What To Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog in Bakersfield: Legal & Health Tips

Dog bites are traumatic, painful, and sometimes life-altering. Whether it’s a neighbor’s dog or a stranger’s, these incidents happen more often than you might think-and knowing what to do in the aftermath can protect both your health and your legal rights.

At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we’ve helped numerous dog bite victims across Bakersfield get the justice and compensation they deserve. This post outlines the key steps you should take immediately after a dog bite, how to handle your medical care, and how California law applies to dog bite liability.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Get Medical Attention

Even if the wound seems minor, dog bites can lead to serious infections or complications like rabies or tetanus. Take these steps:

• Clean the wound immediately with warm water and soap.
• Apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a clean bandage.
• Seek medical care right away, especially if:
  • The bite punctured the skin
  • You don’t know the dog’s vaccination history
  • The area becomes red, swollen, or painful
• Keep copies of all medical records related to the incident.

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

In Bakersfield, you have the right to know who owns the dog that bit you.

• Get the owner’s name, address, and phone number.
• Ask for vaccination records, especially proof of rabies shots.
• If the owner is uncooperative, contact animal control or the Kern County Department of Public Health to file a report.

Step 3: Report the Bite

Always report a dog bite to local authorities to create an official record that may help your case.

• Call Bakersfield Animal Control: (661) 326-3436
• Provide details of the bite, including time, location, breed of dog, and whether the dog was leashed or loose.

Step 4: Document Everything

Evidence is crucial in dog bite cases. Be sure to:

• Take photos of your injuries right away and throughout the healing process.
• Write down exactly what happened while the memory is fresh.
• Save medical bills, prescriptions, and missed work records.
• Get witness statements, if anyone saw the attack.

Step 5: Know Your Legal Rights Under California Law

California has a “strict liability” law when it comes to dog bites. This means the owner is automatically responsible for the bite-even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Here’s what you should know:

• You don’t have to prove negligence, just that the bite happened in a public place or while lawfully on private property.
• You may be entitled to compensation for:
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Emotional distress
• The statute of limitations in California is two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim.

Step 6: Contact a Bakersfield Dog Bite Lawyer

The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case will be. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we can help you:

• Investigate the dog’s history
• Handle communications with insurance companies
• File a claim and negotiate for fair compensation
• Go to court if necessary

We work on a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

FAQ: Dog Bite Injuries in Bakersfield

What if the dog that bit me was a stray?

You should still seek medical care and report the incident. If the owner can’t be found, you may still be able to pursue compensation through renters’ or homeowners’ insurance if someone was responsible for the animal.

Can I sue if the dog bite happened at a friend’s house?

Yes. The claim would typically go through your friend’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, not directly out of their pocket.

What if the dog didn’t actually bite me but caused me to fall or get hurt?

California allows victims to pursue a claim if they’re injured due to a dog’s aggressive behavior, even without a bite-like being knocked over or chased into the street.

How long does a dog bite case take?

Every case is unique, but most settle within three to six months. Cases that go to trial may take longer.

Can I still recover if I provoked the dog?

If you were trespassing or intentionally provoked the dog, your compensation could be reduced or denied. However, many cases are still worth pursuing-let an attorney assess the facts.

Let Us Help You Heal & Fight for What’s Fair

Being bitten by a dog is scary, but you’re not alone. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we’re here to make the legal process easier and help you and your family recover-physically, emotionally, and financially.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s make sure you’re protected.