What Should California Dog Bite Victims Know?

For many, dogs are loyal companions who are unwavering in their love and devotion to their owners. However, not all dogs are friendly and excited to meet new people. If you have been injured in a dog attack, understanding how to proceed is critical. Unfortunately, many dog bite victims do not know what steps to take or if they are entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered. If this reflects your circumstances, keep reading to learn more about these matters and how our Irvine dog bite lawyers can assist you.

What Should Dog Bite Victims Do After Injury?

If you are bitten by a dog, understanding how to proceed is critical to protecting your health and potential legal case.

After immediately treating the wound, it is important to follow up with medical care. If the wound requires urgent care like stitches, you should go to your local emergency room for evaluation and treatment. If emergency care is not required, you should contact your primary care provider to discuss the next steps and to help create a record of the incident.

In some cases, you may need to receive a rabies vaccination if the animal is not up to date on its immunizations. Similarly, you may need to get a tetanus vaccination depending on the date you were last vaccinated.

Is It Possible to Seek Compensation?

California generally follows a strict liability law for instances of dog bites. However, this does not always mean these cases are easy to win. There are several factors that can influence your ability to recover compensation for any damages you have endured.

For example, your presence on the property may be disputed. Trespassers are generally not eligible to fight for compensation because property owners generally do not owe a duty of care to those on their property without permission. As such, the owner may try to claim that you were trespassing to avoid liability, even if you were not.

Another factor that could complicate recovering compensation is the account of both parties leading up to the bite. The owner may try to claim you were provoking the animal, thus causing it to attack.

Importantly, when you are hurt in California, you typically only have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim against the negligent party. Considering that your timeframe to pursue your claim may be restricted depending on the particular circumstances, it is important to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

At California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, we understand how complicated these matters can be. Many dog bite victims endure pain, suffering, and lasting emotional damage as a result of the attack. That is why our team is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.