Dog bites often result in serious injuries for those involved. Unfortunately, even though dogs are arguably the most popular pets in the United States, their jaws are very powerful, and they sometimes bite without warning. If you or somebody you love has been bitten and injured by a dog in California, there are various steps you will need to take to ensure you receive compensation. You also should report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Here, we want to discuss how you can go about reporting dog bite incidents.
Why You Need To Report Dog Bites
There are generally two trains of thought when it comes to whether or not a person feels the need to report a dog bite incident. The first situation occurs when the dog bite victim does not know the dog’s owner. In these cases, most injury victims are willing to report the incident to animal control or law enforcement. However, people are reluctant to report bite injuries to animal control or police if the dog’s owner is a friend or family member.
It is important to understand why filing a dog bite report needs to happen, regardless of the injury victim’s relationship with the dog’s owner. Reporting animal bites is a legal requirement for healthcare professionals in California, especially in designated rabies areas, to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure community safety.
Reporting a dog bite incident not only helps the injury victim, but it can help others as well. After an injury victim has received the medical care that they need, the incident should be reported to a local animal control officer (if the dog bite incident is severe, 911 should be called so the police can come to the scene). Animal control agencies play a crucial role in the reporting process, with different counties having their own procedures. You can find the local animal control number by conducting a simple Google search. Just type in your location and then the words “animal control.”
If the dog can be identified, which is usually easily done if the dog’s owner was present at the time the bite occurred, then veterinary records will be able to tell if the dog is up to date on their rabies shots. If the shots are not current, or if the dog was a stray, it may be necessary for the injury victim to receive a rabies shot themselves. Each county has its own reporting process for dog bite incidents, detailing how they report these events to local health departments and animal control agencies.
Properly reporting a dog bite incident can also help the injury victim recover the compensation they need. Even a relatively minor dog bite can lead to significant medical bills. Severe injuries caused by a dog bite often result in medical bills reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Having an official dog bite incident report will help when it comes to securing compensation from insurance carriers.
Finally, reporting a dog bite incident could help prevent others from being bitten by the same dog in the future. Animal control authorities may need to have a hearing to determine whether or not the dog should be classified as dangerous. If this is the case, there are other steps that will be taken that the dog’s owner will have to comply with. These steps could help improve safety for everybody.
Where to Report Dog Bites
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in California, it’s essential to report the incident to the proper authorities. Start by contacting your local animal control office, which is responsible for investigating dog bite cases and enforcing animal control laws. You can find the contact information for your local animal control agency through a quick online search or by calling your city or county government office.
Additionally, you may need to report the bite to the local health department, especially if there is a concern about rabies or other diseases. In some instances, it may also be necessary to inform the police department, particularly if the bite occurred during a criminal activity or if the dog poses an immediate threat to public safety. Reporting dog bites to the appropriate authorities ensures that the incident is properly documented and that necessary actions are taken to protect public health.
Gathering Information for the Report
When reporting a dog bite, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible about the incident. This includes:
- Date and time of the incident: Note the exact date and time when the dog bite occurred.
- Location of the incident: Record the specific location where the bite took place, including the address or nearby landmarks.
- Description of the dog and its owner: Provide details about the dog’s appearance, breed, and any identifying features, as well as information about the dog owner if known.
- Description of the injury or bite: Document the nature and extent of the injuries sustained, including any medical treatment received.
- Contact information for the person making the report: Include your name, phone number, and address so authorities can follow up if needed.
- Information about the dog’s vaccination history and license status: If available, provide details about the dog’s rabies vaccination status and whether it is licensed.
Having this information readily available will help ensure that your report is accurate and complete, facilitating a thorough investigation by the authorities.
Special Considerations for Reporting
There are some special considerations to keep in mind when reporting a dog bite in California:
- Service Animals: If the dog involved is a service animal, you may need to report the incident to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Service animals are subject to specific regulations, and the incident may require additional documentation.
- Stray or Feral Animals: If the dog is a stray or feral animal, report the incident to the local animal control agency or animal control officers. They will take steps to capture the animal and assess any public health risks.
- Private Property: If you were bitten by a dog while on private property, you may need to report the incident to the property owner or manager. This is particularly important if the property owner has liability insurance that may cover your injuries.
Being aware of these special considerations ensures that your report is handled correctly and that all necessary parties are informed.
Other Steps To Take Following a Dog Bite: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
It goes without saying that it is crucial for any dog bite injury victim to seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible. Even dog bite injuries that seem relatively minor could end up resulting in a severe infection that leads to major complications. Severe injuries must be treated promptly, particularly to limit the amount of scarring and disfigurement. In some cases, dog bite victims may even need corrective surgery to restore mobility or appearance to a certain area of their body.
Dog bite victims should also contact a skilled Irvine dog bite lawyer who can help them with their case. Dog bite injury victims often do not have the resources necessary to negotiate with aggressive insurance carriers. However, a California dog bite injury attorney can use their resources to investigate every aspect of the claim and negotiate with all parties involved.
Seeking Compensation and Support
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in California, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. You can seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner, especially if negligence or failure to control the dog can be proven. Additionally, contacting your local animal control agency can provide assistance and guidance on the next steps.
There are also organizations that offer resources and support to dog bite victims, helping them navigate the legal process and access necessary medical care. Seeking compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the dog bite.
Filing a Report with the Authorities
Filing a report with the authorities is an essential step in reporting a dog bite in California. Start by contacting your local animal control office, which will investigate the incident and take appropriate action. You may also need to file a report with the local health department, especially if there is a risk of rabies or other infections. Additionally, informing the police department can be necessary in certain situations, such as when the dog poses an ongoing threat.
Be sure to keep a copy of your report for your records, as it may be useful in seeking compensation or support. Properly filing a report ensures that the incident is documented and that steps are taken to protect public health and safety.
Protecting Your Rights After a Dog Bite with Callahan & Blaine
If you or someone close to you has been bitten by a dog, taking prompt action is vital. Reporting the incident to authorities not only helps document the case but also ensures community safety. At Callahan & Blaine, our team of seasoned trial lawyers is here to help you navigate the legal complexities surrounding dog bite injuries, from reporting to seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. With over 40 years of experience in high-stakes injury cases, we stand ready to assist you in building a strong case.
Our firm has successfully represented clients in challenging cases, negotiating with insurance companies and, when necessary, taking matters to court to pursue fair compensation. Contact Callahan & Blaine to discuss your case and learn more about your options. Reach out to us at (714) 241-4444, or use our contact form to take the first step in protecting your rights.
