Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Dog Bite

Getting bitten by a dog can be a scary and painful experience. At the moment, it’s easy to panic and not know what to do. But taking the proper steps after a dog bite is essential—not just for your health but also for filing a legal claim.

Numerous individuals commit basic errors that can negatively impact their case or prolong their recovery. To help you avoid those pitfalls, here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid after a dog bite and what you should do instead.

Regardless of how insignificant the bite appears, consulting a physician is always advisable. Canine bites have the potential to cause infections, scarring, and severe health issues such as rabies or nerve injury. If you don’t get medical care right away, the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or even caused by the dog.

What to Do Instead: Wash the wound with soap and water, apply a clean bandage, and get medical attention immediately.

If you don’t have pictures of your injuries, it may be more challenging to demonstrate the severity of the bite at a later time. Pictures can also help show the location of the attack and any damage done (like torn clothing).

What to Do Instead: Take clear pictures of your injury, any damage, and the area where it happened. If you have bruising or swelling later, take photos of that too.

Many feel bad about reporting a dog bite, especially if they know the owner. But filing a report is essential—not just for your case, but to prevent future attacks. If the dog has bitten someone before, authorities need to know.

What to Do Instead: Call animal control or the police and report the bite. They can document what happened and check if the dog has a history of aggression.

If someone else saw what happened, their statement could be valuable. But if you don’t get their contact info, you might not be able to reach them later.

What to Do Instead: If anyone saw the attack, ask for their name and phone number. If they’re willing, have them write down what they saw.

Scrubbing the wound with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine is a good idea, but it can slow healing and damage the skin.

What to Do Instead: Carefully wash with soap and water, apply antibiotic cream, and secure it with a fresh bandage. Then, see a doctor.

Dog bite injuries can lead to unexpected costs, from doctor visits to missed work and even therapy, if the attack caused anxiety or PTSD. You might not get fully compensated if you don’t track these expenses.

What to Do Instead: Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, travel costs for medical visits, and any emotional distress you’ve experienced.

Insurance companies aren’t on your side; they aim to pay you as little as possible. If you talk to them without a lawyer, they might use your words against you or pressure you into a low settlement.

What to Do Instead: Before talking to if you are dealing with an insurance company, speak to a personal injury lawyer. The lawyer can negotiate for you and help ensure you get what you deserve.

Many assume they don’t need a lawyer after a dog bite, but getting legal advice early on can make a big difference. A lawyer can collect evidence, establish who is responsible, and seek fair compensation through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

What to Do Instead: Contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Most offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting advice.

Dog bites can be severe, but you don’t have to handle them alone. Avoiding common mistakes can help you stay healthy and protect your rights.

If a dog has bitten you or someone else, you can get help from The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. We focus on personal injury cases and work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can help you move forward.