Suffering a dog bite can be a very stressful event. Even if you feel the injury is minor, there could be significant health concerns if the animal is a stray, has not been given the proper healthcare, or has an infection. However, after getting the appropriate medical treatment for the injuries, you must follow the required process to report any dog bite in LA County. Not only does this step ensure there is a record of the incident, but it can also help authorities prevent future dog bites by contacting the owner and seeing that the dog is either restrained or dealt with in another manner to ensure it does not bite anyone else.
If you are unsure about how to handle an LA County dog bite, please know that the dog bite experts at Normandie Law Firm can be reached 24/7 to help you. You must understand your rights as a victim of a dog bite, who could be responsible for the harm caused by the dog, and how to pursue legal action if a lawsuit becomes necessary to get the compensation owed to you. But before calling Normandie Law Firm, please seek immediate emergency medical care to clean and evaluate the dog bite, even if you feel the damage is minimal. Any time a dog’s teeth break the surface of a human’s skin, there is a high likelihood of an infection because of the bacteria in all dog’s mouths and saliva.
When you speak to the experts at Normandie Law Firm, they will help you understand what is required in the dog bite report and who you need to contact regarding the incident. While most dog bites are reported to LA County County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control, some of the larger cities have a reporting system that you must inform of the event. Regardless of the location in Los Angeles County or any of these cities, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Lancaster, Palmdale, Pasadena, or Santa Monica, the Normandie Law Firm team will assist you. In addition, we are happy to provide you with a free consultation to meet with a skilled LA County dog bite attorney to discuss the facts of your case and answer all your questions.
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Los Angeles County Dog Bite Reporting Information
LA County’s area is larger than some eastern states, with over 4,000 square miles of land. So, there are some large cities that operate their own humane society or animal control, and more rural areas or smaller municipalities that use the county’s services for their animal control and dog bite reporting and monitoring.
In any case, you cannot go wrong, so reach out to Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control at 213-288-7060. In most instances, this will be the only agency you need to speak to and the only report you must file. However, in Pasadena, you must contact the Pasadena Humane Society at 626-792-7151 to report the incident. If a dog bite occurs in Long Beach, you must report it to Long Beach Animal Control, which can be contacted at 562-570-7387. Finally, dog bites occurring in Vernon require a call to the Vernon Health Department at 323-583-8811 to inform them of the incident.
If you have any questions about who to contact after a dog bite incident, please know that the staff at Normandie Law Firm can be reached around the clock to help you determine whom to notify and what information they will require.
Basic Dog Bite First Aid
Everyone must understand that all dogs have certain bacteria in their saliva that can cause severe infections in humans. Even dogs with exceptional medical care and all their shots could still carry contaminants that result in rabies, strep, staph, or cellulitis infections if a single layer of skin is broken and saliva enters the wound. If you suffer a minor dog bite, follow these steps to clean the site of the wound until you can have the injury examined by a medical professional:
- Flush the area with warm water for five to ten minutes and then wash with mild soap
- Use a clean cloth to apply pressure to the wound if it continues to bleed
- Apply antibiotic cream to the wound and cover it with a clean, dry bandage – keep the bandage and wound clean and dry until you seek medical care
- Monitor the area for any redness, swelling, or increased soreness, as these indicate an infection, as does the victim running a fever. If you discover any of these signs of an infection, seek emergency medical treatment immediately
Valuable Information To Gather After Suffering A Dog Bite
It is common for a dog bite victim to know the dog that bit them or know where the dog and owner reside. However, even if you were bit by a dog that a friend or neighbor owns, it is vital that you gather some essential information if you become seriously ill or need costly medical treatment as a result of the injury:
- Take photos of the injury as quickly as possible after the bite- if possible, even before cleaning the area
- Take additional pictures if the condition of the wound worsens
- Get pictures of any other injuries that occurred other than the bite – for example, if you fell and cut your hand or if your wrist is not swelling from breaking your fall
- Keep a written log of any changes in your injuries and pain you might experience, such as a stiff or sore never and back after falling due to the dog jumping on you
- Get a photo of the dog and list the breed, size, color, and any other identifying items like a collar or tags
- Document where the dog lives and the owner’s name if you know this information
- Get the contact information for any witnesses to the dog bite and a written statement from them, if possible
- Keep copies of all medical records pertaining to the injuries sustained in the dog bite incident
Having this information could seem like a lot of effort for a minor incident. However, it is not uncommon for just a small bite or a single tooth to break the skin and cause a severe infection that requires medical care. When this occurs, you will be glad to have all the documentation to ensure the dog owner is held responsible for the harm their animal caused.
Who Is Legally Responsible For A Dog Bite?
Victims of an LA County dog bite should know that California is a strict liability state regarding harm caused by a dog. That means any damage or injuries caused by a dog are typically the responsibility of the dog owner. This liability includes dog bites that occur in public areas or on private property as long as the victim is on the property legally. For example, if you were invited to a party and were bit by the property owner’s dog, they are liable for the incident. However, if your dog bites an intruder trying to break into your home, you are not held responsible for the damage caused by your dog, who is protecting you and your property. The only other exception to eliminate the dog owner’s liability is if the victim of the dog bite was hurting or mistreating the dog when they were bit.
If you have any questions about who is responsible for a dog bit or how to hold a dog owner accountable for the harm you suffered when bit by their dog, please get in touch with Normandie Law Firm to speak to a dog bite lawyer regarding your case.
How Long Do I Have To File An LA County Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Victims of a dog bite in Los Angeles County have two years from the date of the incident to have their claim filed with the court. If the case is not filed by the time the Statute of Limitations expires, the person loses the right to file a claim for the losses or harm due to that incident. Please reach out to Normandie Law Firm today to learn more about this time limit to seek justice for the dog bite you suffered in LA County.
How Much Is An LA County Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth?
The value of your dog bite lawsuit will be based on the actual expenses and losses suffered because of the bite. The items typically evaluated to calculate the value include:
- All current and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Your legal expenses
- Financial compensation for any pain or suffering
How Long Does A Dog Bite Lawsuit Take?
The team at Normandie Law Firm will work diligently to complete your case as rapidly as possible. However, factors such as the court’s workload and the actions of the defendant can impact the time needed to resolve the lawsuit. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office today to gather more case-specific information on how long your lawsuit could take to complete.
You Deserve Exceptional Legal Services
The team at Normandie Law Firm is here to handle any dog bite case with legal merit and never ask for any upfront payments. We only get paid after the case is completed, and you have the compensation that includes funds to cover your legal costs. Finally, you owe us nothing if Normandie Law Firm fails to win your case and deliver that compensation. Please reach out to our staff to learn more about protecting yourself after suffering a dog bite.
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