Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorneys

What to Do After a Los Angeles Dog Bite

A dog attack can be extremely overwhelming, and your body's flight or fight response may tempt you to get far away as quickly as you can. If the dog's owner secures their animal and it is safe to remain at the scene, resist the urge to flee! Identifying the owner and completing several other steps can help protect your rights and safety.

After a dog bite or attack, you should make every effort to:

• Collect Contact Information. If the dog's owner is present, ask for their name, address, the offending dog's name, the dog's vaccination status, and any insurance information they might have. Again, safety first. Do not approach the owner and their animal if they do not appear to have their dog under control. 
• Gather Evidence. Using your smartphone, collect as much photographic evidence of the incident as possible. This includes photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog itself if it is safe to do so. Additionally, request the names and contact information of any witnesses. Their testimony can provide third-party perspectives on what happened, which could be invaluable in establishing facts of the situation.
• Seek Medical Attention. Immediately after leaving the scene, prioritize getting medical care. Explain you were bitten by a dog and, if possible, clarify whether the animal was up to date on their vaccinations. Depending on your vaccination history, the dog's vaccination status, and the circumstances of the incident, you may need to get one or more vaccinations. Beyond protecting your health, documenting your injuries through medical records is crucial for any legal claim. The documentation should include the extent of the injuries, the treatment plan, and any follow-up care required. This provides a tangible record of the incident's impact on your well-being.
• Report the Incident. Your doctor may report the dog bite themselves after examining you, but you should also file your own report with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This formal report establishes an official record of the incident, which is typically necessary for pursuing a legal claim. Additionally, by filing this report, local animal control authorities will be able to reach out if they discover an issue with the offending dog (such as a sudden illness) that warrants action on your part. The report should include where, when, and how the attack occurred, along with any relevant details about the dog and its owner.
• Document Your Expenses. Keep a detailed account of all related expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, and any other costs incurred as a result of the bite. This will be critical when seeking compensation for your injuries.
• Do Not Talk to the Dog Owner's Insurance Company. The dog owner may open a claim with their insurance company in the days after the bite, after which an insurance representative may give you a call. You should never speak to these insurance company representatives, offer any statements about the incident, or accept any amount of money for reimbursements or damages without first discussing your options with a legal professional. Let these calls go to voicemail or hang up once you realize you are speaking to an insurance representative. 
• Contact Carpenter & Zuckerman. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers can offer guidance on your rights, help you understand how the legal process will work, and represent you in pursuing a claim for compensation. We can also handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.

In the wake of a dog bite, many victims struggle with emotional and psychological distress. It's essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek appropriate counseling or therapy if needed. Emotional scars can often last longer than physical ones, and addressing them can significantly aid recovery. Additionally, understanding common fears and concerns can help victims regain confidence in their everyday life.

I Was Bitten by an Off-Leash Dog in Griffith Park. Do I Have a Claim?

Griffith Park is a popular hiking spot for many Angelenos. Numerous hikers take their dogs along, but Los Angeles law states that dogs must stay on leashes while in Griffith Park, except in the designated Griffith Park dog park near the John Ferraro Soccer Field. If an off-leash dog attacked and bit you in Griffith Park, the owner is likely liable for your injuries (as long as you did not provoke the animal before the attack). Since California enforces strict liability, the owner is likely liable even if the dog was leashed at the time of the bite. 

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

• Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often cause deep cuts and punctures that can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These wounds may require stitches or surgical repair.
• Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria such as Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus into the wound, leading to serious infections if not treated promptly.
• Nerve and Tissue Damage: Severe bites can damage underlying nerves and tissue, potentially leading to long-term loss of sensation or mobility in the affected area.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Even after healing, dog bites can leave permanent scars or disfigurement, which could require reconstructive surgery.
• Broken Bones: In some cases, especially with large dogs, bites can fracture bones, particularly in the hands, arms, or face.
• Psychological Trauma: Victims may also experience emotional injuries such as anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect daily life and mental health.
• Eye or Facial Injuries: Bites to the face or eyes can cause serious disfigurement, vision loss, or other permanent damage.