Dog bites are more serious than many people initially realize. What looks like a minor wound can become infected within hours. What feels like a frightening but isolated incident can leave someone with lasting anxiety, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. And yet, many victims either do not pursue a claim at all or make early missteps that significantly weaken their case.
Our friends at Jacobson Injury Firm discuss dog bite cases with clients who are often surprised to learn how much legal protection exists for them. A dog bite lawyer can help victims understand their rights and what steps to take from the very beginning.
The Scope of the Problem
Dog bites are not rare events. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year, and nearly 800,000 of those bites require medical attention. Children and elderly adults are among the most frequently affected.
These numbers matter because they reflect a widespread public safety issue — not a freak accident. Many of these incidents were preventable, and many victims have valid legal claims they never pursue.
Strict Liability and What It Means for Victims
In many states, dog bite law operates under a strict liability standard. This means that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries their dog causes even if the dog had no prior history of aggression and even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
This is a meaningful distinction. Victims do not always need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had bitten before. The bite itself, under the right circumstances, may be enough to establish liability.
That said, there are defenses owners raise, which is why how victims handle the aftermath matters.
What to Do Right After a Dog Bite
The steps taken immediately following a dog bite can shape the entire legal outcome. Here is what we advise:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound appears minor — infection risk is real and documentation is essential
- Identify the dog and its owner, including proof of current rabies vaccination
- Report the bite to local animal control or the appropriate authority
- Photograph the injuries as soon as possible, and continue documenting as they heal
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
Do not wait. Evidence fades, memories shift, and insurance companies move quickly to protect their interests.
Common Mistakes That Weaken a Dog Bite Case
Accepting an Early Settlement
Dog bite injuries can involve surgeries, reconstructive procedures, psychological treatment, and long-term care. An early offer from an insurer will rarely account for all of that. Once a settlement is signed, there is no opportunity to seek additional compensation — even if costs grow beyond what was anticipated.
Minimizing the Emotional Impact
Physical injuries are easy to photograph and document. Emotional ones are not, but they are just as real and just as compensable. Post-traumatic stress, fear of dogs, anxiety in public spaces — these are documented outcomes of serious dog bite incidents and should be part of any claim.
Posting on Social Media
Anything posted publicly after an incident can be used by the opposing side. A photo of someone at a social event, even weeks after an injury, can be taken out of context to suggest the injuries were not as serious as claimed. It is best to stay off social media entirely while a case is active.
Assuming Homeowner’s Insurance Is Not Involved
Many dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Victims sometimes assume there is no coverage, particularly if the owner does not seem wealthy or does not own property. That assumption can lead people to walk away from claims they are fully entitled to pursue.
Understanding Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
Compensation in a dog bite claim can cover a range of losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The severity of the injury, the circumstances of the incident, and the strength of the evidence all factor into what a claim may be worth.
We Are Here to Help
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, we encourage you to speak with our team before making any decisions about your case. We will evaluate what happened, explain your options clearly, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
