What To Do After a Dog Bite (Medical Steps + Legal Steps)

A dog bite can be traumatic — both physically and emotionally. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after an incident can help protect your health and preserve your legal rights. Whether the dog belonged to a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger, taking prompt action is essential. Here’s what you need to do if you’re bitten by a dog.

Immediate Medical Steps: Protecting Your Health First

1. Clean and Disinfect the Wound

  • Rinse the bite area thoroughly with clean water.

  • Apply gentle soap and rinse again.

  • Cover the wound with a clean, sterile dressing to minimize risk of infection.

2. Seek Professional Medical Attention

Even seemingly minor bites can lead to serious complications, such as infection, nerve damage, or worse. Visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. A medical professional will assess the wound, determine whether stitches, antibiotics or a tetanus shot is needed, and document your injuries — documentation crucial for any future injury claim.

3. Document Your Injuries and Symptoms

  • Take clear photos of the bite from multiple angles, both immediately and in the days that follow.

  • Keep records of all medical care — doctor visits, prescriptions, bills, and follow-up care.

  • Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever) and return for treatment if needed.

4. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders and Care Plan

Proper healing includes rest, prescribed medicines, hygiene, and possibly rehab depending on severity. Your long-term health depends on following medical advice carefully.

Legal Steps After a Dog Bite: Protecting Your Rights

1. Report the Incident to Authorities

Contact local animal control or the police and file an official report. This helps document the event and may prevent future injuries.

2. Gather Evidence While It’s Fresh

  • Photograph the scene, including where the bite occurred, where the dog was kept, and any visible hazards or lack of safety measures.

  • Get contact information from witnesses and the dog’s owner.

  • Preserve clothing or items that were damaged or stained during the bite.

3. Don’t Accept Early Settlement Offers Without Legal Advice

It’s common for insurance companies or the dog owner’s representatives to offer quick settlements. While it may seem convenient, early offers rarely cover the full cost of medical treatment or long-term effects.

4. Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer / Personal Injury Attorney

A qualified personal injury / dog bite lawyer can help evaluate your case, advise on third-party liability, and guide you through filing a compensation claim. They can help ensure you are fairly compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

A dog bites a person's hand outdoors; the person's hand shows visible tension. "PLG PUMA LAW GROUP P.C." logo appears in the bottom left corner.

Why Acting Quickly Protects Your Health and Claim

  • Medical documentation created soon after the bite carries more weight with healthcare providers and insurers.

  • Timely evidence gathering — photos, witness statements, official reports — strengthens your case.

  • Delaying medical care or legal action can weaken the validity of both your health records and your claim.

At Puma Law Group P.C., we have extensive experience handling dog bite and personal injury cases. We understand how distressing such an injury can be and offer compassionate, dedicated support.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, don’t wait. Get the medical care you need and contact us about your legal rights.

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