What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite: A Step-by-Step Guide

A dog bite can happen in an instant, but the consequences often unfold over days, weeks, or even longer. Whether the injury looks serious or seems minor, what you do immediately after the incident plays a critical role in protecting your health and your legal rights. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, taking the right steps early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

A professional pet injury lawyer in Philadelphia and other metro areas can help dog bite victims pursue justice and fair compensation. This guide outlines what to do after a dog bite to help you feel confident, informed, and supported during a challenging time.

Make Safety Your First Priority

After a dog bite, move to a secure location away from the animal. If the dog is still aggressive or unrestrained, alert someone nearby and request help. If needed, call animal control or emergency services so the dog does not hurt anyone else. It’s never a good idea to try to chase or confront the dog or its owner, no matter how upset you may feel.

Once you are safe, assess your injuries. Even if the wound appears small, understand that bacteria from a dog’s mouth can cause infections or worse. It is never safe to assume a bite is harmless.

Seek Medical Treatment Without Delay

Regardless of the severity, immediate medical care is crucial. Medical professionals will clean and assess the wound, help prevent infection and document your condition. If there is a risk of rabies or tetanus, you may need vaccinations or antibiotics.

For more severe injuries, especially those involving deep lacerations or heavy bleeding, go to an emergency room as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem manageable, visiting an urgent care center helps you receive appropriate treatment and ensures your condition is documented from the beginning. This medical record will become a central part of your injury claim.

Identify the Dog and the Person Responsible

If the dog’s owner is present, ask for their name, phone number, and address. You should also request the dog’s vaccination records, particularly for rabies. Stay calm and polite during the conversation, even if emotions are high. Your goal is to gather accurate information that will support both your medical care and any future legal actions.

If the dog appears to be a stray, notify animal control right away. Animal control can track the animal, determine whether it is a danger to the public and gather details that may help identify the owner later.

Report the Incident to Authorities

Filing a formal report with animal control or the police ensures that your case is officially documented. This record creates a paper trail that may be helpful if the dog has a history of biting others or if liability is disputed later. In many areas, reporting a dog bite is legally required, especially if the skin was broken.

Some people hesitate to report an incident because the dog’s owner is a neighbor or friend. However, making a report is not about punishment. It helps protect public safety and can help you secure compensation to cover your medical costs and other damages.

Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

Photos and written details are essential if you want to file a personal injury claim. Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible, even before medical treatment if you can. Continue to take photos during your recovery to show the progression of the wound and any visible scarring.

If possible, photograph the location where the bite occurred. Capture any environmental hazards or lack of signage that may be relevant. Hold onto any torn or bloodied clothing as physical evidence.

Speak to any witnesses and ask for their contact information. Their testimony can support your version of events and help clarify any disputes about what happened.

Create a Personal Record and Save All Documents

Begin an incident log the same day the bite occurs. Write down everything you remember about the attack and how your injuries are affecting you. Include dates and notes about your pain, emotional distress, missed work and any restrictions to your daily life. This log helps paint a full picture of the consequences of the bite, which is helpful when seeking damages for pain and suffering or loss of income.

Save every document related to your medical care, from doctor’s notes and prescription receipts to test results and hospital bills. Keep track of travel expenses, therapy sessions or any home modifications you might need due to your injury. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your case will be.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer with Experience in Dog Bites

Dog bite cases often involve more than just medical records. Legal responsibility can depend on whether the dog has a history of aggression, whether the owner followed leash laws and other legal factors. Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer gives you a clear understanding of your rights and the potential value of your claim.

A respected personal injury lawyer in West Chester and across the state will provide a compassionate and personalized approach. They’ll investigate every detail of your case and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Additionally, they can work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they recover money for you. That allows you to pursue justice without the stress of upfront legal fees.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone

You might be contacted by an insurance company representing the dog’s owner. While the adjuster may sound helpful, remember that their job is to limit what the company pays. You should never give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before speaking to your attorney.

Settling too early can result in receiving far less than what your case is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you typically give up your right to pursue additional compensation. Let your lawyer handle all communication with insurers so your rights are protected.

Continue Your Medical Care and Follow All Instructions

It is important to follow through with every appointment and treatment your doctor recommends. Skipping care or not following advice may lead others to believe your injury is not serious. Insurance companies may use this against you.

Keeping up with treatment also helps you recover physically and emotionally. It’s no secret that dog bites can cause trauma, especially in children. Do not hesitate to seek support from a therapist or counselor if the event has had a lasting psychological impact.

Know the Time Limit for Filing a Claim

In many places, personal injury claims must be filed within a set time frame, often two years from the date of the bite. Although this may seem like plenty of time, it is smart to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Witnesses may be harder to reach over time and critical evidence can be lost.

The earlier you take action, the better your chances of building a strong case. At Katz Injury Law, we make it easy to start the process by offering free consultations and guiding you every step of the way.

If you or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog, reach out to Katz Injury Law. Our team understands the challenges you are facing and is here to help. A dog bite can leave both physical and emotional scars. 

While recovery may take time, taking the right steps early can protect your health and legal rights. By seeking medical care, reporting the incident, documenting everything and contacting a trusted legal team, you put yourself in the best position for healing and justice.