What to Do After a Dog Bite: Legal Actions and Next Steps 

Getting bitten by a dog is a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. In fact, nearly 1,000 people need emergency treatment for dog bite injuries in the United States every day. Whether it happens somewhere on public or on private property, knowing what to do after getting bitten by a dog is crucial for your safety, recovery, and potential legal action.  

The DM Injury Law team is here to guide you through tragic accidents like this. We’ll outline important steps to take after, including how to report a dog bite and share scenarios that may relate to your accident. 

Learn More: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Claim?  

Scenario 1: Bitten By a Dog at a Public Park 

Public parks are common settings for dog attacks. If a dog off-leash bites you in a leash-only zone: 

• Report the attack to animal control and possibly the parks department.  
• The owner may be cited for leash law violations. 
• You could pursue a personal injury claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.  

Scenario 2: Bitten By a Dog on Someone’s Property 

If you’re visiting a friend, neighbor, or service location and get bitten: 

• Document the bite and ask for the dog’s vaccination history. 
• Obtain insurance information. 
• Most states hold owners strictly liable if their dog bites someone who is legally on their property. 
• Consider seeking legal advice even if you know the person. Claims typically go through insurance and not personal finances.  

Scenario 3: Dog Bites Child 

If you’re dealing with what to do after a dog bites a child, it’s important to act quickly: 

• Get immediate emergency care. 
• File a report with animal control. 
• Document everything, and don’t forget emotional trauma in addition to physical trauma. 
• Children may be eligible for damages covering medical treatment, future care, and pain and suffering.  

Scenario 4: Bitten by a Dog While Working  

If you were working as a mail carrier, delivery driver, utility technician, etc.:  

• Notify your employer and file a workers’ compensation claim.  
• Document the job assignment or route that brought you to the property to show you were legally there. 
• You may also file a third-party claim against the dog owner for pain and suffering, scarring, or long-term damage. 

Scenario 5: Dog Bite at Rental Property or Apartment Complex 

This often-overlooked scenario can involve both tenants and landlords: 

• Landlords may be liable if they allowed a known dangerous dog to remain on the property. 
• If the bite happened in a common area such as a hallway or shared green space, it increases the landlord’s exposure. 
• Get contact info from both the tenant and property manager for potential claims.  

Learn More: What Happens If I Get Injured at an Airbnb? 

Scenario 6: Bitten While Protecting Your Pet from a Dog Attack 

Trying to break up a dog fight? You could still suffer serious injury: 

• The aggressive dog’s owner may be liable even if their dog only attacked another dog. 
• If you’re injured while protecting your pet, document your injuries, medical bills, vet bills for your pet, and any emotional distress.  
• Some jurisdictions allow emotional distress claims when a pet is seriously injured or killed.  

Scenario 7: Dog Bite by a Friend of a Family Member’s Dog 

This situation involves social pressure, but you still have rights: 

• Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites, even if the victim is a friend or relative. 
• Reporting the incident can protect others from future harm. 
• Consider a gentle, fact-based approach when discussing legal action with the dog’s owner. It’s about safety and accountability, not blame.  

Scenario 8: Bitten By a Dog with a History of Aggression 

If the dog has bitten someone before: 

• Your legal case becomes much stronger as some states allow punitive damages in these scenarios. 
• Places that abide by the one-bite rule require proof of a prior bite or aggressive behavior. Others have strict liability, meaning the owner is always liable.  
• Prior complaints filed with animal control or neighbors’ testimonies can help your claim.  

What If the Dog Owner Flees or Denies Responsibility? 

This can happen in public settings. If this happens to you, there are a few steps you can take: 

• Gather witnesses and ask for help identifying the owner. 
• Check for security or doorbell cameras in nearby homes or businesses. 
• File a police and animal control report immediately. If the owner can’t be found, rabies prevention may be necessary.  

What Happens If You Don’t Report the Bite? 

Failing to report a dog bite accident can not only hurt your health, but it can also hurt your case. You may not get the treatment you need if the dog is carrying something that could cause serious illnesses and even death, such as rabies. 

In addition, this leaves others at risk because it keeps authorities from tracking potentially dangerous dogs. 

You also won’t be able to prove the bite happened if you need to seek damages later. It can be difficult to gather evidence and locate responsible parties after time has passed. 

Learn More: What is the Average Dog Bite Injury Settlement Amount? 

Trust DM Injury Law to Protect Your Rights 

Knowing what to do after a dog bite can make a huge difference in your physical recovery and legal outcome. If you’ve suffered a dog bite, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you navigate medical bills, legal claims, and the emotional toll. 

DM Injury Law’s experienced team of attorneys and legal staff are here to walk you through the process and ensure your rights are protected. Our team works tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.  

Contact our office for a free consultation today. 

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