1) Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Your health and safety must always come first after being attacked by a dog, even if the injuries appear minor. Seeking immediate medical care will help avoid infection as well as identify possible complications; as well as provide documentation of potential claims should any arise in the future.
2. Gather Information About the Dog and Its Owner
Begin by collecting vital details about the breed, color, size, breed, and any identifying features of a potential new family pet as well as any contact details from its owner – their name, address, and insurance info should suffice – should it be found roaming about. In cases where animal control authorities should be informed.
3. Document the Incident
Documenting any incident accurately is key in supporting your claim for compensation from an animal attack. Take photographs of injuries sustained from bites as well as visible evidence such as collar tags. Also, get in contact with witnesses of the attack and ask if any can provide statements about what they saw during it.
4. Report an Incident
In California, dog bite incidents must be reported to local authorities immediately. Contact animal control or law enforcement as soon as a dog is unrestrained or acting aggressively and file a report; this will help establish details that can later help any legal actions to follow up on them.
5. Avoid Interacting Directly With the Dog
Avoid direct interaction between yourself and any dog involved in an attack as this could pose additional danger. For your own safety and the welfare of others, never approach unknown dogs if possible; allow proper authorities to handle the situation instead.
6. Seek Legal Advice
It’s essential that, following a dog bite incident, you seek legal advice so as to understand your rights and potential compensation options. An experienced personal injury attorney in dog bite cases can guide you through California’s strict liability laws as well as filing claims and collecting evidence, gathering testimony or even dealing with insurance companies directly.
7. Follow Medical Advice and Keep Records
It is vital that you listen closely to any instructions from healthcare providers regarding the treatment of bite injuries, attend follow-up appointments as advised, and keep records related to bite treatments; such documents will allow for easier evidence gathering when seeking compensation for damages.
8. Explore Your Legal Options
Depending on the circumstances surrounding a bite, compensation could be available for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A lawyer can assess the situation to identify an effective legal strategy before filing a claim in order to secure it for you.
This article was written by Alla Tenina. Alla is a top Orange County personal injury attorney, and the founder of Tenina Law. She has experience in bankruptcies, real estate planning, and complex tax matters. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
