01
Go to an ER or urgent care immediately — even if wounds look minor. Dog bites carry high infection risk and may involve hidden nerve or tendon damage. Medical documentation from day one anchors your entire legal case.
02
Get the owner’s full name, phone number, address, and insurance info. Ask for proof of rabies vaccination. Photograph the dog if it is safe to do so. Do not let the owner leave without this information.
03
Take photos of all wounds with timestamps enabled — immediately and repeatedly as injuries evolve. Date-stamped photos of injury progression are powerful legal evidence that cannot be recreated later.
04
Call LA County Animal Care and Control: 1-877-747-2287. Filing an official report documents the incident, triggers investigation of the dog’s bite history, and creates an official public record supporting your claim.
05
Identify anyone who saw the attack and get their names and contact information. Witness statements corroborating your account are valuable evidence, especially if liability is disputed later.
06
The dog owner’s insurance company will contact you. Their goal is to minimize your claim. Do not speak with them before speaking with us. One phone call to our office is free and could make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.
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Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
The insurer’s adjuster will ask. You are not required to comply. Recorded statements are used to find contradictions that reduce your claim.
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Don’t Accept the First Offer
Initial offers from insurance companies are typically 10–20% of fair value. They are designed to close files before you understand your full damages.
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Don’t Delay Medical Treatment
Gaps in medical treatment are used by insurers to argue your injuries weren’t that serious. Consistent documentation of treatment is essential to maximum recovery.
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Don’t Post About It on Social Media
Photos and posts documenting normal activity after a bite are routinely obtained by insurers and used to minimize injury claims. Keep all case-related information offline.
Don’t wait. California has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(213) 529-3229
info@dogbite.la
Los Angeles, CA
24/7 Availability
(213) 555-1234
info@dogbite.la
Los Angeles, CA
24/7 Availability
