What am I supposed to do if I get bitten by a dog?

Every year many Americans get bitten or are badly injured by dogs (and other animals). Many of the injuries may not be too serious, but there are a significant number of people that “are” badly hurt. Some may even be killed by a dog.

One of the first things that you need to do is to get medical treatment as soon as possible and make certain to document every step. Take pictures of the injuries, the doctor’s report, your other medical bills, such as medications and gather as much information as you can about the person who owns the dog, the dog and the incident you can.

If you are able to provide pictures of the dog and owner, that is also helpful. If you are able to find out if the dog has a prior history of attacking people it is also is good idea to find out if that dog has had it’s rabies shots. Do you know the owner? Does anyone in your area know the dog and/or the owner? Has their been other incidents involving this dog and owner?

Was the dog on a leash at the time of the incident? Was the dog off leash? Try to write down everything that you can recall about the attack. While you may be in shock, if you can get down as much information as possible, it would give bylaw officers and/or police a good start on trying to find the owner and the dog.

If your goal is to make a claim for injuries, that is usually done against the owner of the animal(s) and his or her home insurance company. It’s likely the insurance company is going to make every attempt they can to persuade you that you do not need to call a lawyer. Call a lawyer for advice on your legal rights.

They may also tell you the are not going to pay in advance for treatment and are only going to pay you for your out of pocket expenses. Call a lawyer and do not listen to the insurance company, because it’s in “their” best interest that you do not hire an attorney. Protect “your” rights, because the insurance company is not going to protect them.

Other Dog Bite FAQs:

• Are dog bites a common occurrence?
• Are dog bites common in Texas?
• Are the dog bite laws the same across Texas?
• Are there some common misconceptions about dog bite liability?
• Can you sue for a dog bite in Texas?
• Do I have to prove that the animal that attacked me is vicious?
• Do I have to prove the dog that attacked me was vicious?
• Do I need to take pictures after being bitten by a dog?
• How is liability for a dog bite established?
• How long does it take for a dog bite case to get to/go through court?
• I think the dog that bit me might have rabies. What do I do now?
• I was bitten by a dog the other day and needed stitches. Who is responsible/liable for the dog biting me?
• My mother witnessed a dog attack and someone said there was a possibility of filing a bystander claim. Is that possible?
• My neighbor’s dog bit me and he accused me of provoking the canine. Does that mean I don’t have a lawsuit?
• What am I supposed to do if I get bitten by a dog?
• What are the most common factors showing a dog owner knew or should have known their animal may be vicious?
• What are the worst injuries sustained during a dog attack?
• What compensation can I recover in a dog bite case?
• What do I do if a dog bites me?
• What happens if a dog not previously regarded as dangerous bites me?
• What is the current law in Texas in regard to dog bites?
• Who are usually the victims of dog bites?
• Who is responsible for paying damages in a dog bite case?
• Who responsible for paying any damages after the dog attack?