What To Do If Injured By A Dog Bite
You’re still shaken. One minute you were walking through your neighborhood, visiting a friend, or just out for a jog — then next, a dog lunged, and now you’re nursing bite wounds and wondering if you need the help of a Stafford, TX personal injury lawyer to help you decide what to do next.
You’re not just dealing with the pain. You’re wondering: “Should I report this? Who pays for my hospital visit? What if I don’t want to cause trouble — but I still want to protect myself?”
You might even feel guilty, especially if the dog’s owner is someone you know. But here’s the truth: you have rights, and what you do next matters — not just for your health, but for your legal protection and financial security.
This guide will walk you through exactly what steps to take after a dog bite, what your legal rights are, how dog bite laws work in the US, and when to speak with a lawyer. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear, honest advice so you can feel in control again.
Immediate Actions After A Dog Bite
Dog bites can be serious — even if the wound doesn’t look bad at first. Beyond the physical injury, there’s also the risk of infection, scarring, or even rabies. What you do in the first 24–48 hours matters.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if it seems minor, don’t ignore it. Dog bites can lead to infections like tetanus or cellulitis. You might need stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus booster.
Tip: Keep copies of all your medical records and receipts.
Clean The Wound
If you can’t get medical help right away, clean the area with soap and warm water for at least 5 minutes. Apply antiseptic and cover with a sterile bandage.
Get The Dog Owner’s Information
Ask for:
- Full name and contact info
- Insurance information (if available)
- Vaccination records (especially rabies)
Stay calm and factual — no arguing or apologising.
Document Everything
Take photos of:
- Your injuries (now and over time)
- The dog (if safe)
- The location
Write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh.
Report The Incident
Contact local animal control or the health department. In many states, this is required by law — especially if the skin was broken.
Determining Legal Responsibility For A Dog Bite
Dog bite laws vary by state, but in most cases, the owner is liable. There are two main types of state laws:
Strict Liability States
If their dog bites you, they’re responsible — even if the dog has never acted aggressively before.
Examples: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas.
You don’t need to prove the owner was negligent — just that you were bitten lawfully.
“One Bite” Rule States
These states require the dog to have shown previous aggressive behaviour before the owner is held liable.
Examples: New York, Virginia, and others.
You may need to prove the dog had a known history of aggression.
Exceptions
The owner might not be liable if:
- You were trespassing
- You provoked the dog
- You ignored posted warnings
Protecting Your Legal Rights
You may be legally entitled to compensation, including:
Medical Expenses
Covers emergency care, follow-ups, medication, and therapy.
Pain And Suffering
Covers physical pain, trauma, anxiety, and scarring — especially if visible or permanent.
Lost Wages
If the injury caused you to miss work or lose income, you may be compensated.
Child Injuries
Courts often take child injuries more seriously, especially with lasting trauma or scars.
Statute Of Limitations
You typically have 1–3 years from the date of the bite to file a claim. Check your state’s limit.
Filing A Lawsuit
Yes — and many claims settle through insurance before ever going to court.
When To Consider Suing:
- Serious injury or scarring
- High medical bills
- Owner denies responsibility
- Emotional trauma
- Previous aggressive incidents
Insurance Involvement
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance often covers dog bites, so it’s not necessarily personal — it’s financial.
Going To Court?
Most claims settle. You only go to trial if the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement or denies your claim.
How Much Can You Win?
It depends on your injuries, losses, and impact on your life. Claims can range from thousands to six figures in serious cases.
If The Dog Owner Blames You
Blame is common — but doesn’t mean you’re at fault.
Comparative Negligence Laws
Pure comparative: You can still recover damages even if mostly at fault.
Modified comparative: You can only recover if you’re less than 50–51% at fault.
Common Blame Tactics
- Claiming you provoked the dog
- Saying you were trespassing
- Blaming you for ignoring warnings
A personal injury lawyer can help push back against false claims and prove your side of the story.
How A Lawyer Can Help
Not always — but in many cases, a lawyer helps you recover more and avoid stress.
When You Don’t Need One
- Minor injuries
- Low medical bills
- Owner takes responsibility
- You’re confident handling your claim
When You Should Get One
- Medical treatment required
- Visible or permanent scarring
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages
- Disputes with the dog owner or insurer
What They’ll Do
- Handle the paperwork and legal process
- Negotiate with insurers
- Investigate and gather evidence
- Maximise your compensation
What It Costs
Most work on a “no win, no fee” basis — you pay nothing unless you win.
FAQs And Common Concerns
Will The Dog Be Put Down?
Not automatically. Dogs are usually quarantined and assessed first. Euthanasia only happens in extreme cases.
What If It’s A Friend Or Neighbour’s Dog?
You’re likely dealing with insurance, not them personally. You deserve to protect your health and finances.
What If I Was On Private Property?
If you were lawfully present, you may still have a case. Trespassing or ignoring warnings may reduce or block compensation.
What If The Bite Wasn’t That Bad?
Minor bites can still become infected or cause lasting stress. Always get medical advice, document the bite, and report it.
Is It Too Late To File A Claim?
Check your state’s statute of limitations — usually 1 to 3 years. Don’t wait — evidence fades fast.
Need Help After A Dog Bite? Talk To Culpepper Law Group
You don’t need to navigate this alone.
At Culpepper Law Group, we help dog bite victims understand their rights, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation they deserve — with no upfront costs. We’ll handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.
Free consultation. No win, no fee. Real support when you need it most.
Call or contact Culpepper Law Group today to schedule your free case review.
