A dog bite is serious—but if the dog might have rabies, it becomes an emergency. Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms appear, it’s almost always fatal. If you were bitten by a dog showing rabies-like behavior in California, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights.
Step 1: Rabid Dog Bite in California – Get Medical Help Immediately
You must begin rabies treatment before symptoms appear. Go straight to the ER or urgent care. Tell the doctor everything you noticed about the dog:
- Was it acting aggressively?
- Did it seem disoriented or confused?
- Was it foaming at the mouth or drooling excessively?
These details help doctors decide if you need a rabies vaccine right away.
Step 2: Reporting a Rabid Dog Bite in California
California law requires you to report all dog bites to your local animal control agency. They will:
- Try to identify the dog and its owner
- Check if the dog has a rabies vaccination record
- Quarantine or test the animal if needed
Find your local animal control office here.
Step 2: Reporting a Rabid Dog Bite in California
Take these steps to build a strong case:
- Photograph your wounds and the area where the bite occurred
- Get names and contact info of any witnesses
- Save all medical bills, receipts, and emails about the incident
Step 4: Contact a Rabid Dog Bite Attorney in California
Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are responsible for bites—even if it’s the first time the dog has shown aggression. A personal injury attorney can help you recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from missing work
- Therapy for trauma
- Pain and suffering damages
At Westside Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped dog bite victims across Pasadena and Southern California. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Take Care of Your Health—Then Let Us Fight for You
📞 Call (877) 834-1311
If you want the best dog bite attorney in California, learn more about our team here.
We’re led by Dmitri N. Chtyrev, Pasadena’s top-rated dog bite attorney and founder of our firm
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
