Bitten by a Dog? Here Are Your Legal Options
Most of us grow up hearing that dogs are loyal, friendly, and always on our side. They sit beside us on long car rides, guard our homes, and are often the highlight of family holidays. But even the friendliest dog has teeth, and when something triggers fear, pain, or aggression, even “man’s best friend” can turn dangerous in a split second. No one walks out their door expecting to be bitten, but with over 4.7 million dog bites reported in the U.S. each year, the risk is very real.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, this article will walk you through everything you need to know, what your legal options are, who can be held responsible, and how to start getting your life back on track.
We’re not just going to tell you “You should talk to a lawyer,” and leave it at that. If you’re trying to figure out what to do after being bitten, the skilled dog bite injury lawyers at Morris Bart have seen it all before and can help you understand exactly what steps to take.
They know how overwhelming it is when you’re in pain, bills are stacking up, and you’re unsure what your rights even are. Their job is to make the legal stuff easier so you can focus on getting better. If you’re looking for real help from people who know what they’re doing, that’s where you start.
What Are Your Rights If You’re Bitten By a Dog?
If you have been bitten by a dog, here are some rights that are yours to exercise:
You have the right to seek compensation
If a dog bites you, you absolutely have the right to take legal action. In many states, the dog owner is legally responsible if their dog bites someone.
In legal terms, this is called “strict liability.” What that means is simple: even if the dog never bit anyone before, even if it seemed calm, even if the owner didn’t think anything would happen, they’re still responsible. You do not need to prove the dog was dangerous before. You do not need to show that the owner was careless. The only thing that matters is this: their dog bit you. That’s enough.
So if someone tells you, “Oh, my dog’s never done that before,” or “It was just a one-time thing,” that does not erase your rights. The law says they still owe you for the damage their dog caused.
And that compensation isn’t just for your hospital bill. It can cover a lot more, including:
• Emergency room visits, medications, or surgeries
• Future medical care, like physical therapy or counseling
• Lost income if you had to miss work
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Scarring or permanent damage to your body
If the bite affects your life in any way, legally, you have the right to be compensated for it.
You have the right to hold negligent owners accountable
One of the most important rights you have is the right to hold a careless dog owner accountable. This can be a means of making sure the same dog doesn’t attack someone else. You could be protecting another kid, another parent, or even someone just walking home from school.
Dog owners have a legal duty to control their pets. That includes using leashes, fences, and muzzles when needed. If they fail to do that, and their dog hurts someone, they should be held responsible. That’s not revenge; it’s justice. And it’s how the system is supposed to work.
Steps to Take After the Attack
After a dog bite, your actions can seriously affect your chances of getting justice and compensation. First, don’t argue with the dog’s owner or anyone else at the scene. Anything you say might get used against you later. Just focus on getting medical help. Keep every document, such as the medical bills, photos of your injuries, any videos, and even a written log of what happened and how you’re feeling afterward.
You’ll also want to talk to a lawyer. Not just any lawyer, but someone who really understands dog bite laws in your state and how these cases work. They can help you collect evidence, figure out if the dog’s owner was clearly at fault, and build a case that gives you the best chance at compensation.
And no, this doesn’t mean you’re being sue-happy. That’s not it. You have the right to stand up for your rights, and that’s exactly what you’re doing.
