Helping You Take The Appropriate Steps After A Dog Attack

Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Even still, many people avoid pursuing a personal injury claim, either because they don’t know how or they don’t want to “sue” a family member or friend. They also might not be aware of what steps to take if attacked.

At the Law Offices of Michael R. Kaiser, we help individuals in Palm Springs and through the Coachella Valley, the High Desert and Riverside, Imperial and San Bernardino counties seek compensation for dog bite attacks. Our lawyers can help you take the appropriate steps to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries and the trauma your family has endured.

3 Steps To Take After Being Attacked By A Dog

If in spite of your best efforts, you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog, follow these three tips:

  1. Get the owner’s info, if you can — California has strict liability laws for dog owners. You can make a claim for compensation against a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy. Get the name, address, phone number and policy number (if possible) from the dog’s owner. You should also ask about the dog’s vaccination history.
  2. Seek medical attention — Obviously, seek medical attention right away, even if the dog didn’t do much damage. If dogs haven’t been properly vaccinated, your doctor will need to know so he or she can start preventative treatment for rabies.
  3. Contact our firm for help — Most pet owners are just as devastated as you are about a sudden animal attack, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek compensation for your injuries. Dog bite attacks can cause disfiguring injuries and leave emotional scars that last long after the physical injuries have healed. We will uphold your right to receive full and fair compensation.

Call our office in Palm Springs at 760-322-0806 for a free attorney consultation to discuss your case.

What You Shouldn’t Do

Dogs are predators, so the worst thing you can do is antagonize an aggressive animal. Dog behavioral experts agree that if you or your child is threatened by a dog, the following can help diffuse the situation:

  • Don’t panic — It’s easier said than done, but screaming will only excite the dog’s hunting instincts.
  • Don’t run away — Similarly, running away encourages the dog to chase you. Instead, back away slowly and calmly.
  • Don’t make eye contact — Dogs perceive eye contact as a challenge or threat. Avert your gaze while backing away.
  • Don’t challenge the dog — Yelling at the dog or waving your arms may only confirm to the dog that you are a threat.

The goal is to make the dog lose interest in you so that you can get away safely. If a dog lunges anyway, call for help and protect your face, neck and throat.

To intervene safely if someone else is being attacked, get the dog to bite something else if you can, like a water bottle, backpack or sweatshirt. You could also throw a towel or shirt over its head, which could confuse it enough to let go. Alternatively, use a hose, fire extinguisher or pepper spray to fend it off so that you and the victim can escape. Don’t attack it directly and risk becoming a victim yourself.