Being bitten by a dog can be a frightening and painful experience. Along with the physical injuries, victims often face medical expenses, emotional distress, and questions about liability. If you’ve been injured, it’s important to act quickly to protect your health and build a strong foundation for any legal action you may choose to pursue. This article explains what to do if a dog bites you, detailing essential steps to take after the attack, when it may be appropriate to consult a dog bite attorney, and how to identify risky situations to help prevent future attacks.
1. Get to Safety
Your first priority after being bitten by a dog is to move to a safe location. Ensure you are out of reach of the dog to prevent further injury. If possible, secure the dog by closing a door or asking the owner to restrain it. Take a moment to calm yourself and assess your injuries before taking additional steps. Getting to safety allows you to focus on addressing your injuries and gathering necessary information without additional risk.
2. Gather Contact Info From the Owner & Any Witnesses
Collect the following items from this checklist after a dog bite to protect your rights and build a strong case:
- Owner’s Information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Dog’s Vaccination History:
- Confirm if the dog is up to date on rabies and other vaccines.
- Witnesses’ Contact Information:
- Names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Details of the Incident:
- Witness statements about what happened to support your case if liability is disputed.
This information will be vital when filing a report, pursuing a legal claim, or seeking compensation for your injuries.
3. Take Pictures of Your Injuries & the Scene
Document the scene of the attack and your injuries by taking clear photographs. Capture the bite wounds from multiple angles and any torn or bloodied clothing. Also, photograph the location where the incident occurred, including any relevant factors like an open gate, a dog off-leash, or the lack of a warning sign.
These photos serve as evidence for insurance claims or lawsuits, helping to establish the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the attack.
4. Receive Medical Care for the Wound
Dog bites can lead to serious complications, including infections, nerve damage, or severe tissue injury. Common infections resulting from dog bites include rabies, tetanus, or sepsis, all of which require immediate medical attention. Seek medical care right away, especially if the bite is on your neck, face, hands, or feet, or if you notice excessive bleeding, swelling, or redness.
A healthcare provider will thoroughly clean the wound, inspect it for debris, and determine the extent of the damage. If needed, they will administer treatments like tetanus shots, rabies vaccines, or antibiotics to prevent infection.
Prompt medical attention and appropriate aftercare are essential to ensuring proper healing and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
5. Report the Attack to Animal Control
Reporting the incident to your local animal control agency is an important step. The emergency room may handle this for you, but if they don’t, ensure you file the report yourself as soon as possible. Animal control investigates dog attacks to determine whether the dog has a history of aggression or poses a threat to the community.
When filing a report, you can expect to answer questions such as:
- The circumstances of the attack, including the location and time.
- Details about the dog’s behavior before and during the incident.
- Information about the dog’s owner, if known.
Depending on the severity of the attack, animal control may take actions like quarantining the dog to monitor for rabies, requiring the owner to provide proof of vaccinations, or even designating the dog as dangerous. Filing a report not only helps protect others in the community but also establishes a formal record of the incident, which can be invaluable if you pursue a legal claim against the dog’s owner.
6. Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney
If a dog bite leaves you with medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, consulting an experienced dog bite attorney can help you understand your options. A lawyer can evaluate your case, negotiate with the owner’s insurance company, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
At Jim Glaser Law, we know what to do if a dog bites you, and we are dedicated to fighting for dog bite victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they may deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
FAQs
Can I File an Insurance Claim Against the Owner?
Yes, in Massachusetts, you can often file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, as the state’s strict liability laws hold dog owners responsible for injuries their pets cause. You do not need to prove negligence to file a claim, but the following scenarios often apply:
- The dog bit you while you were lawfully present, such as on public property or as a guest on private property.
- The dog was not properly restrained, such as being off-leash in a public area or escaping from the owner’s property.
- The dog attacked without provocation, meaning you did not tease, taunt, or harm the animal.
- The dog had a history of aggression, and the owner did not disclose it.
Insurance policies typically cover dog bite injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting an attorney can help you determine the best way to pursue compensation under Massachusetts law and navigate the insurance process.
Can I Sue the Owner?
In Massachusetts, dog owners are strictly liable for any harm their animal causes. This means that there is no need to prove negligence or fault for the owner to be responsible for your medical expenses and related damages. It also does not matter what steps the owner took to prevent a dog attack; you only have to show that the dog bit you.
There are, however, a few exceptions to this general rule, such as if the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property or provoked the dog. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover damages beyond what insurance may cover, especially if your injuries are severe. A lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case, navigate any exceptions that may apply, and determine whether filing a lawsuit is the best course of action to pursue compensation for your losses.
How Can I Prevent Dog Attacks?
Preventing dog attacks begins with understanding dog behavior and practicing safe interactions. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of an attack:
- Respect Boundaries: Always ask a dog’s owner for permission before approaching or petting their pet. Allow the dog to sniff you before making contact.
- Watch for Warning Signs: If a dog growls, barks aggressively, or backs away, give it space. These behaviors often indicate the dog feels threatened or stressed.
- Teach Children Safe Behavior: Educate children about proper dog interaction, such as avoiding tail pulling, ear grabbing, or hugging unfamiliar dogs.
- Secure Your Property: If you own a dog, ensure it is properly fenced, leashed, or supervised to prevent aggressive encounters with others.
By staying mindful of these precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a dog attack.
What Are Signs That a Dog Will Bite?
Even very well-trained dogs can become aggressive and attack. This could happen with or without provocation. If a dog feels threatened, it may attempt to defend itself, its family, or its territory with aggressive behavior. Knowing the signs of a potential dog attack can help you and your family stay safe.
You should back away from a dog if it starts showing any of the following signs:
- Change in posture: Dogs that are threatened or are about to bite will take a different stance that is more aggressive. They will become stiff or rigid. It is most noticeable in the hind legs. Their hair may raise. Their ears will often be flat against their head. However, if the dog cowers or tucks its tail underneath, this could also be a warning of an impending attack as well.
- Aggressive noises: Sometimes you can just tell when a bark is not friendly. Dogs will often bark aggressively and growl before they attack. They use this as a warning, and you should back away accordingly.
- Showing teeth and staring: Dogs who are about to bite may growl or bear their teeth beforehand. They will also often stare intently at their target. Sometimes dogs will also lick their chops. On the other hand, some dogs will yawn or look away as you approach. This could also be a sign of a potential attack as well.
- Aggressive behavior: The dog may also show some other types of aggressive behavior before he or she bites. This could include lunging, nipping or biting at the air, hitting you with their nose, and actually placing their mouth on you.