(562) 698-6446
(562) 698-6446
Dedicated Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles, California
At Hanning & Sacchetto, our Los Angeles dog bite injury attorneys understand that whether you were bitten once or suffered a significant attack, you must take essential and calculated steps to ensure your well-being is the priority.
Once you understand the extent of your injuries, our Los Angeles County personal injury attorneys will objectively assess your claim and provide the legal knowledge, skills, and resources you need to pursue the dog’s owner and their insurance provider for your full financial recovery.
Whether the dog that bit you is owned by a friend, relative, neighbor, or stranger, all California residents are protected by strict liability dog bite laws that provide the legal ability to pursue damages for their injuries. We can help, starting with a free consultation.
How Does California’s Dog Bite Law Protect the Public?
The California Dog Bite Statute provides a clear and legal explanation of when the owner is liable after a dog bite occurs.
If the person bit by the dog was lawfully in a private place, including the person’s home or property, or in a public space when the bite occurred, and the dog’s bite caused injuries and damages, the victim may pursue the owner for their complete financial recovery needs.
As a strict liability state, California DOES NOT:
- Require the victim to show that the owner knew the dog would bite or that s/he failed to use reasonable care to prevent the dog from biting.
- Allow the owner to avoid liability for a dog bite by claiming that s/he did not know the dog would act aggressively.
This means, by law, the dog’s owner is responsible for all the damages resulting from the dog bite. If you, your child, or another loved one was bitten by a dog in California, contact our dedicated personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles today for help. We will explain your complete legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your case.
What Should I Do After Being Bitten by a Dog in California?
If a dog has bitten you, it’s essential to take the following steps to ensure your safety, get appropriate medical attention, and address any potential legal or reporting requirements:
- Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your top priority.
If the bite is severe, deep, or bleeding heavily, or there’s a risk of infection, you should seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care center to ensure your injuries are documented and accounted for immediately.
Follow all medical instructions and complete any recommended treatments, including vaccinations for tetanus or rabies if necessary.
- Identify the Dog and Owner
If the dog’s owner is not a friend, family member, or neighbor, it is vital to identify the dog that bit you and get the owner’s contact information, including their name, phone number, and address. Ask for proof of the dog’s vaccination status, if possible.
- Report the Incident
Dog bites are reportable incidents. Contact your local animal control or law enforcement agency to report the bite. They may investigate and ensure the dog is up to date on vaccinations, including rabies. If the dog is dangerous, law enforcement may take steps to ensure it does not bite or attack another person.
- Document the Incident
Write down a detailed account of the incident while it is fresh in your memory, including the date, time, location, and circumstances surrounding the bite.
Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene where the bite occurred. This documentation can be valuable if you need to pursue legal action.
- Obtain Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to the incident, ask them for their contact information and statements regarding what they saw.
We Also Focus on the Following Practice Areas in Los Angeles:-
Contact Our Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorneys in Los Angeles, California
Depending on your injuries’ circumstances and severity, you may pursue a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. We can help guide you through this process.
If the dog bite is severe or you believe the owner may be liable for your injuries, consult our Los Angles personal injury attorneys at Hanning & Sacchetto in Los Angeles, California at (562)-698-6446 to schedule a free consultation and learn how our experience can help you and your family understand your legal rights and options.
