TL;DR: After a dog bite, seek medical care, document the incident, and file a report. Ask for vaccination proof, file an insurance claim promptly, and understand your two-year lawsuit window (in Texas). A skilled dog bite attorney helps secure evidence, negotiate with insurers, and maximize compensation.
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Ask for proof of rabies vaccination
- Document the scene and collect owner info
- File a report with animal control
- File an insurance claim early
- Understand the 10-day observation period
- You have two years to sue in Texas
- Hire a dog bite attorney for legal support and negotiation
- Gather documentation to support your claim
- Contact O’Hara Law Firm for a free consultation
Immediately after a dog bite, the first step is to seek medical attention. Time is of the essence, and you deserve the most timely and effective care.
However, once the situation is no longer emergent, there are several steps dog bite victims should take. Those include asking the owner questions, gathering evidence, and filing a dog bite report. The more efficient you are, the stronger your case will be.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to do in order to move forward after a dog bite or dog attack. Plus, discover tips for choosing a dog bite attorney to support you throughout the process.
Continue reading to ensure you’re taking the proper steps after experiencing a dog bite.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
After sustaining a dog bite injury or experiencing an attack, you need to immediately seek medical attention. This includes getting a rabies vaccination if you’re unsure of the dog’s vaccination status. Puncture wounds can cause long-term issues if not immediately addressed, and infection can occur.
Only if you’re able, take a picture of the dog that bit you. Try to photograph the dog’s owners and the scene of the injury. You’ll need this for future records.
You’ll also need to ask the owners several questions about the dog.
Questions to Ask Immediately After a Dog Bite
First, ask if the dog is up to date with its vaccinations, especially rabies. Don’t take the owner’s word for it. Always ask to see the documentation and get copies for your records. If the owner is unsure of their dog’s rabies vaccination status, they can contact their dog’s vet for a full report.
Rabies is almost always fatal when left untreated. However, there are safe and effective vaccines available. While effective, you must receive the rabies vaccine as soon as possible, before symptoms appear.
Next, you may want to find out if the dog has a history of biting or attacking other people. If you believe the dog poses a threat to your community, please notify animal control or the police. We’ll share more about how to report a dog bite incident below.
Homeowner’s insurance usually covers damages from a dog bite. That’s typically the case even if the incident occurred off the owner’s property.
You’ll want to obtain the dog owner’s full name, address, and phone number. If they happen to have their homeowner’s policy and information available, try to get a copy of it. Otherwise, inform them that your attorney will reach out to them.
Understanding the Dog Bite Observation Period
Under Texas law, a dog that bites a person is typically required to undergo a 10-day rabies observation period. The dog is usually confined at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or sometimes at the owner’s home.
If the dog was healthy at the time of the bite and remains healthy for 10 days, rabies exposure is unlikely. This observation helps determine whether the victim needs rabies treatment, which is an expensive and painful process.
Even if the dog has been vaccinated, the 10-day observation is still generally required under Texas state health codes.
Next Steps: Filing a Dog Bite Report
After pursuing medical treatment, the next step is to file a dog bite report. In Texas, dog bites must be reported to the local animal control authority or public health department. You should file your report in the jurisdiction where the bite occurred. You can usually do this by phone or through an online form.
You will likely need to provide the following details:
- Your name and contact information
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Description of the dog (breed, color, size, etc.)
- Information about the dog’s owner, if known
- A description of your injuries
In Houston, contact BARC Animal Enforcement. You can contact the Houston Police Department’s non-emergency line if BARC is unavailable. Animal control will investigate the incident and determine whether the dog poses a risk to public safety.
Next Steps: Filing a Dog Bite Insurance Claim
It’s best to initiate a dog bite insurance claim within a few days of the incident. Most homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies that cover dog bite liability require prompt notice of the incident. The earlier you file, the stronger your case will be.
Typically, you’ll file a claim with the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. These policies often include liability coverage for injuries caused by pets. Their insurance should cover injuries, even if the bite happened off the owner’s property.
However, before speaking with the insurance company, consider contacting a personal injury attorney.
How Long After a Dog Bite Can You Sue?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is set by the Texas statute of limitations. Missing it can mean losing your right to recover compensation entirely.
This deadline applies whether you’re suing for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Emotional trauma
In some cases, the clock may pause. For example, if the victim is a minor, the clock often starts when they turn 18. Likewise, the clock often pauses for individuals who are mentally incapacitated.
However, you should not rely on loopholes. Always act quickly to ensure you receive the compensation you’re owed. Waiting can weaken your case.
Connect With a Dog Bite Attorney
When filing a claim, it’s essential to work with a skilled attorney. They’ll help you initiate your claim. They can also assist you with recouping medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Your attorney will understand whether or not your claim is valid. They can also help determine whether or not the dog has a bite history or has attacked someone else. This is why you need a lawyer to help you navigate the ins and outs of filing a dog bite claim.
Here’s how a dog bite lawyer can help you.
Dog Bite Attorneys Are Skilled Negotiators
When working with attorneys for dog bites, you’re hiring a skilled negotiator. Attorneys understand how insurance companies work. They know that insurance companies often settle for the lowest amount possible, protecting their bottom line.
However, your dog bite lawyer is trained in negotiating with these insurance companies. They can get you maximum compensation for your injuries. Your lawyer will review the insurance company’s offer and work to convince them why you’re entitled to more.
Dog Bite Attorneys Offer Professional Experience
You want to work with someone who has the expertise to help you recover as much compensation as possible. Your attorney knows when to initiate the matter in court and communicate with insurance carriers. Their experience equips them to navigate your case, anticipating the results.
Since dog bite lawyers have experience in this area, they know what your case is worth. As a result, they know how to help you secure that amount.
Dog Bite Attorneys Have Access to Essential Resources
When you hire a dog bite attorney, you’re gaining valuable access to essential resources. Your legal team will work together to investigate and research your case. As they gather evidence, they can easily determine if the dog owner was negligent or not. Your legal team will answer all your questions every step of the way.
Dog Bite Attorneys Serve as Personal Advocates
Sustaining a dog bite injury or attack may leave you with injuries you’ll need to tend. It’s difficult to focus on a lawsuit, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Texas dog bite laws.
When you hire a dog bite attorney, you’re securing a personal advocate. Your attorney works tirelessly to see you recover damages for your injuries.
Your attorney will work to determine the extent of the at-fault party’s liability. Other responsible parties (in addition to the dog’s owner) might include:
- Landlords (if there’s a known dangerous animal on the premises)
- A minor’s parents (if the dog’s owner is under 18 years of age)
If the dangerous animal stays on someone else’s property, the property owners may also be involved. You may also have a claim against animal keepers, such as dog watchers.
What Does Your Attorney Need from You?
As your attorney explains the entire legal process for your dog bite claim, you may be asked to provide them with the following:
- A police report
- Your testimony of the incident
- Name and contact information for the dog’s owner(s)
- Witness names and contact information, if applicable
- Pictures of your injuries and the dog
- Medical records following the dog attack
- Copies of medical bills you may have incurred
Your dog bite attorney will help you every step of the way, ensuring you’re able to secure all documentation to help your case.
Connect With O’Hara Law Firm After a Dog Bite
O’Hara Law Firm often gets involved within days or weeks of a bite. We work fast to preserve key evidence and file claims strategically. In some cases, early negotiation with insurers leads to confidential six-figure settlements. You might not even need to go to court.
The process begins when you schedule your free consultation. Let’s talk about your next steps and recover the compensation you deserve.