What to Do After a Dog Bite
The steps you take after a bite protect your health and your claim. Here is a simple checklist, in order.
Get medical care right away
Dog bites carry a real risk of infection, and rabies is a concern if the dog's vaccination status is unknown. Get care promptly even for a bite that looks minor, and keep every record.
Identify the dog and owner
If you can do so safely, get the owner's name, address, phone, and any vaccination information, and note a description of the dog.
Report the bite to animal control
Reporting creates an official record, helps confirm the dog's history and vaccination status, and can matter for a claim.
Document everything
Photograph your injuries and the location, get names and numbers of any witnesses, and keep torn clothing and anything else from the attack.
Be careful with the insurer
Be cautious about giving a recorded statement to the owner's insurer, and do not accept a quick settlement, before you have advice.
The deadlines and rules depend on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to dog bites.
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This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.