A dog bite attack can be a frightening and painful experience, often leading to serious injuries, infections, and emotional trauma. Knowing what to do immediately after a dog bite can help protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen any potential legal claim. Whether the bite was from a stranger’s dog or a pet you are familiar with, taking the right steps is essential for both medical and legal reasons.
1. Get to Safety and Stop the Attack
The first priority is to ensure that the dog is no longer a threat. If the dog is still aggressive, move to a safe location as quickly as possible.
How to Protect Yourself During an Attack:
- Try to stay on your feet—falling down increases the risk of severe injuries.
- Use an object (a bag, jacket, or stick) as a barrier between you and the dog.
- Avoid eye contact with an aggressive dog, as this can make it feel threatened.
- If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and cover your face and neck.
Once the attack has stopped, assess the extent of your injuries before taking further action.
2. Assess the Severity of Your Injuries
Some dog bites cause minor punctures, while others result in deep wounds, torn ligaments, or infections. Check yourself or the victim for the following:
- Minor wounds: Surface scratches or small puncture wounds that are not bleeding heavily.
- Deep puncture wounds: These pose a high risk of infection and may damage underlying tissues.
- Heavy bleeding: If the wound is actively bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth.
- Severe injuries: If bones, tendons, or muscles are exposed, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
3. Clean the Wound to Prevent Infection
Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of infection, tetanus, or rabies. Even minor bites should be cleaned immediately.
How to Properly Clean a Dog Bite Wound:
- Wash the wound with soap and warm water for at least 5 minutes.
- Apply antiseptic (such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine) to disinfect the area.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
- Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and bleeding.
If the wound is severe or signs of infection appear (redness, swelling, pus, or fever), seek medical care as soon as possible.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if a dog bite does not seem serious at first, seeing a doctor is crucial. Some symptoms, such as infections, nerve damage, or rabies, may not appear immediately.
When to See a Doctor:
- The wound is deep, gaping, or has excessive bleeding.
- You experience redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound.
- The bite was from a stray dog or a pet with an unknown vaccination history.
- You have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years.
- The bite occurred on the face, hands, feet, or joints, where infections spread quickly.
Medical professionals may prescribe antibiotics, stitches, or a tetanus or rabies shot, depending on the bite’s severity.
5. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If the dog bite was from a stranger’s pet, it’s critical to obtain information about the dog and its owner.
Information to Collect:
- Owner’s name and contact information
- Dog’s breed, size, and color
- Vaccination records, especially for rabies
- Witness contact details
If the dog was a stray, try to take a picture of it or note its physical description and where the attack occurred.
6. Report the Bite to Local Authorities
In California, dog bites must be reported to local animal control agencies to track dangerous animals and prevent future attacks.
Who to Contact in California:
- San Diego County Animal Services: (619) 767-2675
- Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control: (562) 940-6898
- Local health department if there is a risk of rabies.
Reporting the bite ensures the dog is properly quarantined and evaluated for rabies, protecting public safety.
7. Document Everything for Legal and Insurance Claims
If you plan to file a personal injury claim, proper documentation will strengthen your case against the dog owner.
What to Document:
- Photos of your injuries immediately after the attack.
- Photos of the dog (if possible) and the attack location.
- Medical records and bills from doctor visits.
- Written account of what happened, including date, time, and location.
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the attack.
Insurance companies and courts will require evidence to determine liability and the amount of compensation you may receive.
8. Avoid Speaking with the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company Alone
If the dog owner has homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, their insurer may reach out to you with a settlement offer. Be cautious—insurance companies often try to minimize payouts.
What to Do:
- Do not provide a recorded statement without legal advice.
- Do not accept the first settlement offer, as it may be too low.
- Consult with a dog bite attorney before signing any agreements.
9. Understand Your Legal Rights in California
Strict Liability Law (California Civil Code § 3342)
California follows a strict liability law, meaning the dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dog unless:
- The victim was trespassing.
- The victim provoked the dog.
- The dog was a police or military dog on duty.
This means victims do not need to prove negligence to file a claim.
Possible Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy)
- Lost wages if the injury affects work
- Pain and suffering (emotional trauma, PTSD, scarring)
- Punitive damages if the owner was reckless (e.g., knowing the dog was dangerous but failing to restrain it)
10. Contact a Dog Bite Attorney for Legal Guidance
If you suffered serious injuries, a San Diego dog bite attorney can help you:
- File a claim against the dog owner’s insurance.
- Negotiate a fair settlement.
- Pursue a lawsuit if necessary.
Most dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if you win your case.
Conclusion
Taking the right steps after a dog bite attack can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to receive fair compensation. Seeking medical care, reporting the attack, and documenting the incident are crucial actions that ensure you recover physically and financially. If the bite resulted in significant injuries, consulting a dog bite attorney can help you navigate legal and insurance challenges to obtain the compensation you deserve.
References
- California Civil Code § 3342. (2023). California’s dog bite liability law. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Preventing infection after a dog bite. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
- American Veterinary Medical Association. (2023). Dog bite prevention and response. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org
- San Diego County Animal Services. (2023). Reporting a dog bite: What to do next. Retrieved from https://www.sddac.com
- California Department of Insurance. (2023). How homeowners’ insurance covers dog bite claims. Retrieved from https://www.insurance.ca.gov
