A dog bite can happen in an instant, and the aftermath is often more complicated than people expect. Beyond the immediate physical injury, victims can face infection, nerve damage, scarring, and lasting psychological effects, particularly in children. Many people assume these incidents are minor matters, easily resolved with an apology and a trip to urgent care. That assumption can cost them significantly.
Our friends at Loshak Law PLLC discuss how frequently dog bite victims underestimate both the severity of their injuries and the strength of their legal rights. A dog bite lawyer can help you understand what you may be entitled to and what steps to take from the very beginning.
Myths That Can Mislead Dog Bite Victims
There is a lot of misinformation out there about what happens legally after a dog bite. Some of it comes from well-meaning friends or family. Some comes from the dog owner themselves. Either way, acting on bad information can hurt your case.
Here are some of the most common myths we encounter:
- “The dog has never bitten anyone before, so the owner isn’t responsible.” In many states, prior behavior is not required to establish liability. Strict liability laws hold owners accountable regardless of the dog’s history.
- “It was partly my fault, so I can’t recover anything.” Comparative fault rules vary by state, but partial fault does not automatically bar you from recovering compensation.
- “The owner’s homeowner’s insurance won’t cover this.” Many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies do cover dog bite claims. An attorney can help identify what coverage exists.
- “I don’t want to get the owner in trouble.” Filing a claim typically goes through an insurance company, not a criminal court. Seeking compensation is a civil matter.
- “My injuries weren’t bad enough to pursue a claim.” Even moderate injuries can result in medical bills, missed work, and lasting emotional distress that deserve to be addressed.
What the Data Shows
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog bites affect millions of people in the United States every year, with children being among the most frequent victims. The physical and emotional toll these incidents leave behind is often far greater than what appears on the surface.
Who May Be Held Liable
Liability in a dog bite case is not always as straightforward as it seems. The dog’s owner is the most obvious responsible party, but depending on the circumstances, others may share liability as well.
Potentially liable parties can include:
- The dog’s owner, under strict liability or negligence theories
- A property owner or landlord who knew the dog was dangerous and allowed it on the premises
- A caretaker or dog walker who had control of the animal at the time of the incident
- A business owner if the bite occurred on commercial property
Identifying all responsible parties matters because it directly affects what compensation may be available.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
Dog bite injuries can generate a surprising range of losses, many of which people do not think to account for right away. Compensation in these cases can address:
- Emergency medical treatment and follow-up care
- Reconstructive surgery or scar revision procedures
- Lost wages if the injury kept you out of work
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Costs related to therapy or counseling, particularly for children who develop a fear of dogs after an attack
- Permanent disfigurement where applicable
We look at the full picture, not just the immediate bills.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
What you do in the hours and days following a dog bite can meaningfully affect your ability to pursue a claim. A few things that matter most:
Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound seems manageable. Dog bites carry a real risk of infection, and medical records create an important paper trail. Get the owner’s contact and insurance information if possible. Take photographs of your injuries as soon as you are able. If there were witnesses, gather their information as well. Report the incident to local animal control, which creates an official record.
Talking to Our Team
If you or a family member has been injured in a dog bite incident, you do not have to figure out the legal side on your own. Reach out to our office to discuss what happened and learn what options may be available to you.