How to File a Dog Bite Claim with a Top Lawyer

TL;DR: In California, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone—meaning you don’t have to prove negligence. To file a claim, get medical treatment immediately, report the bite to Animal Control, document the incident, and hire a dog bite lawyer. West Coast Trial Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for injuries, lost wages, scarring, and emotional trauma—at no cost unless we win.

By Emily Park – Personal Injury Legal Writer

Bitten by a Dog? The Law Is on Your Side.

California law is clear: when a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible—regardless of whether the dog had bitten before. That’s called strict liability, and it’s one of the strongest legal protections dog bite victims have in any state.

But just because the law is on your side doesn’t mean the process is easy. If you’ve been bitten, here’s what you need to know—and exactly how to file a dog bite claim with the help of a top California dog bite lawyer.

1. Seek Medical Treatment First

No matter how “minor” the bite looks, see a doctor immediately. Dog bites often result in infection, and puncture wounds can damage nerves, muscles, and tissue below the surface. Getting prompt treatment protects both your health and your legal case.

Make sure your doctor documents:

• The bite location and size
• The type of treatment provided
• Any follow-up care required

2. Report the Bite to Animal Control

This step is crucial. Reporting the incident creates an official record, which can later help prove the bite occurred and prompt an investigation into the dog’s history. In many cases, this record will be required by insurers before they’ll consider a claim.

3. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

If the dog is owned, try to obtain the owner’s name, address, and—if possible—homeowner’s or renter’s insurance details. In many cases, these policies cover dog bite liability. If the dog is a stray or the owner flees, report those details as well and contact an attorney immediately.

4. Document Everything You Can

Save every medical bill, take clear photographs of your injuries, and write down a narrative of what happened while it’s still fresh. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information.

5. Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer

The right attorney will do more than file paperwork. They’ll guide you through the process, deal with insurers on your behalf, gather expert medical evidence, and help calculate the full scope of your damages—physical, financial, and emotional.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve handled thousands of dog bite cases. We understand how insurers try to minimize these claims, and we know how to fight back.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation For:

• Emergency care and hospitalization
• Plastic surgery or scar revision
• Loss of wages from missed work
• Physical and emotional pain
• Psychological trauma (including PTSD or fear of dogs)

Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait

You typically have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim in California. But the sooner you act, the stronger your case. Delay can cause evidence to disappear and memories to fade.

Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer Now—No Cost Unless We Win

If you or your child has been bitten, don’t wait. The earlier we get involved, the faster we can protect your rights, document your injuries, and hold the responsible party accountable.

Schedule your free consultation with a dog bite lawyer today »