The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan helps dog bite victims in San Francisco by answering questions they have about the claims process. The aftermath of a dog bite incident is very scary and painful. But as a victim, you need to prioritize your health and safety to set up a potential claim. Our team will guide you through the claims process and give you the support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Do I Need to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in San Francisco?
Any situation where you’re bitten by a dog is pretty scary, and that’s even before you start to think about the challenges that lie ahead. But for as scary and traumatic it can be, the moments after the dog bites you are very important for what comes next. So, here’s what you need to do immediately after a dog bites you:
- Get medical help right away – Even if the bite seems minor, it could lead to serious infections or injuries. Call 911 or go straight to an ER or urgent care to get taken care of. This gets you the care you need and creates a medical record that can be used to support your claim.
- Find the dog’s owner – Get the dog owner’s name and contact information if you can. This is crucial for making a claim. Also, get details from any witnesses to confirm what happened. Without this information, it can be harder to make your way through the claims process.
- Report the bite to authorities – Tell San Francisco Animal Care and Control or the police about the incident. They can investigate, locate the dog, and check its vaccination and behavioral history. This report becomes an official record of the attack, which can strengthen your claim.
- Gather evidence – Taking photos of your injuries and the scene of the bite can be powerful evidence. Writing down details–like when and where it happened–helps create a clear timeline. This information can be critical in negotiations with insurance companies or if you need to go to court.
These steps are important because they not only protect your health but also help build a strong case for damages.
What Damages Can You Get If You File a Claim After a Dog Bite?
Dog bites aren’t easy. The force of a dog’s jaws can lead to deep wounds, torn muscles, and severe pain. And if you don’t do the right things, your injuries can be made worse by infections from bacteria in the dog’s saliva.
But the harm doesn’t stop there. Many victims also suffer emotional and psychological trauma, like anxiety or fear, that can last long after the physical injuries heal.
This makes up the bulk of your losses for the bite, and it’s why California law treats them so seriously. Legally speaking, a dog bite is a personal injury claim, which means you get to file a claim to recover “damages” when you’re bitten by a dog. Damages can include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost wages or loss of earning potential if you can’t work
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
The amount you can recover depends on a number of different factors, from how severe your injuries are to how well you present your case. In California, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim. Missing this deadline means you could lose your right to even file a claim for damages.
How Can MJQ Law Help Your Dog Bite Claim in San Francisco?
Handling a dog bite in San Francisco can be overwhelming, and it’s not something you should go through alone. Whether or not you need legal help depends on the severity of your injuries. If the injuries are minor, you may be able to handle the claim yourself.
However, dog bites can be physically and emotionally traumatic. If the bite happened at a dog park or there are questions about who’s at fault, legal assistance is often necessary. That’s where our team of experienced dog bite lawyers can help.
Our team at MJQ Law has a proven track record of successfully handling these cases by:
- Looking into what happened and explaining your legal options
- Reviewing insurance policies to figure out who’s responsible
- Gathering important evidence and information
- Guiding you through the claims process, whether it’s through an insurance company or in a lawsuit
- Making the whole process easier for you and your family
If you’re dealing with a dog bite in San Francisco, let us take the burden off your shoulders and help you get the financial support you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
