If someone else's dog bit you and you're injured, the owner may be responsible for your medical expenses,

lost work time, and pain and suffering. Getting a dog bite can be a frightening experience. However, it's

important to take the proper steps right after the incident so that you are prepared if you decide to file a

civil lawsuit against the owner.

You should talk to a personal injury lawyer to discuss your situation, but first, these are the steps you

should take after getting a dog bite.

Step 1 – Gather information

A critical first step is information gathering. Here’s what you need to know:

• The dog’s vaccination history. Find out from the owner if the dog is up-to-date on its rabies

    vaccination. If unknown, your doctor may recommend that you get the rabies vaccine.

• The dog owner’s contact information. If someone else’s dog bit you or your loved one, ask for their

    name, phone number, their homeowner's or renter's insurance policy information, and contact info

    for their pet’s veterinarian.

• The animal's information. Gather information about the dog, including their name, license number,

breed, age, weight, and history.

If there were witnesses present, you can also ask them if they would be willing to share their contact

information with you in case you do choose to sue the owner for damages.

Step 2 – Take pictures of the scene and your injuries

Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of the dog. You'll also want photographs of any evidence on

the scene that could verify your side of the story, such as an open door the dog might have run through.

Take pictures of your visible injuries as well. Your attorney may be able to use all of these photos as

evidence in your personal injury case.

Step 3 – Call the police

If the bite is more than a scratch, it's a good idea to contact the police so they can file an official report.

In the case of a severe bite and heavy bleeding, call for emergency medical help first. If it's a minor to

moderate bite and you aren't in danger, you can call your local non-emergency police line. An officer can

come to the scene, document what they see, and create a report.

Be sure to ask the attending police officer for the incident report number. You'll need to include this in your

records if you decide to file a lawsuit.

Step 4 – Get the appropriate medical care for the dog bite

According to emergency medicine physician Stephen Sayles III, MD, the number one concern with dog

bites is the risk of infection. So, when faced with a dog bite, your priority is to prevent an infection from

occurring.

To remove any surface dirt and potentially dangerous bacteria, clean the area with mild soap and warm

tap water. Run the water over the area for at least five minutes to flush out the dog’s saliva. Next, stop the

bleeding; hold a clean cloth or towel over the affected area and apply gentle pressure. Then cover it with

antibiotic cream and a bandage.

Medical experts recommend having a doctor look at a dog bite, especially if it’s a severe wound that has

broken the skin. When you see your health care provider, be sure to keep a record of all your medical bills

and visits to your doctor's office or the hospital.

Step 5 – Inform your local animal control agency about the incident

It's important to contact the animal control authorities in your area after a dog bite. If the dog has bitten

someone before, they'll have a record of the incident. You can then include this information in your case if

you decide to file a claim against the owner. Also, the animal control agency may want to quarantine the

dog so that they can determine if it has rabies or not.

What if the dog's owner isn't around during the incident?

If a dog bites you, but the owner isn't present, you may still be able to find out who owns the animal. If the

dog appears to live at a specific address, write it down. If there were any witnesses, you can also ask

them.

When you contact your local animal control authorities, find out if there is a record of the dog. They may

be able to help you find out who the owner is.

What should you do if the dog owner is belligerent?

If the animal's owner refuses to share their contact information or denies the dog bit you, call the police

immediately.

The reality is, dog bites can be serious, and recovering from an injury isn't always an easy road. Also,

depending on the severity of your injuries, you could end up with hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of

medical bills. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the average cost of a

dog bite-related hospital stay is $18,200.

If a judge finds the owner at fault, these expenses and your suffering are the owner's responsibility, so

don't be afraid to ask for their information or to reach out for help if they aren't cooperative.

If you are the victim of a dog bite or dog attack, it's your right to file a civil lawsuit and seek compensation

for any damages incurred. That's why it's important to follow these first steps after getting a dog bite.

Collect as much information as you can, take photographs, get any necessary medical care, and contact

the appropriate authorities.

And, talk to a personal injury lawyer who has experience with dog bite cases.