5 Things to Do After a Dog Bite to Protect Your Injury Claim
Dog bites can be frightening and lead to serious injuries. Acting quickly and carefully after an incident can make a big difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide to protect your rights and maximize your potential recovery.
1. Collect the Dog Owner’s Information
The first step after a dog bite is to obtain the dog owner’s full name, address, and contact information. This information is critical for your attorney and will help identify any homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that may cover the injury. Even if the owner is uncooperative, documenting what you know about them and the dog is essential.
Ask about the dog’s breed, vaccination status, and any prior history of aggression. Insurance companies often require this information to determine coverage, so getting these details early helps prevent delays in your claim.
2. Report the Incident to Police and Animal Control
Contacting law enforcement and animal control ensures there is an official record of the bite. Police can create a report documenting the event, and animal control can inspect the dog, collect evidence, and quarantine the dog if necessary for rabies or behavior evaluation.
Animal control records are particularly important if the dog has a history of aggression or if there are repeated incidents at the same property. These reports serve as strong evidence in your case and support your claim for damages.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your bite seems minor, visiting a doctor or urgent care right away is crucial. Medical treatment not only addresses potential infections and injuries but also creates a documented record of your pain and medical needs.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations, including vaccinations like rabies shots or antibiotics if necessary. Insurance companies and courts view timely medical treatment as proof that your injuries are serious and real. The sooner you get care, the stronger your case will be.
4. Document Your Injuries and the Scene
Take detailed photos of the bite, surrounding injuries, and the environment where the incident occurred. Capture bleeding, swelling, scratches, or puncture wounds immediately after the bite. Continue to document your injuries over time, especially as scabs heal and scars form, as scarring is compensable in dog bite cases.
Also, document any property damage caused during the incident. Clear evidence helps your attorney establish the full impact of the injury and ensures nothing is overlooked in your claim.
5. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Dog bite cases can be complicated, and insurance companies often resist paying fair compensation without legal pressure. Hiring a skilled personal injury attorney ensures your case is handled properly from start to finish.
An experienced attorney can:
Gather and preserve evidence
Navigate insurance requirements
Negotiate for maximum compensation
File a lawsuit if necessary
Many insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts or offer lowball settlements. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side levels the playing field and increases the likelihood that you will be fully compensated for your medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other damages.
