Bit by a dog in San Bernardino? After medical treatment, you need to report the incident to animal control authorities immediately.
This straightforward guide will cover everything you need to know to document the bite accurately—from gathering key details and filling out forms to potential legal action.
Follow our advice to guarantee your dog bite claim gets filed completely and correctly on the very first attempt.
After suffering from a dog bite incident, the first call should be to 9-1-1 or the City of San Bernardino Animal Services at (909) 384-1304. Animal control keeps track of all dog bites and attacks in the county.
Get medical help immediately if the bite breaks the skin, or seek emergency medical treatment for any significant lacerations, bleeding, or other injuries.
Inform the agent about the dog and its owner when speaking with animal control. Remember to discuss the full details of the attack.
The local animal control agency will investigate by interviewing witnesses, photographing injuries, identifying the dog, verifying for rabies, and enforcing any necessary quarantines.
Here is a quick checklist of what to do after a dog bite:
These critical steps can help secure your right to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages later.
Dog attacks frequently happen in public parks, neighborhoods, storefronts, sidewalks, and other locations.
These off-leash dog parks can become chaotic, increasing the likelihood of bites and other injuries, especially for children. Even well-trained dogs can be unpredictable around large crowds.
Unfortunately, canine attacks can cause severe and lasting injuries beyond just breaking the skin. The animal’s powerful jaws can cause significant damage to skin and muscle tissues, bone fractures, and lifelong scarring.
Bites often require complex surgical procedures and extended medical treatment to heal wounds and prevent infections properly.
Seeking immediate medical attention is critical, even for bites that do not appear serious initially.
Typical dog bite injuries include:
Children are especially vulnerable and often suffer bites on their face, head, or neck region.
California follows “strict liability” statutes regarding dog bites. This rule means a dog owner is responsible for any injuries and damages caused by their pet, regardless of previous aggression shown.
To recover your losses, work with an experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyer who can establish the following:
Establishing negligence or intentional wrongdoing is not required to recover compensation. An experienced San Bernardino dog bite attorney can be invaluable for helping you understand your legal rights after an attack.
Your lawyer can negotiate to recover deserved compensation from insurers or bring legal action when parties cannot reach a reasonable settlement outside of court.
Through California Civil Code §3342, San Bernardino enforces “strict liability” in dog bite cases. Dog owners are financially liable for their pet’s actions, regardless of any past signs of aggression.
Victims only need to prove:
Establishing negligence or intentional wrongdoing in dog bite litigation is never required to recover compensation.
Victims have two years from the bite date to take legal action in San Bernardino County under California CCP §335.1. It is critical to act fast to avoid missing your window to file a dog bite lawsuit against the animal’s owner.
The clock starts ticking from the day you suffered bite wounds, not when you discover any long-term injuries or effects. This short window to take legal action often surprises victims, especially those who delay their claim filing.
It is wise to schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Bernardino dog bite attorney immediately after an attack to understand your legal options.
By seeking prompt legal guidance, you can prevent rushing at the last minute to make the deadline or suffering a time-barred dismissal of your rightful claim.
A knowledgeable San Bernardino personal injury lawyer can help you recover all past and future accident-related damages, including:
A law firm can also negotiate fair settlements so victims avoid prolonged trials and recover deserved compensation quickly.
Suffering a dog attack is stressful. Many victims worry they will not recover damages or do not know where to turn for help after this traumatic incident.
Our experienced dog attack attorneys provide personalized guidance and comprehensive legal services to help victims recover financially after a dog attack in San Bernardino County.
We assist with the reporting process while investigating your legal options so that you can make informed decisions about your case every step of the way.
Ensure you recover maximum compensation for your unique injuries and losses. LA Dog Bite Law has many years of assisting dog bite victims in San Bernardino and understands how to establish liability under California’s strict laws. Our ultimate goal is to help clients move forward with their lives after a traumatic incident.
Call us now or complete our online intake form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced San Bernardino dog bite lawyer. Take the first step toward getting answers and recovering the damages you deserve in your time of need.
Our reach extends throughout California, from the sunny streets of San Diego to the bustling cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, and beyond. We’re here to help victims across the state report dog bites, find the legal support they need, and ensure that justice is served. By reporting dog bites and seeking assistance, we’re all doing our part in making our communities safer while helping victims get back on their feet.
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