Dog Bite Injuries: What Victims Need to Know

1. Get Medical Attention

Even if the bite appears minor, seek medical care right away. Doctors can clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics, and check for signs of infection. In severe cases, surgery or rabies vaccinations may be necessary.

2. Report the Bite

Contact local animal control or law enforcement to report the incident. This creates an official record and may help prevent future attacks. Authorities may also verify the dog’s vaccination status.

3. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Gather the owner’s contact information, as well as the dog’s breed and vaccination records. This information will be essential for both medical treatment and potential legal claims.

4. Document the Incident

Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack. Write down everything you remember, including how the bite occurred, whether the dog was on a leash, and any witness statements.

5. Contact an Attorney

Personal injury lawyers with experience in dog bite cases, such as the attorneys at PKSD,  can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and pursue compensation for your damages.

Understanding Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite laws vary by state, but they generally fall into two categories:

Strict Liability

In strict liability states, dog owners are automatically responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. Victims don’t need to prove negligence, only that the bite occurred.

One-Bite Rule

In states with the “one-bite” rule, owners may not be held liable the first time their dog bites someone unless they had reason to know the dog was dangerous. Once the dog has shown aggression, the owner is on notice, and future bites often result in liability.

Even in one-bite rule states, owners can still be held responsible if they were negligent, such as letting the dog roam without a leash in public.

Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These can include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, medications, and follow-up appointments.
• Lost wages: Time missed from work during recovery.
• Future medical costs: Ongoing therapy, reconstructive surgery, or counseling.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain as well as emotional distress.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for long-term visible injuries.
• Psychological counseling: Therapy for trauma, anxiety, or phobias related to the attack.

In some cases, if the owner’s conduct was reckless or intentional, punitive damages may also be awarded.

How Insurance Coverage Comes Into Play

In many situations, dog bite claims are covered under the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy. These policies often pay for medical bills, lost wages, and legal expenses up to a certain limit.

However, insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or deny claims. An experienced personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurers and ensure victims receive fair compensation.

Defenses Owners May Use

Dog owners (and their insurance companies) may try to avoid liability by arguing that the victim:

• Provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or threatening it.
• Trespassed on the owner’s property.
• Assumed the risk of being bitten, such as by ignoring posted warning signs.

While these defenses can complicate cases, they don’t always absolve owners of responsibility. Each case depends on the specific facts and applicable state laws.

Long-Term Effects of Dog Bite Injuries

The aftermath of a dog bite often extends beyond initial treatment. Victims may face:

• Chronic pain or loss of function in the injured area.
• Disfigurement, leading to social and emotional challenges.
• Post-traumatic stress, particularly in children, who may develop lifelong fear of dogs.

These long-term effects highlight why fair compensation is so important. It helps victims access the care and support they need to fully recover.

Dog bite injuries can turn a normal day into a life-changing ordeal. Victims often face physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. Knowing what steps to take after a bite can make all the difference in your recovery.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t dismiss the incident as “just an accident.” Seek medical care, document the attack, and consider consulting an attorney who understands dog bite laws. Doing so not only protects your health but also ensures you have the resources to move forward.

Ultimately, pursuing a claim is not about punishing dogs. It’s about holding owners accountable and securing justice for victims.