What to Do After a Dog Bite?

Your safety comes first. Move away from the dog to prevent further attacks and get to a secure location. If the bite is serious—heavy bleeding, exposed tissue, a wound near the face or neck, or signs of shock—call 911 right away. Even seemingly minor bites can cause deep puncture wounds that carry a high risk of infection.

Once you are safe, control bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth and elevating the injured area if possible. Rinse the wound with clean water to reduce bacteria. Do not assume a small bite is harmless; dog mouths carry bacteria that can lead to serious infections, and rabies is always a concern if the animal’s vaccination status is unknown.

If you are physically able, take note of where the attack happened, the type and appearance of the dog, and the direction the owner or animal went. These early observations can be valuable later when establishing what happened and who is responsible.

Always seek prompt medical attention after a dog bite, even if the wound looks minor. Doctors can clean the wound properly, assess whether stitches are needed, prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, and determine whether you need a rabies or tetanus shot. Puncture wounds in particular can trap bacteria deep beneath the skin.

Medical records also serve a second purpose: they create an official, dated account linking your injuries to the attack. Delaying treatment can both endanger your health and give the dog owner’s insurer a reason to argue your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Follow all treatment instructions and keep every appointment, including follow-ups for scarring, physical therapy, or counseling for emotional trauma.

Keep copies of discharge papers, prescriptions, bills, and photographs of your wounds at each stage of healing. This documentation paints a clear picture of the severity of the injury and the costs you have incurred.

Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful injury claim. As soon as you are able, photograph your injuries, your torn or bloodied clothing, and the location where the bite occurred. Take pictures of the dog if you can do so safely, including any features that help identify it.

Get the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information. Ask whether the dog is current on its rabies vaccinations. If there were witnesses, collect their names and contact details—their accounts can be critical if the owner later disputes what happened or claims you provoked the animal.

Write down your own account of the incident while it is fresh: what you were doing, how the dog approached, whether it was leashed or contained, and whether the owner did anything to control it. These details often fade from memory but can prove decisive in a claim.

Yes. Report the bite to your local animal control agency or county health department as soon as possible. An official report creates a record of the incident, triggers an investigation, and may prompt authorities to check whether the dog has a history of aggression or prior bites. In Georgia, a documented history of dangerous behavior can be important in proving the owner knew or should have known the dog posed a risk.

Reporting also protects public health by ensuring the dog can be observed for signs of rabies. If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown, this step may determine whether you need preventive rabies treatment. Keep a copy of any report number or paperwork the agency provides.

Georgia follows a modified version of liability for dog attacks. Generally, an owner can be held responsible if they knew the dog was dangerous or had a propensity to bite—often shown through a prior bite or aggressive behavior—or if the dog was being managed carelessly, such as being allowed to roam off-leash in violation of a local leash ordinance. Violating a leash or animal-control law can serve as evidence of negligence.

Liability is not automatic, however. The owner may argue that you provoked the dog or were trespassing at the time. Comparative fault rules in Georgia can reduce a victim’s recovery if they share blame for the incident, and a claim may be barred entirely if a victim is found mostly at fault. This is why preserving evidence and witness statements is so important.

Compensation in a dog bite claim may include medical expenses, lost wages, costs of future treatment such as plastic surgery for scarring, and pain and suffering. An experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer can evaluate the specific facts of your case and identify every source of recovery available to you.

It is wise to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company or accepting any settlement offer. Insurers often move quickly to settle dog bite claims for far less than they are worth, particularly when scarring or future treatment is involved. Once you accept, you typically cannot reopen the claim if complications arise.

An attorney can investigate the dog’s history, gather records, deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and calculate the full value of your damages. If you were bitten in the metro area, a Dunwoody personal injury lawyer or a Sandy Springs personal injury lawyer can advise you on local ordinances and how they affect your case.

Georgia’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim, so it is best to seek guidance early while evidence is still fresh and witnesses are available.