What to Do After a Dog Bite: Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights

Dog Bites Are More Serious Than They Seem

A dog bite can be a shocking and traumatic event. Even a small wound can lead to infection, scarring, emotional distress, and in serious cases, long-term disability. In many situations, the person bitten is unsure what to do next—or whether they’re even allowed to take legal action.

The truth is, if someone else’s dog injured you or someone in your family, you may be entitled to compensation. But what you do in the hours and days after the bite can affect your ability to file a successful claim.

Here are the key steps to protect your health and your rights after a dog attack.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if the injury seems minor, you should get medical attention right away. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and can cause tissue damage beneath the skin. Some wounds may not look serious on the surface but involve deeper muscle or nerve damage.

Go to an urgent care facility or emergency room, and explain that the injury was caused by a dog. This creates a medical record that will be important later if you file a legal claim.

Medical providers will check for:

• Signs of infection
• Risk of rabies or tetanus
• Tissue and nerve damage
• The need for stitches or surgical care

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

If you can safely do so, try to get the following information:

• The name and address of the dog’s owner
• The breed and physical description of the dog
• Whether the dog was leashed, in a yard, or roaming
• Any witnesses who saw the incident

You’ll also want to ask whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. If the owner refuses to answer or flees the scene, report that to authorities immediately. In some cases, law enforcement or animal control may need to locate the animal for public safety reasons.

Step 3: Report the Bite to Local Authorities

Dog bites should be reported to your local animal control agency, health department, or police department—depending on your city or county. This creates an official record of the incident and helps authorities track dogs that may pose a danger to others.

When filing a report, include:

• Time, date, and location of the attack
• Description of injuries
• Name and contact info of the dog owner (if known)
• Any photos or evidence you’ve collected

In some areas, dog owners are legally required to report bite incidents themselves—but don’t rely on them to do it.

Step 4: Take Photos and Document Everything

Photos are powerful evidence. Take clear pictures of:

• The bite wounds (immediately and over time)
• Any torn clothing or blood
• The location where the attack occurred
• The dog, if you can do so safely

Also keep a journal of your medical treatment, symptoms, pain levels, and emotional impact. This information may support claims for both physical and psychological harm.

Step 5: Do Not Speak With the Insurance Company Alone

In many dog bite cases, the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will become involved. An adjuster may reach out to you with questions, or even offer a quick settlement.

Be cautious. Insurance companies are primarily interested in reducing payouts. They may:

• Downplay your injuries
• Claim you provoked the dog
• Offer a low amount that doesn’t cover your real losses

Before giving a statement or accepting a settlement, speak with a lawyer who handles dog bite cases. They can assess your claim’s value and negotiate on your behalf.

Step 6: Understand Your Legal Rights

Every state has its own dog bite laws. Some use a “strict liability” rule, meaning owners are responsible even if the dog has never bitten before. Others require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

In many cases, you can recover damages for:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Psychological trauma

If the dog was a known risk—or the owner violated leash or containment laws—additional damages may be available.

Step 7: Know the Statute of Limitations

There is a time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit. In most states, this is two years from the date of injury. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to compensation—even if you have a strong case.

Some exceptions may apply (such as when the victim is a minor), but it’s always safer to act sooner rather than later.

Step 8: Get Help for Emotional Trauma

Dog attacks can leave deep emotional scars, especially in children. Victims may experience:

• Fear or anxiety around dogs
• Nightmares or flashbacks
• Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
• Social withdrawal or embarrassment due to scarring

These effects are very real—and courts may consider them when awarding compensation. Don’t hesitate to seek therapy or counseling as part of your recovery.

Step 9: Don’t Feel Guilty About Seeking Justice

Many dog bite victims hesitate to take legal action—especially if the dog owner is a neighbor, friend, or family member. But remember: most claims are paid by insurance, not directly by the owner. You’re not trying to punish someone—you’re protecting your health and future.

You deserve to be made whole. Filing a claim doesn’t mean you’re being aggressive—it means you’re standing up for yourself.

The Right Steps Lead to the Right Outcome

A dog bite can change your life in an instant. But what you do in the days and weeks that follow can make all the difference. By getting medical care, reporting the incident, preserving evidence, and speaking with a qualified attorney, you protect both your recovery and your legal rights.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you don’t have to go through it alone. Help is available—and you may be entitled to compensation for everything you’ve lost.