California's strict dog bite laws hold individuals accountable for bites from the dogs they own or are responsible for, with only a few exceptions. In many cases, however, victims of seemingly minor dog bites are often prone to forgive and forget, particularly if they are dog lovers or if they personally know the dog owners.

Many people go their entire lives without sustaining a dog bite, but, considering that about 4.5 million dog bites take place in the U.S. each year, it is important for everyone to learn how to handle these often-serious events.

Four Steps to Handling Dog Bites

All dog bites are not equal. For example, if a small puppy's teeth make contact with the skin without leaving damage, there is probably no need to take additional action, beyond training the dog that tooth-to-skin contact is never acceptable. Still, even if contact breaks the skin and leaves even a relatively minor scratch, victims need to take the following basic steps to protect their health -- and their legal rights:

• Find out if shots are up-to-date: Depending on the age of the dog, they must receive regular rabies vaccination. Younger dogs must be confined to the home or physically restrained until they are old enough to receive this vaccine. Dog owners should be able to produce evidence of up-to-date rabies vaccinations or show exemptions received due to health risks to their dog.
• Obtain owner information: This includes the address and phone number of the dog owner, along with homeowner's insurance information, if appropriate.
• Wash the wound and seek medical attention: Even when a bite comes from a vaccinated dog, victims can be susceptible to other physical complications, such as potentially-severe bacterial infections. It is best to seek immediate treatment, but certainly, if the wound becomes red or swollen, bleeds uncontrollably, becomes increasingly painful or causes a fever, get to the doctor right away.
• Talk to a lawyer: Not all dog bites require legal action, but it can cost nothing to receive an initial assessment based on the unique circumstances of any given situation.

Keep in Mind That Dog Bites Can Lead to Serious Injuries

Understand that any dog bite — from minor to severe — can result in potentially life-altering consequences for victims, such as the following:

• Rabies infections are possibly the most serious risk. Infected individuals who do not seek immediate treatment risk almost certain death.
• Bacterial infections are resistant to certain antibiotics, and they are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, but MRSA bacteria can cause skin, lung and urinary tract infections and can spread to the bloodstream or lungs, making them potentially fatal.
• Emotional illness is a very real possibility, particularly from dog bites to children. Any victim of a serious dog bite can suffer severe life-long phobias and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

While the effects of many dog bites end with a good cleaning and a small bandage, some bites create unexpected consequences after the fact. It is best to learn what to do to protect all available legal options as soon as possible after an incident.

To obtain a free initial consultation after receiving a dog bite, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Los Angeles today. The Rudman Law Firm can be reached at (844) 478-3626 / (844) 4RUDMAN, or at our Los Angeles office at (213) 375-3777 or at our Studio City office (818) 769-6969.