Our Santa Monica, CA dog bite lawyer can be an important resource if you or a loved one has been injured by someone else’s pet. At Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we understand how upsetting and painful these incidents can be, and we’re here to help people take the right steps from the beginning. Acting quickly and thoughtfully after a bite can make a major difference in both recovery and legal options.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your first priority should always be your health. Even if a dog bite seems minor, infections can develop quickly—especially if the skin was broken. Some bites may also damage nerves or muscles beneath the surface. Whether you’ve suffered from a minor injury or a more catastrophic injury, it’s important to go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room as soon as possible.
If you need stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus shot, the sooner you receive care, the better the outcome. Medical records will also serve as important documentation if you choose to pursue legal action. Our dog attack injury lawyers can help you gather and preserve these details.
Identify The Dog And Owner
If you can, try to get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. This includes taking a photo of the dog, the owner’s name, and any eyewitnesses nearby. If the dog was a stray or the owner left the scene, report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement right away.
Our Santa Monica dog bite attorneys will often rely on this initial information to help build a claim. Identifying the dog’s vaccination history—especially for rabies—is another essential piece that animal control may be able to help confirm.
Report The Incident To Authorities
Whether the bite happened in a public park, at someone’s home, or while visiting a friend, it should always be reported. Filing an official report protects others and creates a documented record. This can be important if the dog has a history of aggression.
You don’t need to wait for a full investigation to reach out to our pet bite lawyers. We can help explain what information to include and how to approach your next steps.
Document Everything
Photos of the injury, torn clothing, and the location where the bite happened are all helpful. Keep a journal of your symptoms and recovery progress, including any doctor visits, prescriptions, and days missed from work.
These details may feel minor at the time, but they help create a timeline of the injury’s impact. Our domestic animal injury lawyers can use this documentation to help determine what compensation may be available for your medical bills, pain, and other losses.
Know Your Legal Options
In California, dog owners are generally responsible for bites that happen in public or while a person is lawfully on private property. That means if you were legally present when the bite occurred, you may have a right to pursue a claim for damages.
Working with our Santa Monica dog bite lawyers can make the process easier to manage. With over 45 years of combined legal experience and a founder who has been practicing law since 1990, our clients know that they can trust us with their claim. We can answer all of your questions prior to getting started and help you through every part of the legal process.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, don’t wait. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options and take steps toward recovery. Contact Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm today for a consultation with our trusted dangerous pet lawyers who will work with you every step of the way.
