How to File a Dog Bite Claim: Your Complete Guide

May 20, 2025

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, and the aftermath often involves not only physical pain but emotional and financial burdens as well. Whether it’s a minor bite or a more severe injury, dog bites can cause significant harm, and victims often need help in navigating the complex claims process to recover compensation.

If you’ve been injured by a dog, understanding how to file a dog bite claim can be critical to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from the moment of the bite to the resolution of your claim.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after being bitten by a dog is to seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the severity of the injury. Even minor bites can lead to infections, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications such as rabies or sepsis.

Clean the Wound: If medical care is not immediately available, wash the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Get Professional Care: Visit a doctor or hospital to ensure proper cleaning, treatment, and any necessary vaccinations or antibiotics. Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions to avoid infection.

Documenting your medical treatment and injuries will be crucial for your claim, so make sure you keep a record of all doctor visits, treatments, and medical expenses.

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

After seeking medical care, the next step is to identify the dog that bit you and its owner. In many cases, this is a straightforward process if the incident occurred in a public place or if you know the dog.

Owner Information: Obtain the name, address, and phone number of the dog’s owner. This will be important for filing your claim.
Dog’s History: If possible, ask about the dog’s history, including whether it has any history of aggression or prior bites. In some states, dog owners may be held to a higher standard if their dog has bitten others before.

If the dog was a stray or the owner is unidentifiable, local animal control agencies may be able to help you track down the owner and ensure the dog is quarantined to check for rabies.

Step 3: Report the Incident

It’s important to report the dog bite to local authorities, especially if the dog’s owner is unknown or if the incident occurred in a public place. Reporting the incident ensures that there is an official record and may help prevent future attacks.

File a Report: Contact local animal control or the police and file a report about the dog bite. The authorities will investigate the situation and may issue citations or warnings to the dog’s owner.
Obtain a Copy of the Report: Request a copy of the report for your records, as it may be used as evidence in your claim.

A report from animal control or the police can serve as a strong piece of evidence if you need to pursue legal action later on.

Step 4: Document the Scene and Your Injuries

The more evidence you can gather at the scene of the bite, the stronger your case will be. Take the time to document the details of the incident as thoroughly as possible.

Photograph the Injury: Take clear pictures of your wound, as well as any visible swelling, bruising, or scarring. Photographs will help document the severity of your injuries.
Note the Dog’s Behavior: If possible, write down details about the dog’s behavior and the circumstances surrounding the attack (e.g., was the dog provoked, was it on a leash, was the dog acting aggressively before the bite?).
Witness Statements: If anyone witnessed the attack, ask for their contact information and a statement regarding what they saw. Eyewitness testimony can be valuable in proving your case.

These detailed records will help establish the severity of your injuries and support your claim that the dog’s owner should be held liable.

Step 5: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Filing a dog bite claim can be complicated, especially if the owner disputes liability or if you face challenges with the insurance company. It’s highly recommended to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases.

Legal Expertise: A lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and ensure that you’re taking the proper steps to maximize your compensation.
Negotiating with Insurers: If the dog owner’s insurance company is involved, your lawyer will handle the negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement. They’ll also be able to assess whether the offer is adequate to cover all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

Hiring an experienced lawyer gives you peace of mind, knowing that a legal professional is handling your case and fighting for your best interests.

Step 6: File Your Claim with the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company

If the dog’s owner has insurance, such as homeowners or renters insurance, that covers dog bite injuries, you can file a claim with their insurance company. Here’s what you need to do:

Submit the Claim: Provide all relevant documentation, including medical bills, photographs of the injury, witness statements, and the police or animal control report.
Work with Your Lawyer: Your lawyer will help you submit the necessary paperwork, correspond with the insurance company, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Insurance Negotiation: Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly for less than what you deserve. A lawyer will help you ensure that the settlement offers fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an insufficient settlement, your lawyer can help you explore other options, such as filing a lawsuit.

Step 7: Consider Legal Action If Necessary

If the dog owner does not have insurance or if you are unable to reach a fair settlement with the insurer, your lawyer may recommend pursuing legal action. A dog bite lawsuit can help you recover compensation if the dog owner is found to be at fault.

Filing a Lawsuit: Your lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner, seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Court Process: If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence, witness testimony, and expert opinions to prove that the dog owner should be held liable for your injuries.

While legal action should be a last resort, having the option to pursue a lawsuit ensures that you can fight for fair compensation, even if the insurance process doesn’t work in your favor.

Conclusion:

Filing a dog bite claim can be a complicated and emotional process, but by following these steps, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. From seeking medical care and documenting the incident to filing a claim and consulting a lawyer, each step is critical to building a strong case. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you secure fair compensation.