For most parents, few things are more alarming than seeing their child injured, especially by something as unexpected as a dog bite. Whether it happens at a neighbor’s house, in a public park, or even while walking down the street, a dog attack can cause lasting physical and emotional trauma. Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries, often due to their smaller size and inability to defend themselves. As a parent, knowing what to do in the moments and days after such an incident is essential to protect your child’s health and your legal rights.
Learn about the 10 critical steps to take when a dog bites your child, along with guidance on how to pursue compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and more.
If you’re in Orange County, CA, and seeking legal support, Russell & Lazarus APC stands out as one of the most trusted personal injury law firms dealing with dog bite cases in Orange County, CA.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Remove Your Child from Danger
When a dog bite occurs, your priority is to ensure your child’s immediate safety. If the dog is still in the area, remove your child from its vicinity right away. Try to remain calm; panicking may cause further distress to your child or escalate the dog’s aggression.
Once your child is secure, assess the situation. Is the dog restrained or running loose? Is anyone else at risk? Keep a level head and take mental notes; you’ll need them later.
Step 2: Evaluate the Severity of the Bite
Dog bites can vary from minor nips to deep lacerations and puncture wounds. Check the injury carefully:
- Is there significant bleeding?
- Has the skin been broken?
- Are there signs of swelling or bruising?
Even minor bites can lead to infections, so don’t assume the wound is harmless. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if the bite is bleeding heavily. For shallow wounds, rinse with water and clean gently. In any case, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your child should be examined by a healthcare provider, even if the injury seems minor. Dog saliva contains bacteria that can lead to serious infections like cellulitis, staph, or rabies. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the bite, the doctor may:
- Clean and disinfect the wound.
- Administer tetanus or rabies vaccinations.
- Prescribe antibiotics.
- Recommend follow-up care or wound monitoring.
Prompt treatment helps reduce the risk of complications and creates a medical record, which is vital if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Step 4: Get the Dog Owner’s Information
If the dog’s owner is present or identifiable, obtain their:
- Full name and address
- Phone number or other contact information
- Dog’s breed, age, and vaccination records (especially rabies)
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance details, if available
If the owner resists sharing this information, document the interaction and notify the authorities. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact info—they can help support your case later.
Step 5: Report the Incident to Animal Control
All dog bites must be reported to California’s local animal control agency. To file a report in Orange County, you can contact OC Animal Care.
This serves several purposes:
- Ensures the dog is quarantined (typically for 10 days) and evaluated for signs of rabies.
- Creates an official record of the bite.
- It helps identify potentially dangerous or repeat-offender dogs.
Reporting also protects others, especially children, from future attacks.
Step 6: Document Everything
After your child receives medical care and you’ve reported the incident, start collecting evidence. This will be crucial if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Document:
- Photos of your child’s injuries before and after treatment
- The location of the attack
- Any torn or bloodied clothing
- The dog, if you can safely take a picture
- Medical bills and treatment summaries
- Written accounts of what happened from you, your child (if old enough), and any witnesses
Also, keep track of any emotional or behavioral changes in your child. Anxiety, nightmares, or fear of animals may be signs of psychological trauma.
Step 7: Understand California’s Dog Bite Laws
California follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means a dog’s owner is legally responsible if it bites someone, even if the dog has no history of aggression or the owner took reasonable precautions.
According to California Civil Code § 3342, the only requirements to hold the owner liable are:
- The bite happened in a public place or when the victim was lawfully on private property.
- The bite caused injury.
There’s no need to prove negligence—just that the bite occurred and led to harm. However, building a solid case with clear evidence is still important, which is where an attorney becomes essential.
Step 8: Consider the Emotional Impact on Your Child
Dog bites don’t just cause physical wounds—they can leave lasting emotional scars. Many children develop cynophobia (fear of dogs) or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an attack. Signs of emotional distress may include:
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares.
- Clinginess or separation anxiety.
- Loss of appetite.
- Withdrawal or aggression.
- Refusal to go outside or near pets.
Consider seeking help from a licensed therapist or child psychologist. Emotional trauma is also compensable in a legal claim, and early intervention helps with long-term healing.
Step 9: Avoid Dealing with Insurance Companies Alone
Dog bite cases often involve homeowner’s or renter’s insurance coverage. However, insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your child’s best interests. They may offer a quick settlement that seems generous but is far less than what your family deserves.
Before accepting any offer or giving a recorded statement, speak with a personal injury attorney specializing in dog bite cases. An experienced lawyer will:
- Assess the actual value of your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies.
- Help you recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, future care, and any scarring or disfigurement.
Remember, once you accept a settlement, you can’t return for more—even if complications arise later.
Step 10: Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
Hiring a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer ensures your family’s rights are protected and your child receives full compensation. These cases may seem straightforward, but they often involve legal nuances, liability disputes, and emotional considerations that require expert navigation.
A qualified attorney can:
- Investigate the incident thoroughly.
- Gather expert testimony (e.g., doctors, therapists).
- Handle all legal paperwork and court filings.
- Represent your family in negotiations or a trial.
You should feel supported and confident throughout the legal process, not overwhelmed or pressured. That’s why working with a firm that treats your case with care and dedication is so important.
In Conclusion, why Russell & Lazarus Is One of the Best Personal Injury Law Firms dealing with Animal bites in Orange County
If your child has been bitten by a dog in Orange County, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Russell & Lazarus APC, we bring decades of experience representing families like yours in dog bite injury claims. Our firm is known throughout Southern California for its compassionate client care, strategic legal advocacy, and outstanding track record of results.
Here’s why families trust Russell & Lazarus:
- Specialization in personal injury law, including dog bites involving children.
- Free consultations and contingency-based fees (you pay nothing unless we win).
- Thorough, hands-on case investigation and management.
- A deep understanding of California’s strict liability dog bite laws.
Your child deserves justice, healing, and a sense of security after such a traumatic event. We’re here to help you fight for it.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Contact Russell & Lazarus APC today for a free case evaluation. Our Orange County Personal Injury Lawyers team will listen, guide, and advocate for your child’s rights every step of the way. Don’t wait—dog bite injuries can have long-term consequences, and we’re ready to help you take action now.
Call us at (949) 851-0222