As a victim of a Riverside County dog bite, you need to know that you are required to report any dog bite incident to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. The office can be contacted at 951-358-7387 to file a report for any dog bite occurring in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta, Jurupa Valley, Hemet, Palm Springs, or any other parts of the county. The records for all dog bites are kept to ensure the safety of everyone in the county and to track dogs who are repeatedly biting.
If you have questions about the dog bite reporting process or your rights as the victim of a dog bite, Please do not hesitate to contact Normandie Law Firm today. Our staff can be reached 24/7 to help you understand your rights and obligations as a dog bite victim in Riverside County. Our team has worked with countless victims like yourself and understands the stress and concern you feel regarding your health and potential issues that could create many challenges in your future.
It is also understandable that you are worried about the results of contacting the Riverside County Department of Animal Services if the dog that bit you is your family pet or is owned by a friend, neighbor, or family member. Know that the staff at Animal Services will investigate your report within 24 hours, speak to the dog owner, and verify the health and medical records of the dog to ensure your safety and health. If the dog is in good health and shots are up to date, they will likely be quarantined with their owner but never removed from their home.
Remember, the Normandie Law Firm is here to help 24/7. We hope that you will take advantage of our offer to book a free consultation with a skilled Riverside Country dog bite lawyer to discuss your case in detail.
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What You Need To Know About Dog Bites
Over half the homes in California have one or more dogs. They are family companions, the protectors of children, and often everyone’s best friend. But there is more that you need to know about all dogs and what could happen if you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, even one that is in perfect health.
Even with a dog in your home and around your family every day, you might not know that your dog’s saliva, and all dog’s saliva, carries bacteria that can make a human very ill. The bacteria that cause strep, staph, and cellulitis infections in humans have no impact on the health of your dog. But if just a microscopic amount of that saliva enters the human body, you will likely get an infection that could become life-threatening.
In addition, dogs that are stray or have not gotten proper medical care can carry rabies without showing any outward indications of the disease. If you or a loved one are bitten by a dog with rabies, you must get emergency medical care to prevent a harrowing life-altering outcome. So. Please keep in mind that all dog bites have the potential to be life-threatening. It does not matter who owns the dog, how healthy it is, or how severe the dog bite wound appears; if just one dog’s tooth breaks the surface of human skin, there is the possibility of a severe infection, and you need to have the bite evaluated by a medical professional.
Using Basic Dog Bite First Aid To Prevent An Infection
If you sustain a minor dog bite, you do not necessarily need to call 911 or rush to the hospital. If there is only minor damage to the skin and slight bleeding, you can clean and dress the wound and then seek a medical evaluation later. However, if you are unsure of the depth or severity of the wound or need help cleaning and caring for the injury, please call 911 immediately.
To clean and dress a minor dog bite wound, begin by flushing the wound and surrounding area with warm water for five to ten minutes. Next, carefully wash the area with mild soap and rinse with warm water. If the wound is still bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage to stop the bleeding. Finally, coat the wound with antibiotic cream and cover with a clean, dry bandage. You will need to keep the wound clean and dry while it heals. Also, be sure to check for indications of an infection that could include increased redness, swelling, or pain at the wound site, oozing discharge from the wound, or the victim begins to run a fever. If any of these signs appear, seek immediate medical care.
Essential Information You Should Gather After A Dog Bite
Even if you know the owner of the dog that bit you, the situation could change if your medical bills increase significantly or the owner decides to ignore your request for them to take financial responsibility for the harm caused by their dog. You or a loved one should gather the following information to use in the event of a dog bite lawsuit and to provide when you report your dog bite to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services:
- Take photos of the wound area and any other harm caused during the incident
- Get a picture of the dog if possible
- Write a detailed description of the dog, including its breed, size, color, identifying markings, and other features like its collar or tags
- List the name and contact information of the dog owner and try to contact them if they are not present
- Get the contact information from all witnesses of the dog bite and ask them to provide a short statement regarding what they saw
- Take additional pictures of the wounds if they change in appearance, and make a list of any issues you experience that are not visually noticeable but could indicate further injuries, such as a stiff or sore back or a headache
- Keep copies of all documentation related to your medical care and expenses
- List any time you miss work due to your injuries or to attend medical appointments related to the injuries suffered during the dog bite incident
Who Will Cover The Cost Of My Medical Care?
Victims of a dog bite are typically very relieved to learn that California is a strict liability state with regard to dog ownership. In most cases, the owner is financially responsible for any harm or injuries caused by their dog in public and private spaces. The only exceptions to this obligation are if the person who was bitten was abusing or hurting the dog and retaliated by biting or if the person was illegally on the property when bit. For example, you are not expected to cover medical bills for someone who was bit by your dog as they were breaking into your home or if they came on your property and were abusing your dog when it bit them.
What Is A Riverside County Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth?
Victims of a dog bite need to know that there are no predetermined values for dog bite lawsuits. Each case value is determined by evaluating the actual losses and expenses suffered by the victim. In cases related to dog bite injuries, the items considered to be allowable typically include:
- All current and estimated future medical costs related to the treatment and rehabilitation of the injuries sustained during the dog bite incident
- Your lost wages or income if the injuries prevented you from performing your normal job until fully recovered and any work missed to attend medical appointments related to the injuries
- The replacement cost of any personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the incident
- All legal expenses related to the dog bite
- Some cases will include compensation for pain and suffering when the injuries are severe
When To File Your Riverside County Dog Bite Lawsuit
You have two years from the date of the dog bite incident to file a claim with the court. If the case is not filed, then you forfeit your right to take legal action against the dog owner for losses or harm caused in that specific event. Please reach out to Normandie Law Firm to learn more about the time remaining to file your case.
How Long Does A Dog Bite Lawsuit Take To Complete?
The time needed to resolve your Riverside County dog bite lawsuit will vary based on many factors. The sooner you reach out to Normandie Law Firm to begin preparing the case, the faster it can typically be completed. However, outside issues such as the court’s workload and the action of the defendant will impact the overall timeline. Don’t hesitate to contact Normandie Law Firm today to speak to a dog bite lawyer to learn more about the time needed to secure the compensation you need for your expenses.
Getting The Best Riverside County Dog Bite Lawyer
The experts at Normandie Law Firm are here 24/7 to assist you in understanding your rights and obligations after suffering a dog bite in Riverside County. Our team is ready to handle any case with legal merit, and we never require any upfront payments. Instead, we only get paid after you have the compensation needed to cover your legal costs. Finally, you owe Normandie Law Firm nothing if we fail to win your case and get the funds to cover your expenses. Don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated staff today to learn more.
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