A heartbreaking reminder of how serious dog attacks can be came on December 8, 2024, when a 5‑year‑old girl was fatally mauled by her family’s dogs in the Covina area. Multiple outlets reported the attack involved two Rottweilers; authorities impounded the animals and said there was no indication of foul play. AP News ABC7 Los Angeles
If you or a loved one suffers a dog bite in West Covina or anywhere in Riverside or San Bernardino counties, here’s a clear, local guide to safety steps, reporting, California law, deadlines, and insurance—followed by how our firm can help.
First, protect your health (and your claim)
- Get medical care immediately. Bites can cause deep tissue damage and infection; a clinician will clean the wound, assess tendon/nerve injury, and decide about antibiotics or tetanus/rabies prophylaxis. In California, bats and skunks are the primary rabies reservoirs, but all mammal bites are evaluated for rabies risk. CDPH
- Report the bite right away. California requires bites from rabies‑susceptible animals to be reported to local health authorities. That reporting triggers a 10‑day quarantine/observation of the biting dog (usually at home or a shelter), which protects public health and creates an official record for your case. Justia L.A. County Public Health Animal Care
- Document everything. Photograph injuries (day 1, day 3, day 7, and as healing continues), keep torn/bloody clothing, and save discharge instructions and receipts.
- Get the dog owner’s info. Name, address, phone, and insurance (homeowner’s/renter’s) if available.
- Avoid recorded statements to any insurer before speaking with counsel.
Who to contact in L.A., Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
- Los Angeles County (includes West Covina): File online through the Department of Public Health bite‑reporting portal. L.A. County Public Health
- Riverside County: Report to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services; the county provides forms and publishes the rabies program’s contact details (including email). Riverside County Animal Services Riverside University Health System
- San Bernardino County: Animal Care & Control advises that all bites must be reported; state law requires quarantine, typically 10 days. City Animal Control pages echo this. Animal Care San Bernardino
Why this matters: California’s regulations require prompt reporting of mammal bites (Title 17, §2606). Reporting helps health officers evaluate rabies risk and ensures the bite is formally documented. Legal Information Institute
California’s dog‑bite law in plain English (strict liability)
Under California Civil Code § 3342, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or when the person is lawfully on private property (including the owner’s property). You don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Limited exceptions can apply (e.g., certain police/military dog situations; trespass). Legislative Information Justia
What this means for you:
- Delivery drivers, postal carriers, and invited guests are typically “lawfully” on the property.
- Provocation or trespass issues may affect liability or damages—talk with a lawyer about your facts. Justia
Deadlines: how long do you have to file?
For most California personal‑injury claims (including dog bites), you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Minors’ claims are usually tolled until the 18th birthday, then the two‑year clock begins. There are exceptions and special rules, so get legal advice early. Legislative Information FindLaw Codes+1 Supreme Court of California Self-Help Guide to the California Courts
Who pays? (Insurance & the rising cost of claims)
Dog‑bite injuries are often paid by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance under the policy’s personal liability and medical‑payments coverage (coverage varies by insurer and policy). Don’t assume coverage is denied; have an attorney review the policy language and the facts. Insurance.com Progressive
Industry data show the average cost per dog‑related injury claim rose to about $69,000 in 2024, with total claim costs reaching roughly $1.6 billion nationwide. California ranks among the highest states for claim counts. IIIInsurance Journal
A 72‑hour checklist for victims in West Covina & the Inland Empire
- Day 0–1: Emergency/urgent care; report the bite (links above); request the animal control or health department incident number; photograph injuries and the scene. L.A. County Public Health
- Day 1–3: Follow up with your doctor; keep a pain/limitations journal; identify witnesses and nearby cameras; save clothes and dressings in a clean bag.
- Day 1–7: Avoid social‑media posts; politely decline insurer statements until you speak with counsel; track all expenses (ER co‑pays, prescriptions, time off work).
How the Law Offices of Michael D. Payne help
We handle dog‑bite claims throughout West Covina, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County—investigating quickly, coordinating with animal control and health authorities, preserving evidence, and pursuing full compensation from insurers and any other responsible parties. Our offices in West Covina, Riverside, and Ontario serve clients across the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire. Free initial consultations are available. mikepaynelaw.com
Watch: Attorney Michael D. Payne’s short Facebook video about dog‑bite cases and next steps: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4141752279432756 (If the link opens in the Facebook app, make sure you’re logged in.)
Listen: Our podcast episode, “What to do After a Dog Bite Accident in California.” Apple Podcasts
Call us: (626) 974‑8713 • Contact/Locations: West Covina | Riverside | Ontario. mikepaynelaw.com
Quick FAQs
Do I have a claim if a dog knocked me down but didn’t bite?
Possibly, under negligence or premises‑liability theories. § 3342 applies to bites, but other legal theories may cover non‑bite injuries. Speak with counsel about your facts. Justia
Will the dog be taken away?
Investigators decide quarantine/impound based on risk; 10‑day rabies observation is standard after a bite. Animal Care
Is rabies common in California dogs?
No—rabies shows up far more often in bats (and some other wildlife). Still, every bite gets a rabies risk assessment and appropriate care. CDPH
This post is general information, not legal advice. Reading it doesn’t create an attorney‑client relationship. Deadlines and defenses are fact‑specific; consult an attorney about your situation.
Further coverage of the December 2024 Covina mauling
https://apnews.com/article/e8815295e6601c2e39ed3db7ef3add5c
https://people.com/family-dogs-maul-5-year-old-girl-backyard-8758221