More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and according to the American Humane Society, the majority of those are children. One in five of those bites requires medical attention.
Any dog has the potential to bite, regardless of breed, size, or temperament. As we’ve said before, you can’t always predict when a dog might bite or how serious the injury could be. Often, the dog may be acting out of fear, stress, pain, or confusion—even a pet that’s never shown aggression before can behave unpredictably in certain situations. Bites can range from minor scratches to vicious attacks resulting in severe injuries, permanent disfigurement, or even death.
In Massachusetts, the person who owns or is in control of a dog (the “keeper”) is “strictly liable” for any injuries that their dog causes. If you are considering filing a claim against a dog’s owner on behalf of yourself or a loved one due to an injury caused by that dog—including a bite—we urge you to carefully follow the steps below. Of course, the health of the victim is the top priority and prompt medical attention should come first as even a seemingly minor bite can lead to serious infection or require stitches.
Here are 10 things you should do if you’re bitten by a dog (and it is safe to do so):
- Call the Police and File a Report
This creates an official record of the incident. Police can also help gather important information if you are too injured or shaken to do so yourself. - Get the Dog Owner/Handler’s Name and Contact Info
If the person handling the dog at the time of the bite is not the owner, be sure to collect information for both the keeper and owner. - Write Down the Location Where the Bite Occurred
Note where the incident happened, and if it’s different from the dog’s residence, be sure to ask for the address of the dog’s home. - Ask if the Dog is Licensed and Up to Date on Vaccinations
Record the license number if possible. This can help verify ownership and often provide a rabies vaccination history. - Photograph All Injuries and Damaged Property When Safe to Do So
Take clear pictures of all bite wounds, scratches, bruises, and any torn clothing or belongings. These images can be crucial evidence. - Take a Photo of the Dog if Possible
A picture helps identify the dog and can confirm the animal’s appearance during any future investigation. Take a photo only if it is safe to do so. - Check for Nearby Surveillance Cameras
Look for doorbell cameras, building security systems, or businesses nearby that may have captured the incident on surveillance video. - Request Vehicle Surveillance Footage (if available)
If you are a delivery driver and were bitten while performing the duties of your job, immediately request video footage from your vehicle’s camera if one exists. - Request the Dog’s Medical and Vaccination Records
Ask the owner for up-to-date records, especially rabies vaccinations, so your healthcare provider can take appropriate action. - Gather Witness Information
Collect names and contact information for anyone who may have seen the incident. Their testimony can support your version of events.
Call an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
If you’ve been bitten or otherwise injured by a dog, you need to know your rights. Taking the above steps not only protects your health and safety but also strengthens a potential legal claim.
Each dog bite case is unique, and it is important to speak to a lawyer who has successfully handled a significant number of these types of cases. At Parker Scheer LLP, we understand how traumatic the aftermath of a serious dog bite can be and will apply our considerable experience and resources to fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have extensive experience with a wide variety of dog bite injuries, such as permanent scarring, infection, psychological trauma including post traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), facial reconstruction, cellulitis, amputations, and complex fractures.
We offer free consultations and you only pay us if we recover on your behalf. Reach out to the dog bite legal team at Parker Scheer for advice on pursuing your dog bite injury claim.
