If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog in Los Angeles County, knowing the proper steps to report the incident can protect your health and strengthen a potential legal claim. Here is what you need to do.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Dog bites carry risk of infection, nerve damage, and scarring. Even if the wound appears minor, see a doctor within 24 hours. Medical records also serve as critical evidence if you pursue a claim.
Step 2: Report to LA County Animal Care and Control
File a report with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. You can file online, by phone, or in person. The department will investigate the incident, quarantine the dog if necessary, and check vaccination records.
- Phone: (562) 728-4610
- Online: animalcare.lacounty.gov
Step 3: Document Everything
Photograph your injuries immediately and during the healing process. Note the location of the attack, the dog’s description, and get the owner’s contact information. Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
Step 4: Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters
The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company may contact you. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
Step 5: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries. This means you do not need to prove the owner was negligent. An experienced attorney can help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring damages.
Attorney Ron Fomalont has represented dog bite victims in the San Fernando Valley since 1994. Call (310) 459-9400 for a free consultation.
Recent Comments