Hurt in a dog bite
Dog bites can cause deep wounds, infections, and lasting scarring. Many are covered by the dog owner’s home or renter’s insurance, which makes records of the bite and the owner’s details important.
What to do first
- Get safe and get medical care. Call 911 if it is serious. Get checked even if you feel okay.
- Get the owner's name and contact info. Also ask for proof of rabies vaccination.
- Photograph your injuries and the location. Take photos again each day as it heals.
- Report it to animal control. Ask for a report number.
- Collect witness contacts. Name and phone number for anyone who saw it.
- Do not admit fault. Stick to the facts. Do not apologize or guess what happened.
- See a doctor within 24 hours. Symptoms can show up days later. Keep every visit record.
What to do and save
- Wash the wound and get medical care. Ask about infection and rabies risk.
- The owner’s name, address, phone number, and proof of the dog’s vaccinations.
- Photos of the wound right away and again every few days as it heals.
- Torn or bloody clothing, kept as it is.
- A report to animal control or the police, and the report number.
Common mistakes
- Not reporting the bite, which can leave no record of the dog or its history.
- Agreeing to “work it out” with the owner without writing anything down.
- Skipping follow-up visits for the wound or scarring.
- Posting about the bite or your recovery on social media.
Who may be responsible
Usually the dog’s owner. It can also be a landlord, a business, or a dog walker or sitter in charge of the animal. Some states have a specific dog bite law.
Your filing deadline
Every state sets a time limit to file an injury lawsuit. Most are between one and six years, and some situations are shorter. Deadlines vary by state. Children's claims can follow different rules.
See the time limit for your state
When it is worth talking to a lawyer
It is worth a call if you were seriously hurt, if fault is disputed, if an insurer denies or delays your claim, if you expect a long recovery, or if you have been offered an amount that does not cover your costs. Most injury lawyers offer a free first consultation.
Questions people ask
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
Yes, soon. Some injuries show up hours or days later. A visit also creates a medical record that links your symptoms to the event. Follow the treatment plan and go to your appointments. Gaps in care are used to argue an injury was not serious.
How do I pay medical bills while my claim is open?
Use your health insurance if you have it. Some auto policies include medical payments or personal injury protection coverage, which pays regardless of fault. Providers or insurers may later ask to be repaid from a settlement, which is called a lien. Keep every bill and explanation of benefits.
What counts as damages?
Economic damages are costs you can add up, such as medical bills, lost pay, and repair costs. Non-economic damages cover things like pain and the loss of activities you enjoyed. This is why the journal and expense tracker matter. Kindred does not estimate what a claim is worth.
What if a child was hurt?
Special rules often apply to children, including different deadlines and court approval of settlements. Keep the same records you would for an adult, and ask a lawyer about your state’s rules.
General information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and situation. Kindred is not a law firm.