Do I Have to Report a Dog Bite?

Last Updated on May 4, 2024 by Dogs Vets

Victims of dog bite accidents tend to avoid reporting the incident to the police for several reasons. For one, the victim may be a friend, a family relative, or the owner, who thinks something terrible may happen to the dog and the owner.

However, due to the possible risks of a dog bite, it is crucial to report it to the authorities. 

Although it’s not usually required, reporting a dog bite raises significant legal issues, public safety, and everyone’s welfare.

In this guide, you will learn about the factors influencing the importance of reporting a dog bite accident, such as possible legal obligations and actions to guarantee proper handling of these situations. 

How Dangerous Are Dog Bites?

Dog bites can cause severe injuries to individuals, ranging from minor wounds to catastrophic and sometimes fatal consequences. The position and depth of the bite, the victim’s age and health, the size and breed of the dog, and other factors all significantly affect the severity of a dog bite. 

Surprisingly, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and 800,000 of those victims need medical attention. It is frightening to note that children are 70% more likely to die as a result of these dog attacks.

Aggressive dogs often target particular body parts, such as the face, head, and neck. Dog bites can result in several health risks, including infection, tetanus, rabies, fractures, damage to the nerves and muscles, and even death, even if they can be avoided.

If you are bitten by a dog, getting medical help right away after a dog bite is essential to avoid worsening the injury and complicating matters.

What to Do When a Dog Bites You

A dog bite can lead to severe injuries and even death, depending on several circumstances. This is why it is crucial to take the following steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights in case you  claimcompensation for the damage:

• Get to Safety: To stop the dog from attacking you further, try to get away from its immediate area.
• Clean the Wound: Wash the bite area with warm water and soap to lower the chance of infection. If the cut is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth.
• Provide First Aid: Treat minor wounds with an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and sterile bandage.
• Seek Medical Attention: Medical attention is advised regardless of the bite’s severity. A healthcare expert can evaluate the damage, administer the proper treatments, and decide whether more medical intervention is required.
• Report the dog bite accident: Notify the local animal control agency of the dog bite event if it happened in a public area or if the dog is unknown to you. By disclosing the incident, you may guarantee that the responsible dog owner takes the necessary precautions and helps stop similar attacks in the future.
• Keep thorough records of the dog bite incident: Keep a record of information related to the accident, including the date, time, place, and any pertinent details about the dog and its owner. If you can, take pictures of the damage and the surrounding area.
• Contact a dog bite lawyer: A dog bite lawyer can help you build your case and negotiate fair compensation depending on the facts of the accident. 

Do I Have to Report a Dog Bite?

Some states may legally require you to report a dog bite accident. For instance, in California, dog owners or victims must file a report immediately or 48 hours after a dog bite incident.

Although it’s not necessarily required by law in every jurisdiction, reporting a dog bite is usually advised for several reasons. For one, legally documenting the incident by reporting it to the authorities may be beneficial in legal proceedings if further action is required. 

By notifying the proper authorities of the dog bite, you also guarantee that they know the situation and can take the necessary precautions to ensure such incidents don’t happen again.

This can entail looking into the events following the bite, ensuring the dog’s vaccination status is up-to-date, and, if required, taking appropriate action to resolve any issues with the dog’s involvement that may involve public safety.

Healthcare professionals can also assess and treat the damage, including identifying the danger of rabies or other illnesses and administering the necessary medical care by reporting the dog bite accident.

In some jurisdictions in the United States, reporting a dog bite to authorities may be a legal obligation. Even though it may not always be required, reporting a dog bite is usually advised to ensure that the event is accurately recorded, that any public safety issues are addressed, and that any required medical attention is received.

What Happens If I Fail to Report a Dog Bite Accident?

If your state mandates that victims report dog bite accidents, you may face legal consequences if you encounter a similar situation and fail to notify the authorities.

Legal laws in many places mandate that dog bites be reported to municipal authorities or animal control organizations within a specific amount of time. There may be fines or penalties for not following these guidelines.

For example, dog owners in California may face legal consequences if they neglect to report the incident, such as euthanizing the dog, imposing a fine ranging from $500 to $1000, or barring them from obtaining another dog for up to three years.

Moreover, failing to disclose a dog bite incident may have consequences for public safety and other people’s welfare. By reporting the occurrence, the authorities can handle any potential concerns caused by the dog in question by evaluating its behavior and determining its vaccination status, among other things.

If you choose not to report the incident, you can unintentionally put others in danger of similar situations happening again.

Furthermore, if you later seek medical attention or take legal action related to the dog bite accident, not reporting it could complicate things. The incident must be properly documented, including reported to the relevant authorities, to get medical attention and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages caused.

Can I Receive Compensation for a Dog Bite?

Depending on the specifics of the incident, you may be entitled to compensation for a dog bite. Dog bite victims can frequently file a personal injury claim to recover damages for their injuries and other damages.

A dog bite may result in various losses, such as medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, psychological distress, and property damage.

In such circumstances, you must prove that the dog owner was careless or that the dog has a history of aggressive behavior to obtain compensation for a dog bite. You can support your claim with evidence, including medical documents, witness accounts, injury photos, and details of any prior dog-related incidents.

It’s critical to assess your legal options and choose the best course of action by speaking with a personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases. A lawyer can advise you, fight for you, and assist you in getting the money you are entitled to for the losses and injuries you sustained from the dog bite.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Accident?

Sometimes, filing a dog bite accident claim may become complicated. For instance, you visited a friend in California. Unfortunately, their dog bit you as you entered their property. What happens if a friend owns the dog that bites you? 

You should remember that you are not filing a case against your friend. Instead, you are claiming compensation from their insurance provider. In such a case, the best dog bite lawyer California can offer can help you understand how to go through the legal process smoothly and negotiate on your behalf. 

Hiring a lawyer after a dog bite injury is critical for navigating the legal complexities of the case, determining the strength of your claim, negotiating with insurance providers, and protecting your rights throughout the process.

A lawyer can offer significant experience and assistance in pursuing reasonable compensation for your injuries and losses, allowing you to focus on your recovery confidently.

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