What to do after a dog bites injury
- Get medical care — infection risk is real.
- Report the bite to local animal control.
- Get the owner's name, address, and insurance information.
- Photograph the wounds before and after they begin to heal.
- Follow up on plastic surgery consultations for any visible scarring.
Why hire a lawyer for a dog bites case?
Owners often pressure victims to 'not make a big deal' out of it — usually because they don't realize their own insurance is what's on the hook. A lawyer makes sure the medical, scarring, and emotional impacts are fully presented.
Common injuries we see
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Permanent scarring
- Facial injuries (especially in children)
- Nerve damage
- PTSD and lasting fear of dogs
What you can recover
Medical bills, future plastic surgery, scarring and disfigurement damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering — particularly significant in cases involving children.
State law that affects your case
Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites, while New York combines strict liability for medical costs with a 'vicious propensity' rule for other damages. In Georgia and New York, prior warning signs of aggression strengthen the claim. In Florida, strict statutory liability means prior knowledge is not required — the owner is liable simply because the bite occurred. Georgia applies a 'vicious propensity' rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-2-7 — similar to New York — requiring evidence that the owner knew of the dog's dangerous tendency. The two-year statute of limitations applies.
Insurance company tactics to watch for
- Arguing 'provocation' to avoid liability.
- Pressuring quick settlement before the full scope of scarring is known.
- Disputing the value of cosmetic damage on a child.
How our process works
- Free consultation.
- Identification of homeowners' or renters' policy.
- Medical and cosmetic care documentation.
- Demand, negotiation, and litigation.
