What to Do After a Dog Bite: Why You Need a Lawyer Immediately

What to Do After a Dog Bite: Why You Need a Lawyer Immediately

Indotribun.id – A dog bite is a sudden, terrifying, and painful event. In the chaotic moments that follow an attack, it can be difficult to think clearly. However, the steps you take immediately after being bitten are critical not only for your physical health but also for protecting your legal right to compensation.

While you are dealing with the immediate trauma, the dog owner’s insurance company is preparing to defend their interests. The clock on your claim starts ticking the moment the bite occurs.

This guide provides a clear checklist of what to do after a dog bite and explains why contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer immediately is not a luxury, but a necessity for protecting your rights.

Your Immediate Checklist: Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Your actions in the hours and days after an attack can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If you are bitten, prioritize these steps.

1. Prioritize Your Safety and Identify the Dog

Your first move is to get to a safe location away from the animal. If possible, identify the dog and where it lives. Get the owner’s name and contact information if it is safe to do so.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

This is the most important step. A dog’s mouth contains dangerous bacteria, and even a minor puncture wound can lead to a serious infection like cellulitis or sepsis. Go to an emergency room or urgent care clinic right away. A doctor can properly clean the wound, determine if you need stitches or rabies shots, and prescribe antibiotics. This also creates an official medical record that documents your injuries and links them directly to the attack.

3. Report the Incident to the Authorities

Contact your local animal control agency or police department to file an official bite report. This creates a legal record of the incident, documents the date and time, and can provide important information about the dog’s history and vaccination status.

4. Document Everything

Use your smartphone to gather as much evidence as possible:

• Take Photos: Photograph your injuries immediately and continue to take photos throughout the healing process. Also, take pictures of the location where the attack occurred.

• Get Witness Information: If anyone saw the attack, be sure to gather their name and phone number. Their testimony might be crucial.

• Write It Down: As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the attack while the details are still fresh in your mind.

5. Do Not Speak with the Owner’s Insurance Company

You will likely get a call from an adjuster from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company. Be polite, but do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer. Refer them to your attorney.

Why You Need a Lawyer Immediately: The Clock is Ticking on Your Claim

Following the checklist can help protect you, but remember, the insurance company is already protecting its interests. It’s vital to consult a legal expert promptly.

To Preserve Critical Evidence

The success of your case depends on securing reliable evidence, which can disappear rapidly. Witnesses may move away or their memories could fade over time. The dog’s owner might try to hide the animal or dispute its history of aggression. An experienced lawyer, backed by a skilled investigative team, will act swiftly to collect witness statements, obtain records from animal control, and issue formal requests to ensure any critical evidence in the owner’s possession is preserved.

To Navigate Complex and Varying State Laws

Dog bite laws are not the same everywhere. Some states follow “strict liability,” meaning the owner is automatically responsible, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. Other states follow a “one-bite rule,” which requires you to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous. An attorney will immediately know which law applies in your state and what evidence is needed to build a successful case.

To Protect You from the Insurance Company

An insurance adjuster’s main goal is to reduce their company’s financial liability by securing the lowest settlement for claimants. Using their negotiation skills, they may employ strategies such as:

• Get a recorded statement where they can ask leading questions to get you to admit partial fault.

• Offer a quick, lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs (like scar revision surgery).

• Dispute the severity of your injuries or argue that you provoked the dog.

A lawyer acts as your shield. They take over all communications, protect you from these tactics, and ensure the insurance company treats your claim fairly.

To Ensure Your Claim is Fully Valued

The value of your claim goes beyond current medical expenses. An experienced attorney can evaluate its full scope, including future medical needs, lost wages, permanent scars, and the significant emotional toll of pain and suffering.

What you do after a dog bite has a lasting impact. While your first priority is your health, your second should be protecting your legal rights. The dog owner’s insurance company has a team of professionals working against you from the start. By contacting a dog bite lawyer immediately, you ensure you have your own expert advocate in your corner, leveling the playing field and fighting for the full and fair compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. The dog owner is a neighbor and is very apologetic. Do I still need a lawyer?

Yes, it is still highly advisable. Even if your neighbor is a friend, your claim is not against them personally but against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. This is precisely why they have insurance. A lawyer can handle the claim professionally with the insurance company, which preserves your personal relationship while ensuring your significant medical costs are covered.

2. How soon is “immediately”? When should I make the call to a lawyer?

Consulting a legal professional specializing in dog bite cases as soon as possible after achieving medical stability is highly recommended, ideally within 24 to 72 hours of the incident. Acting promptly enables the attorney to begin the investigation, preserve critical evidence, and provide guidance to help you avoid mistakes that could negatively impact your dealings with insurance companies.

3. What if I don’t know who the dog’s owner is?

This is a challenging situation, but not a hopeless one. You should still report the incident to animal control and seek medical care. An experienced lawyer can launch an investigation to try and identify the dog and its owner. This might involve canvassing the neighborhood, speaking with residents, and checking local veterinary records. If the owner cannot be found, you may be able to make a claim through your own homeowner’s or renter’s insurance under your policy’s medical payments coverage.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and procedures related to dog bites vary significantly by state and local jurisdiction. Please consult with a qualified attorney in your area to discuss the specifics of your case.