What to Do If a Friend or Neighbor’s Dog Bites You

Dog bites can be both painful and stressful—especially when the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor. You don’t just have to deal with the physical pain; there’s also the awkwardness of addressing the situation with someone you know personally. If you find yourself in this unfortunate position, taking the right steps can help you protect your health, legal rights, and even your relationship with the dog owner.

Step 1: Take Immediate Care of the Wound

Your health should always come first when dealing with a dog bite. These injuries, no matter how small, can lead to serious infections if left untreated. Here’s what to do right away:

Clean the Wound: Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and warm water. This helps clear away bacteria from the dog’s saliva.
Stop the Bleeding: Use a clean cloth or sterile bandage to apply gentle pressure to the wound until the bleeding subsides.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment: Once the bleeding stops, apply an antibiotic cream to help prevent infection, and cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
Seek Medical Attention: Even for minor bites, it’s always wise to consult a doctor. For deep wounds, excessive bleeding, or bites from an unfamiliar dog, go to the emergency room immediately. Medical professionals can provide proper cleaning, administer a tetanus shot if needed, and evaluate the risk of rabies.

Step 2: Gather Information About the Dog

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate health needs, it’s important to learn more about the dog that bit you. This information can be crucial both for your recovery and any potential legal actions:

Verify Vaccination Records: Ask the dog’s owner for proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations. This will help you and your doctor decide if rabies treatment is necessary.
Note the Dog’s Behavior: Observe and document whether the dog was acting aggressively, provoked, or unusually. This might be relevant later if you need to file a claim or report the incident.
Document the Incident: Write down when, where, and how the bite occurred. Take photos of your injury as evidence.

If the owner is reluctant to provide information or you suspect the dog is unvaccinated, notify your local animal control agency. They can investigate and ensure the dog doesn’t pose further risks.

Step 3: Understand Your Legal Rights

Many states and municipalities have laws governing dog bite liability, and in most cases, dog owners can be held legally responsible for injuries their pets cause. Here’s what you need to know:

Strict Liability vs. Negligence

Strict Liability States: Many states hold dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive tendencies in the past. If you’re bitten in a strict liability state, the owner can be held responsible even if they didn’t know the dog might bite.
Negligence-Based Laws: Some states require victims to show that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog, such as by allowing it to roam freely or failing to warn about its aggressive tendencies.

Potential Compensation

If the dog owner is found liable, you may be eligible for compensation covering:

Medical bills (both current and future)
Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to the injury
Pain and suffering caused by the bite
Property damage (for example, if the dog damaged your clothing or personal items during the attack)

Most dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, which often includes liability coverage.

When to Report the Incident

Some states or local laws require dog bites to be reported to animal control or public health authorities, especially if rabies is a concern. Even if reporting isn’t mandatory, filing a report helps document the incident officially, which can support any claims you make later.

Step 4: Address the Situation With the Dog Owner

Navigating a dog bite case involving a friend or neighbor requires sensitivity. While it’s important to stand up for your rights, you’ll also want to approach the situation thoughtfully to preserve the relationship. Here’s how:

Have an Honest Conversation: Explain what happened and discuss your next steps with the owner. Most responsible pet owners will be sympathetic and willing to work with you, especially if they have insurance to cover your injury.
Avoid Assigning Immediate Blame: If the bite was accidental or the dog was provoked, avoid making accusations that could escalate tensions. Instead, focus on resolving the matter.
Be Transparent About Medical Costs: Keep the dog owner informed about what your medical treatment entails and what costs are involved. They’ll likely appreciate an open and honest approach.

If the owner refuses to cooperate or denies responsibility, consulting an attorney can help you explore your options without unnecessary conflict.

Step 5: Consult an Attorney if Necessary

If you’re dealing with significant injuries, mounting medical bills, or an uncooperative dog owner, it’s time to seek legal advice. A personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite cases can:

Help assess the strength of your claim
Gather evidence to support your case
Negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company
Represent you in court if needed

Most dog bite attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they help you win compensation.

Savannah Dog Attack Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite in Marietta, GA, Craig Injury Law is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of dog bite cases and are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Contact us today at (912) 304-5202 to take the first step towards recovery and justice.