Dog bites can cause not only serious physical injuries, but emotional trauma, and lasting scars as well. They can occur just while walking in your neighborhood, hiking in the Sierra Nevadas, or visiting a friend’s home, and they often happen when you least expect it. At Maurer Law, our experienced lawyers in Auburn CA, Nevada City, and Truckee understand the legal and medical challenges dog bite victims face, and we are here to help.
Our team has put together this brief guide to cover key strategies for preventing dog bites and to help you understand what you should do immediately if you or a loved one is bitten by a dog.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Even friendly animals can bite if they feel threatened, frightened, frustrated, scared, or overly excited. Both with your own dog and the other dogs you encounter in your daily life, taking a few precautions can help prevent bites.
1. Understand Canine Body Language
Dogs communicate their feelings through body posture, facial expressions, and vocalizations. Growling, baring teeth, raised hackles, and a stiff tail are warning signs that a dog is uncomfortable or aggressive. Avoid interacting with dogs displaying these signs or letting your children or dogs (even if leashed) interact with them.
2. Teach Children Proper Dog Etiquette
Children are at higher risk for dog bites because of their size, sometimes quick movements and loud voices (which can scare or surprise a dog), and their natural curiosity. Teach children to:
- Never approach an unfamiliar dog without asking the owner’s permission.
- Avoid hugging or kissing dogs.
- Avoid stepping on or pulling tails, ears, or getting close to a dog’s face.
- Stay away from a dog that’s eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
3. Don’t Run or Yell Around Dogs
Sudden movements or loud noises can easily trigger a dog’s prey drive or startle and scare them, potentially leading to a bite. Stay calm and move slowly when around dogs who you don’t know well.
4. Socialize and Train Your Own Dog
If you are a dog owner yourself, proper training and socialization from a young age can make a big difference. Exposing your dog to different people, environments, and other dogs helps them feel more secure and less prone to aggression. Pop into the vet’s office lobby and just give treats, load up in the car for a ride, and take dogs to enjoy new experiences in a safe and supervised way.
What to Do If You Get Bit by a Dog
Despite your best efforts, dog bites can still happen. If you’re bitten, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even minor dog bites can lead to infection, and severe bites may require stitches, antibiotics, or even surgery. Go to an urgent care center, ER, or your doctor right away.
2. Report the Bite
Notify your local animal control agency or sheriff’s department. This creates a formal record of the incident and allows authorities to assess whether the dog poses a continued threat to others.
3. Gather Evidence
Document everything, and if possible try to:
- Take photos of your injuries and the location of the incident.
- Get the dog owner’s contact information.
- Speak to witnesses and collect their names and phone numbers.
4. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Dog bite laws vary by jurisdiction, and California law holds dog owners strictly liable in most situations. That means if you were lawfully in a public or private space when bitten, the dog’s owner is likely responsible for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Maurer Law, our lawyers in Auburn CA and attorneys in Truckee have extensive experience handling dog bite claims. We will thoroughly investigate your case, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Lawyers in Auburn CA from Maurer Law?
With convenient locations in Auburn, Nevada City, and Truckee, Maurer Law is proud to serve Northern California communities with thoughtful, compassionate, client-focused legal representation. If you are looking for lawyers in Auburn CA after a recent injury or need guidance from experienced lawyers in Truckee, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite, take action to protect yourself and others immediately. Contact Maurer Law Firm today at (530) 745-6861 for a free consultation with our lawyers in Auburn CA and allow us to help you navigate the process to ease stress and provide guidance and peace of mind.
