In a recent report released by the United States Postal Service, Los Angeles and California were ranked as the highest city and state, respectively, for dog attacks on postal workers in the United States. The annual list was released in June by the United States Postal Service as part of a Dog Bite Awareness Month campaign aimed to prevent dog attacks on mail carriers and community members by educating pet owners on responsible restraint and safety practices.
In 2025, there were over 5,200 incidents reported across the country, with California reporting 673 dog bite attacks, nearly double the number of attacks in the second-highest state, Texas, which reported 358 attacks. Additional states ranked in the top 10 for 2025 were Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, Michigan, and Indiana.
As for cities, Los Angeles ranked first, with 70 dog bite attacks reported. The second-highest reported city was Dallas with 50 attacks, followed by Denver (45), Houston (44), and Chicago (43).
What Steps Should I Take After a Dog Attack in Los Angeles, California?
Dog attacks can happen anywhere, especially in a densely populated city such as Los Angeles; therefore, it is important to be prepared in case such an accident occurs. Whether you are bitten by a dog when walking through West Hollywood or attacked while at the beach in Santa Monica, there are essential steps to take following the incident.
Identify the Dog, Its Owner, and Witnesses
After a dog attack, make every effort to identify both the dog and its owner. Gathering the owner’s contact information and address can help you obtain details about the dog’s vaccination status and support any future claims or investigations. Additionally, if any witnesses are present, obtain their contact information as they can attest to the attack and offer a third-person perspective.
Seek Medical Care
Dog bite attacks can occur from dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages, and can result in serious physical and emotional injuries. Following an attack, it is recommended to seek medical attention to prevent infection and receive appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, but also to create a record of the injuries sustained.
Document the Incident
If you are able, photograph your injuries, the location of the attack, and the progression of your recovery to help document the incident and its impact. It can also be useful to save damaged items, such as any torn or bloody clothes.
Report the Accident
To report a dog bite accident, it is best to contact your local animal control agency, which can be found through the county’s health department, local police department, or humane society. The animal control agency should be able to provide you with information regarding the dog’s history and whether there have been any previous accidents.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer – West Hollywood
Having a skilled and experienced West Hollywood dog bite lawyer will be extremely helpful in navigating your case. Dog bite attacks can be complex and painful, and oftentimes, individuals do not know the best place to begin. A personal injury lawyer in West Hollywood, John J. Perlstein, will help you understand your rights, evaluate the case, determine whether the owner is liable, and negotiate a settlement or select the best course of action for pursuing compensation.