No one expects to get bitten by a friend or neighbor’s dog. After all, these dogs aren’t usually strangers—they’re pets you may have seen playing in the yard or wagging their tails at family barbecues. Unfortunately, even the friendliest dogs can bite under certain circumstances. It’s a scary experience that leaves many people unsure about what to do next. What’s even trickier is navigating the situation without damaging your personal relationship.
If you’ve been bitten, you have rights—and it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your ability to recover from damages. Here’s a clear guide to help you.
1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety
The first step is always to take care of your injuries. Dog bites can vary from minor scratches to more severe puncture wounds or torn skin. Regardless of how small the injury seems, you should always treat it seriously because even minor bites can lead to infections or complications.
- Clean the wound immediately with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
- Seek medical attention for deeper wounds or if the bite looks swollen, red, or painful. A healthcare professional can help determine if antibiotics, stitches, or a tetanus shot are necessary.
Additionally, find out if the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination. This step is essential to avoid any risk of contracting rabies, a life-threatening condition.
2. Document Everything About the Incident
Once you’ve ensured your safety, it’s time to gather information about what happened. Documentation is crucial, especially if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. Here’s what you should collect:
- Photos of your injury: Take clear pictures of the bite and any other visible injuries. Continue documenting the healing process as well.
- Details of the incident: Write down how and where the bite occurred. Include details like whether the dog seemed provoked, restrained, or aggressive without warning.
- Contact information: Get the name and contact details of the dog’s owner and any witnesses who saw the attack.
- If possible, gather proof of vaccination records from the dog’s owner.
The more information you have, the easier it will be to pursue a claim if needed.
3. Report the Incident
It’s important to notify your local animal control agency or health department about the bite—especially if you’re unsure whether the dog has been properly vaccinated. Reporting isn’t just about holding the dog or owner accountable—it’s also a public safety measure to ensure that dangerous or aggressive animals are identified and responsibly managed.
Every jurisdiction has different reporting requirements, so check with your local offices to understand your next steps. Filing a report creates an official record of the incident, which could be helpful later on.
4. Understand the Legal Implications
After a dog bite, you might be unsure whether to pursue legal action, especially if the dog belongs to someone you know. Take a deep breath and remember—the dog owner’s insurance often covers these types of incidents. You're not “suing” your friend or neighbor in a personal way; you’re simply ensuring that the costs of your injuries aren’t unfairly placed on your shoulders.
Here’s how the law generally works in dog bite cases:
- In many states, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means the owner is responsible for your damages, whether or not they knew the dog was aggressive.
- Some states have a “one-bite rule,” under which owners are only held liable if they know their dog has a history of biting or aggressive behavior.
- It could further strengthen your case if the owner was negligent (e.g., by letting their dog roam free or ignoring leash laws).
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand how the laws apply in your area and what kind of compensation you might be entitled to.
5. How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with a dog bite case, especially when it involves someone you know, can be emotionally and legally complex. That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes in. Here’s how they can assist:
- Evaluate your case: A lawyer can assess the facts, determine liability, and explain what compensation you might be able to recover (like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering).
- Handle the legal details: From filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies, a lawyer can manage the logistics so you can focus on healing.
- Mediate the situation: If you’re worried about damaging a relationship, a lawyer can act as a neutral third party to handle communication, ensuring a fair resolution for everyone involved.
- Ensure fair compensation: Insurance companies often attempt to settle for less than what you deserve. A lawyer can fight to fully cover your medical expenses, future care, and any emotional impacts.
Best of all, many lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation.
6. Protect Yourself from Future Risks
While recovering from a dog bite, it’s natural to wonder if it could happen again. Discussing the incident with the dog’s owner can sometimes lead to solutions, like better training, fencing, or leash use. If the owner isn’t taking steps to address their dog’s behavior, make sure to keep a safe distance in the future.
It’s also a good idea to educate yourself on how to handle unfamiliar dogs. For example, avoid sudden movements, stay calm, and avoid making direct eye contact with a dog that seems anxious or aggressive.
Oklahoma Dog Bite Injury Attorneys: Get Justice Now
At Martin Jean & Jackson, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with dog bite incidents. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Stillwater, OK, are here to help you navigate the legal and insurance implications, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. If you've been affected by a dog bite, don't hesitate to reach out to us for today at (405) 221-9699 for a consultation. Let us provide the support and guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
