--- title: "Do These Things If You’re Bitten By a Dog" url: https://callsam.com/blog/do-these-things-if-youre-bitten-by-a-dog/ description: "Knowing what to do after a dog bite is important for both your health and in taking future legal actions. Let's explore the important steps." lastModified: 2026-07-08 --- # Do These Things If You’re Bitten By a Dog Published: September 23, 2020 Most victims are not sure what to do after a dog bite that results in serious injury. After all, it’s (hopefully) not a common situation for any of us to have to deal with. And, considering the dog bite statistics in the U.S., we believe it’s important to know the basic steps for your health and pursuing legal actions. More than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year. And, about 20% of these bites are severe enough to require medical attention. In addition, approximately one-fourth of all victims end up developing potentially dangerous infections. This includes those who fail to seek immediate treatment because they don’t think their wounds are serious. ## ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR DOG BITES We are not medical doctors, we’re a law firm, but we want to emphasize that nothing is more important than your health in the event of a serious dog bite or animal attack. Please seek medical attention, first and foremost. While some dog bites may appear minor, as many as [25% become infected](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558873/#:~:text=Reported%20infection%20rates%20are%20given,14%2C%2019%2C%2030\).). This is why it is so important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or your child are bitten by a dog, especially one that is unfamiliar. If the wound is deep or bleeding excessively, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room or a nearby urgent care facility. Press a clean, dry cloth firmly against the wound to staunch the bleeding while you wait for help. ### At-Home Treatment Recommendations from WEBMD For less severe dog bites, you can perform the following first aid procedures if you are unable to see a medical professional right away. - Wash the wound as soon as possible using soap and warm water - Run lukewarm water over the area to rinse out the soap and any bacteria - Apply an antibiotic cream to the wound and apply a clean bandage - Check the wound periodically for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth and/or drainage - If you have a fever or feel shaky, seek immediate medical attention ## LEGAL ACTION: 6 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A DOG BITE Once you’ve addressed your injuries, you can then begin to think about whether or not you want to take legal action against the owner of the dog. The following actions will help you achieve a higher settlement if you decide to sue the dog owner. If you are too badly injured to perform these actions, ask a family member or friend for help. ### Step 1: Identify the Dog and Owner If you were bitten by an unfamiliar dog, it’s important to find out the name, address and contact information of the owner. ### Step 2: Call the Police The police will file an incident report, which is important if you end up filing a lawsuit for damages. The officers may also be able to help you obtain information about the dog’s owner. ### Step 3: Photograph Your Injuries Take photos of your wounds from every angle as soon as possible. These photos will become part of the documentation your attorney will use to prepare your case. ### Step 4: Take Photos of the Dog and the Scene of the Attack Photograph the dog and the location of the attack. If the dog got loose because of a broken fence or gate, make sure to document those details. ### Step 5: Follow Up With Your Physician If you want to recover compensation for your injuries, it’s important to document the physical and emotional harm you suffered as a result of the attack. ### Step 6: Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Specializes in Dog Bite Cases Most victims are not thinking clearly after being attacked by a dog. This is why it’s crucial to contact a [dog bite lawyer](https://callsam.com/case-types/dog-bites/) (click to see our page) as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will help you avoid costly mistakes and take the steps that are necessary to build a winning case. ## MISTAKES TO AVOID AFTER A DOG ATTACK If you are the victim of a dog attack, it’s natural to feel disoriented immediately afterwards. However, the steps you take - and don’t take - in those first minutes and hours can have lasting consequences. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: - Neglecting to seek prompt medical treatment - Failing to report the dog attack - Not taking photographs of the wound while it is fresh - Signing insurance forms or accepting a quick settlement from the owner’s insurance company - Failing to call a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible ## INJURED BY A DOG? CALL THE SAM BERNSTEIN LAW FIRM If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact us immediately. We know what it takes to win your dog bite lawsuit, and we are ready to fight for the benefits you deserve. Dog bite law is complicated, but finding the right [dog bite attorney](https://callsam.com/case-types/dog-bites/) is simple. Click the button below and fill out the short form or contact us today for a free, remote no-obligation consultation from the safety of your home. ## Related Posts ### [Judge Awards $100M in Dog Attack Case](https://callsam.com/blog/judge-awards-100m-in-dog-attack-case/) ### [Be Ghoulish… Not Foolish: Safety Tips for a Hazard-Free Halloween](https://callsam.com/blog/halloween-safety/) ### [Are Landlords Liable for Dog Bites on Rental Property?](https://callsam.com/blog/landlords-liable-dog-bites/) ### [Who is Liable When a Dog Bites Another Person at a Dog Park?](https://callsam.com/blog/dog-bites-dog-park/) ### [Michigan is a Top Ten State for Dog Bites: What You Need to Know](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-top-dog-bite-state/) ### [What Happens When a Dog Bites Another Dog?](https://callsam.com/blog/what-happens-when-a-dog-bites-another-dog/) ### [What Happens if Your Dog Bites the Postal Carrier or Delivery Driver?](https://callsam.com/blog/dog-bites-the-postal-carrier-or-delivery-driver/) ### [Why It’s Necessary to Hire a Lawyer After a Dog Attack](https://callsam.com/blog/hire-a-lawyer-after-a-dog-attack/) ### [Getting the Biggest Return for Dog Bite Settlements](https://callsam.com/blog/getting-the-biggest-return-for-dog-bite-settlements/) ### [Michigan Dog Bite Laws Everyone Should Know](https://callsam.com/blog/michigan-dog-bite-laws-everyone-should-know/)