At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped countless dog bite victims recover the compensation they deserve. But winning a fair settlement takes more than just filing a claim—it requires strong, well-documented evidence. Properly documenting a dog bite injury is essential for proving the extent of your injuries, establishing liability, and ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite To Protect Your Rights
A dog bite can be more serious than it appears. Even minor wounds can lead to infections, nerve damage, or long-term scarring. Taking the right steps after an attack can protect your health and legal rights.
Follow these important steps after a dog bite:
- Get to a Safe Location – Move away from the dog to prevent further injury. If the dog is still aggressive, seek shelter or call for help.
- Wash the Wound – Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least five minutes to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
- Seek Medical Help – Even small bites can become infected. Visit urgent care or the emergency room if the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth). A doctor may recommend antibiotics, tetanus shots, or rabies treatment.
- Identify the Dog and Owner – Ask for the owner’s name, contact information, and proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination. If the owner is uncooperative or the dog is a stray, notify animal control immediately.
- Report the Bite – File a dog bite report with local animal control or law enforcement. A report creates official documentation, that can support your claim and help prevent future attacks.
- Contact a Dog Bite Attorney – If you’ve been bitten, a dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The sooner you seek legal advice, the stronger your case will be.
Key Evidence to Collect for a Strong Dog Bite Claim
Proper documentation is essential for a strong dog bite claim. Insurance companies and courts rely on solid evidence to determine liability and compensation. Without the right evidence, it can be difficult to show the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and the dog owner’s responsibility.
Here’s what you should collect to properly document your dog bite injury:
- Photos & Videos
- Take clear, close-up pictures of your injury immediately after the bite.
- Continue documenting the wound as it heals or worsens over time.
- Capture photos of the dog, the location of the attack, and any torn clothing for context.
- Medical Records
- Keep copies of hospital visits, doctor’s notes, treatment plans, and prescriptions.
- These records prove the severity of your injuries and help calculate medical expenses.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep receipts for all medications, medical procedures, and therapy sessions to document your expenses.
- Witness Statements
- If anyone saw the attack, collect their name and contact information.
- Witness testimony can provide an unbiased account of what happened and their statement may help confirm whether the dog was unprovoked or off-leash.
- Incident Reports
- File a formal report with animal control or law enforcement immediately.
- Authorities may investigate the dog’s history and determine if the owner violated any laws.
- Request a copy of the report when available. Official documentation is essential for your claim.
Common Dog Bite Injuries & Their Lasting Impact
Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and long-term emotional trauma. Deep wounds, infections, and nerve damage may require extensive medical treatment, while psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD can linger for years.
Here are some common dog bite injuries:
Physical Injuries
- Deep cuts and puncture wounds – A dog’s teeth can tear through skin, muscles, and nerves.
- Broken bones – Large dogs can knock victims over, causing fractures.
- Serious infections – Bites can lead to rabies, tetanus, or staph infections if untreated.
Emotional Trauma
- PTSD & anxiety – Many victims develop a fear of dogs or outdoor spaces after an attack.
- Nightmares & stress – Some victims, especially children, struggle with lasting emotional distress.
Long-Term Medical Needs
- Plastic Surgery – Some victims may need plastic surgery for scarring or physical therapy for nerve damage.
- Ongoing Medical Treatment – If the bite caused lasting pain, medical treatment could continue for months or years.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in California?
California has strict liability laws for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is responsible for the dog attack, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. You do not need to prove negligence—only that you were bitten.
Under California Civil Code 3342, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. The law applies regardless of the dog’s past behavior—meaning owners cannot avoid liability by claiming they didn’t know their dog was dangerous. However, this law does not apply if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog.
Dog Owner Responsibilities
Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners have a legal duty to:
- Keep their dog on a leash in public spaces.
- Secure their property to prevent the dog from escaping.
- Post warning signs if they have an aggressive dog.
- Ensure their dog is up to date on vaccinations.
If the owner fails to do these things, they may be liable for your injuries. If you’ve been injured in a dog bite, our dog bite attorneys can help hold the dog owner accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Will the Dog Owner Be Financially Responsible for My Injuries?
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy will cover the costs of a dog bite injury. This can include:
- Medical expenses – This coverage includes hospital visits, surgeries, medications, therapy, and any related long-term medical needs.
- Lost wages – Compensation if the injury prevents you from working.
- Pain and suffering – Damages for emotional distress, trauma, and long-term effects.
Most homeowner’s insurance policies provide liability coverage for dog bites, meaning the owner won’t have to pay out of pocket unless their coverage is insufficient. However, insurance companies often try to reduce or deny claims, making it essential to have an experienced dog bite attorney who can help maximize your compensation.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating a dog bite claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies. Many victims are unsure of their legal rights or how to prove their case.
A dog bite lawyer can ensure you don’t face this alone—they handle the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Here are some ways a personal injury lawyer can help you:
- Investigating the Attack – A lawyer will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain medical records and incident reports to build a strong case.
- Holding the Owner Accountable – We will establish the dog owner’s responsibility under California’s strict liability law and fight against any attempts to shift blame onto you.
- Maximize your compensation – We fight to recover all aspects of your recovery such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term damages.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary – If the owner or their insurance denies or undervalues your claim, a lawyer can take the case to court and advocate for your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How much compensation can I get from a dog bite injury claim?
The amount varies based on your injuries and other losses. You may be able to recover compensation for factors like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and disfigurement.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
In California, dog bite victims generally have two years to file a lawsuit, but exceptions exist. For example, minors have until they turn 20, and delayed injury symptoms may extend the deadline. Since missing this deadline could cost you your right to compensation, it’s best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
Many dog bite victims hesitate to take legal action against a friend or family member, fearing it will create financial strain. However, most claims are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, meaning they won’t have to pay out of pocket. Consult with a lawyer to clarify your options without harming personal relationships.
Injured by a Dog? We’re Here to Help!
Time is limited to file a dog bite injury claim in California, and waiting too long could cost you your right to compensation. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional trauma, we’re here to help.
Don’t risk missing the deadline—schedule your FREE consultation with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today. Call us or fill out our quick online form to get started now!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
