Dog bites often lead to more injuries than just physical wounds. It may result in medical bills, missed time at work, lasting emotional effects, and confusion about what to do next. If someone else’s dog caused your injuries, you may have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury claim.

Below, our friends at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. discuss what victims should know about protecting their rights after a dog attack.

Get Medical Care Right Away

The first step after any dog bite is to seek medical attention. Even a bite that seems minor can lead to infection or hidden damage under the skin. In more serious cases, the injury may involve torn tissue, nerve damage, or long-term scarring. Seeing a doctor right away not only helps you heal properly, but also creates a record of the injury tied directly to the incident.

Report The Bite To The Proper Agency

Most localities require you to report a dog bite to animal control or law enforcement. Doing this helps document the incident and may reveal whether the dog has a history of aggression. It also allows officials to investigate and, if needed, take steps to prevent future harm to others. A copy of the report can support your claim later on.

Document The Incident And Your Injuries

If you are physically able, take photos of your injuries as soon as possible. Include images of the area where the bite occurred and, if safe, the dog itself. If there were witnesses, write down their names and contact details. Save all medical records, bills, and related expenses. These details may play an important role in a personal injury case.

Learn About Liability Rules

Dog bite laws vary depending on where the incident occurred. Some states follow a “strict liability” rule, meaning the owner can be held responsible regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. Others apply a “one-bite” rule, where the owner may only be liable if they knew the dog had shown signs of aggression before. In either case, if the dog owner failed to take proper precautions, they may be held accountable for your injuries.

Know What A Claim May Include

If a dog bite is the result of its owner’s negligence, depending on the laws of the state the dog bite occurred in, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you file a claim that can include compensation for medical costs, lost wages, physical pain, emotional distress, and in some cases, long-term care or therapy. The amount depends on how severe the injuries are and how they affect your daily life. It’s important to understand what types of damages may apply in your situation.

Talk To A Lawyer With Experience In These Cases

Handling a claim after a serious dog bite can be difficult on your own. A dog bite lawyer can evaluate your situation, help gather the right evidence, and manage communication with the insurance company. Many claims can be resolved without going to court, but having someone on your side often makes a difference in how the case is handled.

Dog bite incidents can have lasting consequences. If you or someone you care about is the victim of a dog attack, having the time and resources you need to fully heal- physically, emotionally, and financially- is of utmost importance. Having a good lawyer on your side is a good step towards gaining these things.

Dog Bite Injuries And Your Rights