Legal Help for Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are common in California. In fact, California consistently leads the nation in dog attacks on postal workers alone. But no matter their profession, dog bite victims often face not only physical scarring but also mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting your rights when you’ve been the victim of a dog bite injury. With more than 45 years of experience, our dog bite lawyers have both the resources and the knowledge to help you get the compensation you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites in California
Dog bites can range from minor scrapes to serious injuries with long-term consequences. Understanding injury types and potential complications is crucial for receiving proper medical care and safeguarding your legal rights.
Common dog bite injuries we’ve seen in California include:
- Puncture Wounds: These deep wounds occur when a dog’s teeth pierce the skin, as in this case involving an Oroville woman who suffered severe bites to her neck and arms. Even minor puncture wounds can become infected if not properly treated.
- Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria or viruses into the skin and bloodstream, leading to infections such as staphylococcus or, in rare cases, rabies. Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or warmth, should be addressed immediately.
- Avulsions: These severe injuries involve the tearing away of skin and underlying tissue, and often require reconstructive surgery.
- Crushing Injuries: Powerful bites can crush bones, muscles, and nerves, resulting in serious and sometimes permanent damage.
- Lacerations: Jagged tears in the skin cause significant bleeding and may leave permanent scars.
- Death: Unfortunately, some dog bites or attacks can be so severe that they cause death, like in this tragic case involving a Northern California woman who was killed by multiple dogs while out on a walk.
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away. Proper treatment not only protects your health but also creates documentation that can be vital if you choose to pursue legal action for your injuries.
Where to Seek Medical Care After a Dog Bite in Northern California
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, getting the right medical care quickly is one of the most important steps you can take. Even a seemingly minor bite can lead to severe infection or complications without proper treatment. Luckily, there are several reputable medical facilities located in Northern California. Here are a few options, depending on the severity of the injury:
Emergency Rooms (Severe Injuries)
If the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or affects sensitive areas like your face, neck, head, or hands, go to the nearest emergency room right away. Facilities equipped to handle serious dog bite injuries include:
- UC Davis Medical Center (Northern California’s only Level 1 trauma center)
- NorthBay Health VacaValley Hospital
- Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center
- Sutter Davis Hospital
- Saint Francis Hospital
- Enloe Medical Center
Urgent Care Clinics (Less Severe Injuries)
For moderate bites—such as puncture wounds or shallow lacerations—urgent care centers can be a faster option than the ER. They can clean and dress the wound, provide antibiotics if necessary, and recommend follow-up care. Some options include:
Even if the wound looks small, bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to serious infection. A doctor can assess the depth of the bite, remove debris, prescribe antibiotics, and determine whether you need a tetanus booster or rabies vaccination. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also creates medical records that may support a legal claim if negligence was involved.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in California
California follows a strict liability statute for dog bites, meaning dog owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown aggressive behavior. This is different from the “one-bite rule” used in some other states, where an owner is only liable if they knew—or should have known—about the dog’s tendency to bite.
Dog owners may still raise certain defenses in a dog bite case, including:
- Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog—by teasing, hitting, or otherwise aggravating it—the owner might argue that they are not fully responsible for the resulting injuries.
- Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on private property, the owner’s liability may be reduced or even eliminated.
Navigating these defenses can be complicated. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to an experienced dog bite attorney after an injury. The skilled dog bite attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and build a strong case to establish the dog owner’s liability.
What to Do in California After a Dog Bite Injury
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps quickly can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to do in California:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor bites can become infected or lead to serious complications. Seeing a doctor promptly ensures proper treatment and provides a paper trail of your injuries.
- Identify the dog’s owner. If possible, get the owner’s name and contact information. This information will be crucial if you pursue a claim.
- Report the incident. Contact your local health department so they can investigate the bite and verify the dog’s vaccination records.
- Document the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack, if it is safe to do so.
- Gather witness information. Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the incident. Their statements can help support your case.
- Preserve evidence. Keep any damaged clothing or personal items, as these can serve as additional proof of the attack.
- Consult a California dog bite lawyer. The experienced attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get All the Details
There are a number of reasons why dogs bite people—fear, dominance, territory—but determining why someone is bitten isn’t as important as determining what should have been done to prevent the attack. With our experienced legal staff, we are able to thoroughly investigate your claim and make sure all the details of your case are covered. Our California dog bite lawyers have helped other dog bite injury victims get the money they need to cover their injury-related expenses, and we want to help you too.
Talk to Berg Today
Berg Injury Lawyers has served clients in Northern California since 1981, and we are available around the clock—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—to help injured victims. Thanks to our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, the choice is clear—contact our dog bite lawyers now for a free review of your case. Just dial (800) 400-2374 or complete our free online form today.
