A dog attack happens in seconds and it can leave victims in physical shock and emotional distress. The decisions made in the minutes and hours that follow affect both your health and your ability to pursue a legal claim under California law. Here are five steps to take right away.
1. Seek medical attention immediately
Have a medical professional evaluate the wound regardless of how minor it appears. A dog’s mouth carries dangerous bacteria, including Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga, and a shallow puncture wound can trap pathogens beneath the skin, leading to serious infection, nerve damage, or other complications. Medical records created at this stage directly link your injuries to the incident.
2. Identify the dog and the owner
If it is safe, obtain the owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Confirm whether the dog is current on its rabies vaccination. If the dog was loose or the owner is unknown, photograph the animal from a safe distance and note the exact location so animal control can follow up.
3. Document injuries and the scene
Physical evidence changes quickly. Use your phone to photograph and video the wounds, torn clothing, the location of the attack, and any conditions that contributed to it, such as an open gate or missing leash. Continue photographing the injury during recovery to document scarring and healing.
4. Report the incident to San Diego County Animal Services
California treats dog bites as a public safety matter. Report the incident to San Diego County Animal Services so an officer can open an official investigation, check the dog’s bite history, and document the circumstances. The resulting animal control report is foundational evidence in a personal injury claim.
5. Do not give a recorded statement to insurance adjusters
Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries that occur in public places or when a victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. The owner’s homeowner’s insurance carrier will move quickly to contact you. Do not provide a recorded statement or sign any authorization forms before speaking with an attorney.
A California personal injury attorney familiar with dog bite cases can help you protect your legal rights, counter insurance tactics, and pursue the full compensation available under state law.