Dog bites and other animal attacks can cause puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, scarring, and emotional distress.
The incident may happen in a home, yard, park, sidewalk, apartment building, or other public or private location.
The laws governing dog-owner responsibility vary significantly across the United States, so the legal consequences depend on the jurisdiction. However, several practical steps are useful after most dog bite incidents. If you have been injured in a dog bite or animal attack, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and available options.
Our friends at Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP explain what to consider after an attack.
Get Away From the Animal Safely
The immediate goal is to prevent additional injury.
Move to a secure location if possible without provoking the animal further.
Children and other vulnerable individuals should be moved away from the area.
If the dog remains loose or aggressive, animal control or emergency authorities may need to be contacted.
Clean the Wound
Minor wounds should generally be cleaned promptly with soap and water.
Because animal bites can introduce bacteria into the skin, medical evaluation may be appropriate even when the wound initially appears small.
Deep punctures, uncontrolled bleeding, significant pain, bites to the face or hands, or injuries involving a child may require prompt professional care.
Healthcare providers can assess the wound and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
Ask About Vaccination Information
Information about the dog’s vaccination history may be medically important.
If the owner is present, ask for the person’s name, contact information, and available veterinary information.
Medical professionals and public health authorities can provide guidance about concerns such as rabies exposure.
Do not rely on guesses or informal assurances if vaccination status is uncertain.
Identify the Dog and Owner
Obtain the owner’s name, address, telephone number, and other relevant contact information.
If the dog was being handled by someone other than the owner, identify that person as well.
Photograph the dog from a safe distance if appropriate.
If the animal runs away, record its breed, size, color, markings, and direction of travel.
Identify Witnesses
Witnesses may have observed the dog’s behavior before the bite.
Someone may have seen whether the dog was leashed, how the incident began, whether anyone attempted to restrain the animal, or whether the dog had been acting aggressively.
Obtain witness names and contact information if possible.
Photograph the Injuries
Dog bite injuries can change rapidly.
Swelling, bruising, puncture marks, stitches, and scarring may look different from one day to the next.
Photographs taken soon after the incident and during recovery can help document the progression.
Photos should accurately reflect the injuries without alteration.
Report the Incident
Many communities have procedures for reporting animal bites to local authorities, animal control agencies, or public health departments.
Reporting can help authorities verify vaccination status, locate the animal, and determine whether additional safety measures are necessary.
Reporting requirements vary, so local procedures should be followed.
Keep Medical Records
Save emergency room records, physician notes, prescriptions, vaccination information, photographs, and other treatment documents.
If the bite results in ongoing care, keep a list of providers and appointment dates.
Records can help track the progress of healing and any complications.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Bite wounds can become infected.
Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Follow medical instructions carefully and complete prescribed treatment.
Psychological Effects Can Matter Too
Some people develop fear or anxiety after an animal attack, particularly children.
A person may become afraid of dogs, avoid certain locations, or experience recurring memories of the incident.
Significant emotional effects may deserve professional attention just as physical injuries do.
Dog Bite Laws Differ Widely
Jurisdictions use different legal standards to determine when a dog owner or another person may be responsible for an attack.
Factors can include the dog’s prior behavior, the owner’s knowledge, local leash requirements, the location of the incident, and the actions of the people involved.
Because the rules vary so much, assumptions based on what happened in another state may be inaccurate.
The Bottom Line
A dog bite can create medical, emotional, and practical concerns.
The most important steps are to get to safety, obtain appropriate medical care, identify the dog and owner, gather witness information, photograph the injuries, and follow local reporting procedures.
Prompt documentation can help preserve important information while medical care focuses on preventing infection and promoting recovery.
