What to Do After a Dog Attack in Los Angeles: Legal Advice from an Attorney

Dog attacks can be terrifying, painful, and traumatizing. Whether you're dealing with a deep bite wound, emotional scars, or mounting medical bills, the aftermath of a dog attack is overwhelming, and you may be wondering what steps to take next.

In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. But that doesn’t mean compensation is automatic. Victims must take the right steps after an attack to protect their rights and ensure a strong personal injury claim.

We help dog bite victims across Los Angeles hold negligent owners accountable and recover the compensation they deserve. Here's what you need to know (and what to do) if you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog in LA.

1. Get Medical Attention Immediately

Your health and safety come first. Even if the bite seems minor, dog attacks can lead to serious complications like:

• Infections (including rabies and tetanus)
• Deep tissue damage
• Nerve injuries
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)

Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor right away. Make sure to keep all medical records and document your treatment from day one. These records will be essential in building a personal injury claim.

2. Report the Incident

In Los Angeles, you must report a dog bite to Animal Services. This is a key legal step that ensures the attack is officially documented and helps prevent future incidents.

You can file a report online or call LA Animal Services at 888-452-7381. They may launch an investigation and possibly quarantine the dog, depending on the circumstances.

This report serves as critical evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.

3. Identify the Dog and Owner

You need to know who owns the dog in order to hold them liable. If the attack happened on the street or in a public space, try to get the following:

• The dog owner’s name and contact info
• The address where the dog lives
• Any witnesses' names and phone numbers
• Photos or videos of the dog, injuries, or the scene

If you were attacked while visiting someone’s property or in an apartment complex, try to document any landlord or property manager involvement as well.

4. Document Everything

Evidence is essential in a dog bite claim. The more details you can gather, the better your chances of receiving full compensation. Here’s what to document:

• Photos of your injuries (immediately and during healing)
• Torn or bloodied clothing
• Medical bills and prescription receipts
• Communication with the dog owner
• Emotional or psychological impact (e.g., anxiety, sleep problems)

Keep a journal describing your pain, recovery process, and how the injury is affecting your daily life. This can be powerful evidence when calculating non-economic damages like emotional distress.

5. Do Not Negotiate with the Dog Owner Alone

Many dog owners will try to downplay the incident or even blame the victim. Others may offer to pay your medical bills under the table to avoid insurance claims.

Be careful. Accepting money or signing anything could jeopardize your ability to file a proper claim later. Politely decline and let them know you’ll be speaking with an attorney.

6. Understand California’s Dog Bite Law

California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites (Civil Code Section 3342). That means the dog owner is liable for injuries even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and wasn’t known to be dangerous.

To bring a valid claim, you need to prove:

• The dog bit you
• You were lawfully on public or private property (i.e., not trespassing)
• The bite caused injury

It’s important to note: the law applies specifically to bites. If you were knocked over or scratched without being bitten, you may still have a case, but it may fall under general negligence rather than strict liability.

7. Speak with a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite cases can become complicated quickly, especially if the owner denies liability, if you're dealing with a renter/landlord situation, or if insurance companies try to minimize your claim.

An experienced Los Angeles dog bite attorney can:

• Investigate the incident and gather key evidence
• Handle all communication with insurance companies
• Calculate the full value of your claim (including future medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering)
• Negotiate aggressively or take your case to court if needed

We fight to hold negligent owners responsible and secure justice for victims.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

A dog bite injury can affect every part of your life. With the help of a skilled attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical bills
• Surgery or reconstructive procedures
• Therapy or counseling
• Lost wages if you had to miss work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Long-term disability

Every case is unique, and your attorney will work to calculate the true value of your losses, both financial and emotional.

Don’t Wait, There’s a Deadline

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit (including dog bite claims) is two years from the date of the attack. If you miss that deadline, you may lose your right to compensation entirely.
An experienced Los Angeles dog attack lawyer can ensure you don’t miss any of these important deadlines.   

The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Evidence fades, witnesses move, and insurance companies get more aggressive as time passes.

Injured in a Dog Attack? Contact a Dog Attack in Los Angeles Today!

Dog attacks can leave lasting scars physically, emotionally, and financially. You don’t have to face this alone. Our legal team at Countrywide Trial Lawyers has the experience, compassion, and trial-tested strength to fight for the justice you deserve.