etc.).
Lost wages (if you could not work while recovering).
Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional stress, or scarring).

Even if you were on private property (as long as you were there lawfully), you can still pursue compensation. Keep copies of all receipts and documentation about your injury and costs. If you are unsure about how much your case is worth, you can talk to a California dog bite lawyer who can guide you.

Why Call a California Dog Bite Lawyer?

A California dog bite lawyer can help you:

Understand California’s strict dog bite rules.
Talk to insurance companies.
Figure out if you should seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, or pain.
Gather important evidence like medical records, police or animal control reports, and witness statements.
Fight for a fair settlement in negotiations or in court if needed.

Dog bite laws in California give you a clear path to recover damages, but the legal process can be confusing. A lawyer helps protect your rights and handles the tough parts so you can focus on healing.

Injured By a Dog Bite? Get Help Today

A dog bite can change your life. It may cause pain, scars, or lasting fears. You should not have to carry that burden alone—especially when California law says dog owners are responsible for bites. At Banafshe Law Firm, we proudly serve all of California. If you need a California dog bite lawyer, we are here for you 24/7.

Hablamos Español. Contact us online or call 855-997-6599 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Remember, we do not charge fees unless we win your case. Let our team help you focus on healing while we take care of the paperwork and fight for the compensation you deserve. Injuries unravel your life—we piece it back together.

What To Do After A Dog Bite

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