Questions To Ask The Dog Owner After A Bite

What Do You Need to Ask a Dog Owner After a Bite?

A dog bite can happen to you or your loved one so quickly that it can be challenging to know what to do next. Your first priority should always be getting medical attention when needed because puncture wounds can cause severe damage and lead to infections if not treated properly. If you are able, you should take a picture of the animal, its owner(s), and the scene of the injury to record the circumstances. Asking the right questions of the dog’s owner can also help protect your health and your legal rights.

What Information Do You Need to Know About the Dog?

Getting certain information can improve your medical treatment for the dog bite and possibly prevent you from unnecessarily going through painful and expensive treatments. You should ask whether the dog is up to date with their vaccinations, especially rabies shots. Many doctors will require you to get rabies treatment if the dog’s vaccination status cannot be obtained, so this is essential information. If the owner is uncertain, they should contact their vet to get a full report of their dog’s vaccinations.

While it is not necessary under California law to prove that the dog has a history of harming individuals to establish liability on the owner’s part, it is still important to find out whether the dog has injured anyone before. If you feel the dog is a threat to others, the police or animal control should be informed so they can take steps to keep the community safe.

What Personal Data Do You Need From the Dog’s Owner?

Homeowner’s insurance often covers dog bite damages, even if the incident occurred away from the dog owner’s home. Some rental insurance plans also cover dog bite injuries. To make it easier to file an insurance claim for your medical expenses and other losses resulting from the bite, you should get the owner’s full name, address, and phone number. Many people may not have their homeowner’s or rental insurance policy information readily available, especially if they are not at home. However, you should inform them that you or your lawyer will be reaching out for that information soon if you could not get it at the time of the bite.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help if a Dog Has Bitten You?

A dog bite can be frightening and shocking, especially since it often happens without warning. If you are severely injured, collecting all the information you need for your claim at the time of the incident can be challenging. Even when you have the opportunity to get information, it can be very uncomfortable to question the dog’s owner, particularly if they are distraught or defensive. However, it is important to remember that you have the legal right to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses related to your injuries. An experienced California dog bite lawyer can step in to investigate and handle the case on your behalf so you can focus on healing without needing to worry. If you or a loved one have sustained dog bite injuries, contact our law office today to learn more about how we can help you: (805)330-3393.