Bitten by a Dog in Lincoln: Now What? A Step-by-Step Legal Guide 

In Lincoln, California, getting bitten by a dog can be a stressful event that results in financial hardships, emotional distress, and physical harm. With over 48,000 dog bite-related ER visits reported in California each year, Lincoln experiences its fair share of dog bite incidents as a portion of Placer County. Under California’s strict liability dog bite statute (Civil Code Section 3342), dog owners are typically responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of prior behavior. Navigating the legal process after a dog bite is crucial to securing compensation for medical expenses, pain, and other related losses. Brian P. Azemika, who has over 20 years of experience securing settlements in Northern California personal injury cases, presents this comprehensive guide on what to do in Lincoln if a dog attacks you. 

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention 

Your health is the priority. Even minor bites can lead to infections, such as rabies or bacterial complications, with up to 18% of dog bites resulting in infection. Visit a doctor, urgent care facility, or emergency room in Lincoln immediately to treat wounds, receive stitches, or get vaccinations if necessary. Your legal claim will be strengthened by the use of medical records as crucial proof that connects your injuries to the dog bite. Keep track of every therapy you receive, including prescription drugs and follow-up appointments, as your insurance may cover these expenses. 

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Owner 

Get details about the dog and its owner if it's safe to do so. Request the owner's name, contact information, and documentation of the dog's rabies vaccination. Take note of the dog's size, breed, and other distinguishing characteristics. To report the incident and track the dog, call Lincoln's Animal Control Services via Placer County Animal Services (530-886-5500) if the owner is unwilling or the dog is a stray. Identifying the responsible party is essential, as California holds owners liable for bites in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property. 

Step 3: Document the Incident 

Collect evidence to support your claim. Take clear photos of your injury and the location where the dog bit you. For example, a park or a private yard in Lincoln, with contributing factors such as a broken fence or the dog not being leashed at the time. Collect the names and contact information of witnesses to the attack, as well as those who observed the dog's behavior before the incident. If you have not already done so, make a report with Placer County Animal Services, as an official record may help support your case. Keep any clothing or items that were damaged during the attack as evidence. Do not post any information regarding the bite on social media, as insurance companies can use those comments to deny your case. 

Step 4: Report the Bite to Authorities 

Contact Placer County Animal Services as soon as possible so the dog can be assessed for rabies and an official record can be created. California law requires reporting dog bites for injury and public safety assessments, particularly if there is a known history of aggression. Reporting the bite will aid in establishing liability as it provides documentation about the specific dog, its owner, and the surrounding circumstances. If the bite occurred on public property, like a Lincoln park, note whether government negligence (e.g., lack of signage) contributed, as claims against public entities have stricter deadlines. 

Step 5: Avoid Contact with Insurance Companies 

Insurance adjusters, often working with the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, may quickly be in contact with you to offer a settlement. Do not make any statements or agreements without the guidance of your attorney, as it may undervalue your claim. Adjusters may downplay any injuries you suffered, such as scarring or emotional trauma that can have a lifetime impact. Politely inform the adjuster that you will not discuss this further and request that they speak to your attorney. 

Step 6: Consult a Personal Injury Attorney 

Retaining an experienced attorney, like Brian P. Azemika, can assist you with California dog bite laws and try to secure fair compensation. He will review your case, gather evidence, including your medical records, obtain witness statements, and advocate on your behalf when negotiating with insurance. Brian obtained a $750,000 settlement for a client who was a victim of a slip-and-fall, and another client received $300,000 for wrongful death. Brian's experience and success demonstrate his expertise and capability in handling complex personal injuries. A personal injury lawyer can ensure you can comply with California's two-year statute of limitations for a private claim, or the six-month period to file a claim against a government entity. Brian Azemika Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay fees unless the firm can obtain money for you. 

Step 7: Understand Your Compensation Options 

Under California’s strict liability law, dog bite victims can seek compensation for: 

• Medical Expenses: Covering ER visits, surgeries, stitches, vaccinations, and therapy (e.g., $5,000–$50,000+ for severe bites). 
• Lost Wages: For time off work during recovery, including future earning losses if disabilities persist. 
• Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and PTSD, which are associated with dog bites, especially in children. 
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent marks, which may require cosmetic surgery (average settlements $10,000–$100,000+). 
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the owner’s conduct was reckless (e.g., knowing the dog was dangerous). 

Average settlements range from $30,000 to $100,000, but severe cases can exceed $1 million, particularly when long-term care needs are involved. California’s comparative negligence may reduce awards if you provoked the dog, but strict liability often favors victims. 

Step 8: Pursue Your Claim 

Your lawyer will file a claim against the dog owner's insurance and/or file a lawsuit if needed. Your lawyers can prove liability by proving you were on the premises legally and that the bite led to something harmful. On occasion, if we can establish liability against a landlord or public property, they might have some fault in addition to the dog owner. Residents of Lincoln may get bitten by a dog in their neighborhood or at a dog park. Your lawyer will review the leash law and check for any previous complaints about the dog. Most dog bite cases settle before trial, but a lawyer will be ready for trial and ensure maximum recovery. 



Contact the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika 

If you have been bitten by a dog in Lincoln, don't try to deal with the legal process alone. The Law Office of Brian P. Azemika offers compassionate, results-oriented representation from our offices in Sacramento and Roseville. We have a proven track record of success, including a $2,350,000 settlement in an auto accident case, and we are committed to fighting for your compensation. To make it easy for you to reach out, you can contact us online or call us for a free, no-obligation consultation today.