How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

Legal Action Starts With Knowing Your Rights

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you may have a legal right to compensation. But knowing how to turn an injury into a valid claim can feel overwhelming—especially while you’re recovering.

Filing a dog bite lawsuit involves more than just paperwork. It requires evidence, deadlines, negotiation, and legal expertise. In this guide, we walk you through each step of the process, so you understand what’s ahead and how to prepare for success.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries

Your health comes first. After a dog bite, seek immediate medical treatment—even if the wound seems small. Medical records not only protect your health, but also serve as critical evidence in any future claim.

Be sure to:

• Follow all treatment plans
• Keep copies of bills and discharge papers
• Photograph the injury at every stage of healing
• Note any emotional or physical symptoms

This documentation will support your claim for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care if needed.

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

To pursue a lawsuit, you need to know who owns or controls the dog that bit you. Try to gather:

• The name and address of the dog’s owner
• Details about the dog (breed, color, size)
• Any information about the dog’s vaccination or bite history
• Contact information for witnesses

In some cases, animal control or local authorities can help locate or identify the responsible party if the owner fled or denied involvement.

Step 3: Report the Incident to Authorities

Filing a report with your local animal control office or police department helps establish an official record of the attack. This report may include:

• Time and location of the bite
• Description of the dog
• Statements from witnesses
• Any prior complaints against the dog or its owner

This report may also lead to a dangerous dog designation or enforcement of leash laws, which strengthens your civil case.

Step 4: Contact a Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bite cases can be complex. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help:

• Evaluate your case and estimate damages
• Investigate the facts and gather evidence
• Handle communications with insurance companies
• File all legal documents on time
• Represent you in negotiations or court

Most dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they recover compensation for you.

Step 5: Investigate and Gather Evidence

Your attorney will conduct a full investigation to support your lawsuit. This may include:

• Medical records and treatment history
• Photos of injuries and the scene
• Surveillance or body cam footage
• Witness statements
• Animal control or veterinary records
• Proof of owner negligence or prior aggression

The goal is to demonstrate liability—that the owner or another party failed to prevent a foreseeable injury.

Step 6: File the Complaint in Civil Court

Once your case is prepared, your lawyer will file a legal complaint with the appropriate civil court. This document includes:

• The parties involved
• A summary of what happened
• The injuries sustained
• The compensation being sought

This filing starts the formal legal process and must be done within the state’s statute of limitations—often two years from the date of injury.

Step 7: The Defendant Is Served and Responds

The defendant (typically the dog’s owner or their insurance company) must be officially served with the complaint. They have a limited time—often 20 to 30 days—to respond.

Their response may include:

• Accepting liability
• Denying the claim
• Offering a settlement
• Filing counterclaims

How the defendant responds often determines whether the case will go to trial or settle out of court.

Step 8: Settlement Negotiations and Mediation

Most dog bite cases settle before trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the other party’s legal team or insurance carrier. This phase may involve:

• Mediation or alternative dispute resolution
• Demand letters and counteroffers
• Evaluating future medical needs or lost income

If a fair settlement is reached, the case concludes here and you receive your compensation.

Step 9: Going to Trial (If Necessary)

If no agreement is reached, your case may go to trial. Your lawyer will present your case in court with:

• Witnesses and expert testimony
• Medical records and documentation
• Legal arguments and closing statements

The judge or jury will decide whether the defendant is liable and, if so, how much they owe. While trials can be stressful, many victims find closure and justice in the process.

Step 10: Collecting Your Compensation

After a settlement or court verdict, your attorney will ensure the responsible party pays the agreed amount. This may come from:

• The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance
• A rental policy or commercial liability plan
• Personal assets (in rare cases)

Your lawyer may also negotiate lien reductions with healthcare providers to help you keep more of the final amount.

Legal Support Makes All the Difference

Filing a dog bite lawsuit can feel like a lot—but you don’t have to do it alone. When you work with the right legal team, you gain not only professional support but also peace of mind. Your attorney handles the complex legal work so you can focus on healing and rebuilding.

If you’ve been hurt by someone else’s dog, you deserve accountability. Filing a lawsuit isn’t about revenge—it’s about securing your future and protecting others from the same harm.