What Happens to a Dog When It Bites Someone

What happens to a dog when it bites someone depends on the circumstances of the bite and the discretion of any local authorities. If animal control services or a court determines the dog is vicious, one or more of those authorities may order the dog to be permanently confined or put down. However, if the dog does not have a pattern of aggression or viciousness, authorities may take no material measures at the time—though the bite should be noted in the permanent record.

If you are the victim of a dog bite, you might worry about the fate of the dog if you report the incident or pursue a claim. However, by reporting a bite and taking legal action, you could be protecting potential victims from future harm. Consider hiring a Los Angeles dog bite attorney to pursue fair compensation for your bite-related damages.

As a Bite Victim, Do Not Let Concerns About the Dog Deter You from Seeking Justice

Those who suffer physical injuries and trauma because of an aggressive dog often:

• Hear the dog’s owner say things like, “They’ve never done this before.”
• Face intense pressure not to report the accident (they may even say, “Animal Control will take my dog.”)
• Receive offers of under-the-table reimbursement from the dog’s owner
• Think about what might happen to the dog if they report the attack to authorities

Dog owners may be wondering whether they can go to jail if their dog bites someone. California Penal Code Section § 399.5 states that authorities can, in fact, hold an owner criminally liable if they should have known a dog was vicious but still engaged in negligent behavior leading to injury.

Remember: Dog bite victims are the victims. You have every right to report a dog bite. In fact, you owe it to yourself to report the attack. 

If you do not formally report the dog bite, you may:

• Take the owner’s word that they will cover your bite-related expenses, only for them to renege on their promise
• Face substantial financial burdens (medical care, lost income, and other possible bite-related losses may be expensive)
• Expose others to danger, as the owner may take no tangible steps to prevent future attacks like yours

Your only concern should be fair compensation and accountability for the negligent owner.

How to Seek Fair Compensation for a Dog Bite (Consider Hiring an Attorney, to Start)

California Civil Code § 3341 holds owners liable for any harm their dog causes a victim, whether or not the owner had reason to know the dog could be aggressive. Bite victims who elect to seek fair compensation from the owner or their insurance provider should:

• Report the bite to animal control (and get a copy of the report): de Los Angeles County Department of Public Health notes that all animal bites are reportable. A lawyer can help you determine which department to contact (for bites in most of Los Angeles County, report to the Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control).
• Get medical care for wounds and other injuries: Wounds from dog bites are very susceptible to infection, which can lead to amputation, death, and other devastating health problems. Protect yourself and consider your case by seeking medical attention as soon as possible after your bite.
• Pursue treatment for any trauma resulting from the bite: If you are experiencing any psychological or emotional hardship as a result of the attack, get help and document your symptoms by seeking mental health services. 
• Consider hiring a dog bite attorney: Every dog bite victim has the right to handle their own insurance claim—there can be significant risks and downsides in representing yourself, though. A lawyer will protect you from rights violations, enable you to prioritize recovery, lend you their advice and experience, and pursue the maximum allowable compensation for you.

Dog bites can seem relatively minor at first. However, unexpected infections and unforeseen psychological trauma are among the unanticipated challenges that can make your bite far more costly than you first suspect.

Services You’ll Receive from Your Dog Bite Attorney

Our dog bite attorneys have represented many victims of aggressive dogs, and we have customized unique strategies for each victim we’ve represented. Some of the most common ways we help dog bite victims include:

• Identifying exactly why the bite happened (and who is responsible)
• Composing a personalized strategy for securing fair compensation
• Documenting all bite-related damages
• Pursuing a fair settlement

Our firm prepares dog bite cases for trial. No case is too small for us, just as no dog bite is too minor to demand justice for. 

Damages a Dog Bite Victim May Deserve Compensation For

Nuestro Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyers have seen how severe scarring, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other bite-related health outcomes can cause intense, long-term harm to the victim. Some damages you may deserve compensation for include:

• Dolor y sufrimiento 
• Servicios de salud mental
• Billetes Médicos
• ingresos perdidos

If you suffer infection, have disabling injuries, or face other unique challenges because of the bite, our team will reflect those challenges in our case and settlement demands.

Call KJT Law Group Today for Your Free Consultation About Hiring a Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyer

What happens when a dog bites someone depends on what action the victim takes (or does not take). If you choose to seek justice and decide to hire an LA dog bite lawyer, a fair financial recovery could be in your future. By holding a negligent owner accountable, you may also prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future.

KJT Law Group has over 10 years of experience, and our attorneys have helped many dog bite victims secure fair compensation for treatment and other damages. Call KJT Law Group today for your free, no-obligation consultation.