What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
Click here for our helpful checklist to assist you in pursuing your case.
Seek immediate medical attention.
- Even if the injuries seem minor, you may need stitches, a tetanus shot or other treatment to prevent infection.
- Seeking medical care will provide the necessary documentation of your injuries which will serve as evidence should you file a legal claim.
Keep your torn or bloodied clothing to be used as evidence of the attack.
- Do not wash them.
- Place them in a zip top bag and put them in a secure location.
Take photographs.
- Take photographs of your dog bite injuries.
- Take photographs of the dog.
- Take photographs of the area where the dog bite attack occurred.
If you do not know who owns the dog, contain it within a fence or other barrier, if you can do so safely.
- Call Animal Control.
Get information about the dog, its veterinarian and annual health records.
- Up to date shot records may prevent a series of painful rabies or other disease prevention treatments.
- Contact Animal Control – they will test the animal to be certain it is disease free.
- Animal Control and the local Police Department may have information on file if the dog has bitten before.
Obtain contact information for the dog’s owner and anyone who witnessed the attack.
- Accurate reporting information is essential for filing a police report.
Get information about the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
- The party responsible for paying your damages is generally the insurance company, not the individual dog owner. Get the name of the insurance company and the policy number.
File a police report and request a copy.
Do not sign any paperwork before contacting an attorney.
- Do not communicate with the owner’s insurance carrier before contacting an attorney.
Contact the Monk Law Firm. We will make sure you are treated fairly and compensated for your injuries.
