How To Report A Dog Bite To Animal Control In LA County

Due to Los Angeles County’s massive size, it can be challenging to know which areas are governed by the county and which cities have their own rules and guidelines for reporting issues like dog bite incidents. You can always contact Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control at 213-288-7060. They can provide any additional information you need. 

It is also good to know that three cities in the county have their own reporting process. The municipalities to contact separately include:

• Pasadena, which requires the dog bite to be reported to the Pasadena Humane Society at 626-792-7151
• Long Beach asks victims to contact Long Beach Animal Control at 562-570-7387 to report a dog bite incident 
• The Vernon Health Department can be reached at 323-583-8811 to report any dog bite that occurred within the city limits 

If the dog bite you suffered resulted in severe harm and bleeding, it is always wise to call 911 for emergency medical help. However, if the damage is less severe, it is still vital to your health and safety to clean and protect the wound until you can have it evaluated by a medical professional. If the wound is bleeding, cover it with a clean cloth and get to a place where you can flush it with warm water for five to ten minutes. Then, clean the wounded area with a mild soap and warm water. 

If the bleeding continues, apply a clean cloth or bandage to the area and use gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. Apply antibiotic cream to the wound and cover it with a clean, dry bandage. Keep the wound clean and dry until a medical professional examines it. You should also be aware that any increased redness or soreness at the site of the wound, swelling, or fever are indications of an infection. If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate emergency medical care. 

Even if you know the owner of the dog or where they live, it is wise to gather some information that could be helpful should you need to pursue a dog bite lawsuit. Even a wound that looks minor can become very costly if an infection sets in and you need extended medical care. So, be prepared for the worst-case scenario by:

• Take pictures of the wound as soon as possible and any other injuries you suffered due to the dog bite injury such as a wrist injury if you fell when the dog lunged at you 
• Keep a written log of any changes to the injuries you suffered or pain you experience, such as a sore neck or stiff back due to falling 
• Document the description of the dog, including the breed, size, hair color, any collar or identifying tags, and a photo, if possible
• Collect the contact information of any witnesses to the dog bite and a written statement from them describing what they saw 
• Retain copies of all medical care and costs related to the dog bite wound and other injuries suffered during the incident, as well as a copy of the report you filed with LA County or the city where the dog bite occurred

Victims of a dog bite in Los Angeles County need to understand that California is a strict liability state regarding dog bites. The dog’s owner is typically always liable for any damage or harm caused by the dog. This coverage includes public areas and venues like a beach or park and private property like a home or apartment. 

As long as the victim was legally visiting the property, for example, an invited guest, the dog owner is liable for any harm due to a dog bite. Only in cases where the victim was illegally at a property, such as an intruder, or the victim was hurting or abusing the dog, will the dog owner not be responsible for any damage or harm caused by the dog. 

If you were recently bitten by a dog in LA County and the owner is refusing to pay your medical expenses and other losses caused by their dog biting you, please contact DTLA Law Group immediately. Our expert dog bite lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and the obligations of a dog owner. If your case has legal merit, our pros will help you secure the compensation owed for the harm and losses caused by the dog bite. 

If you suffered a dog bite, you should know that it is considered a personal injury and has a time limit of two years to file a lawsuit to seek compensation. If you fail to file your case with the court within two years of the dog bite incident, you will permanently lose the right to file a claim. Please make time today to contact DTLA Law Group to discuss the legal merit of your dog bite lawsuit and how long you have remaining to file a claim with the court. 

Victims must know that all lawsuit values are calculated based on the actual expenses and losses of the victim. In cases involving a dog bite, some of the common categories included in your compensation are:

• All current and estimated future medical expenses related to the treatment of the dog bite wound and other injuries suffered in the incident
• Your lost wages or income if the injuries prevented you from working until you were fully recovered 
• All legal costs for the dog bite lawsuit 
• Financial compensation for your pain and suffering due to the dog bite incident 

The team at DTLA Law Group will work tirelessly to have your case prepared and filed with the court as quickly as possible. But please know that the sooner you reach out to our staff, the faster it will be to gather information and contact witnesses to prepare your case. It is also critical to note that the workload of the court and the actions of the defendant in the case will impact the time needed to complete the case. Please contact DTLA Law Group today to discuss the facts of your case with a skilled dog bite lawyer to learn more about the timeframe for your case. 

At DTLA Law Group, we are here to help all dog bite victims get the compensation and justice they deserve. In addition, we never ask you to pay any upfront legal fees that could prevent you from filing a claim. Our firm only gets paid after the case is completed, and you have the compensation that includes funds to cover your legal costs. And you owe DTLA Law Group nothing if we fail to win your case. Don’t hesitate to contact our staff today to learn more about our services and your right to compensation for your harm and losses. 

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