What To Do After A Dog Bites You

By Doug Standriff on November 5, 2025

Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and painful experience, whether it happens while walking through your neighborhood, visiting someone’s home, or even during your workday. Beyond the initial shock and pain, many people are unsure of what to do after a dog bite. Should you go to the hospital? Do you need to report it? Is the owner legally responsible? These questions often come up in the chaotic aftermath of an attack.

The truth is that dog bites can lead to serious medical complications and legal consequences. That’s why it’s so important to know how to respond right away and in the days that follow. Prompt action can make a difference in your recovery, prevent infections, and preserve your legal rights if you decide to pursue a claim for damages.

Get to a Safe Location and Evaluate the Injury

The very first thing to do after a dog bite is to remove yourself from danger. If the dog is still nearby, try to create distance or find help. Once you’re in a safe space, assess the extent of the injury. Even a bite that appears minor on the surface can involve deep puncture wounds, crushed tissue, or nerve damage. You may not feel the full effects immediately due to shock or adrenaline, so don’t downplay the seriousness of what happened.

For moderate to severe injuries (especially if there is bleeding, swelling, or broken skin), it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to the bacteria present in a dog’s mouth, and complications such as cellulitis or sepsis can occur if not properly treated.

Clean the Wound and Control Bleeding

If the wound is minor and you’re able to manage it temporarily before seeking medical attention, rinse it gently with soap and warm water. Use a clean cloth to apply pressure and stop any bleeding. Then cover the area with sterile gauze or a clean bandage. Keep in mind that basic first aid is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, especially if the bite breaks the skin or causes significant damage.

Medical professionals can determine whether you need stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus shot. If the dog’s vaccination history is unknown, you may also need a rabies vaccine series as a precaution.

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

As soon as possible, try to identify the dog that bit you and its owner. This information is critical for both medical and legal reasons. If the owner is present, ask for their contact details and whether the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination. If the dog is a stray or the owner leaves the scene, you should report the bite to your local animal control agency. Authorities may be able to locate the animal and assess the risk of further attacks.

Be sure to record as many details as possible, including the breed of the dog, where the incident occurred, and what led up to the bite. These facts will be useful when filing a report or consulting an attorney.

Report the Bite to Local Authorities

Many cities and counties require that dog bites be reported to the local animal control or health department. This helps authorities monitor dangerous animals, enforce leash laws, and determine whether the dog has a history of aggression. It also creates an official record of the incident, which can be important evidence if you later decide to file a legal claim.

Even if you know the dog or its owner, don’t skip this step. Reporting the incident helps ensure the dog is properly quarantined or evaluated and reduces the risk of future attacks on others.

Document Your Injuries and Keep Records

One of the most important things you can do after a dog bite is to thoroughly document everything. Take clear photos of your injuries from multiple angles and continue documenting them during your recovery. Keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and hospital visits. If you’ve had to miss work or make changes to your routine because of the injury, note that as well.

These records are essential for building a strong personal injury case. A dog bite can lead to expensive medical bills, scarring, loss of mobility, and emotional trauma. The more detailed your documentation, the easier it will be to prove the impact the incident has had on your life.

Consider Whether the Bite Happened During Work

If you were bitten by a dog while on the job, for instance, as a delivery person, postal worker, or home health aide, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation in addition to pursuing a claim against the dog’s owner. This situation involves a unique overlap between personal injury and workplace law.

If that applies to you, speak with a workplace injury lawyer in Bergen County who understands how to navigate both types of claims. You shouldn’t have to choose between your employer’s insurance benefits and your right to hold the dog owner accountable.

Understand New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws

In New Jersey, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means that even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before, the owner can still be held financially responsible for your injuries. You do not have to prove negligence or a failure to control the dog, only that the bite occurred while you were lawfully on public or private property.

This strict liability rule makes it easier for bite victims to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. However, insurance companies don’t always make the process easy, and owners may try to avoid responsibility. That’s why having an experienced dog bite attorney on your side can make a significant difference.

Get Legal Guidance for Your Claim

After receiving medical care and reporting the bite, your next step should be to speak with a legal professional. A qualified attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

Time is also a factor. New Jersey law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, meaning you have a limited window in which to take legal action. The sooner you begin the process, the more options you may have.

At Bergen Law, we’ve handled dog bite cases of all kinds, ranging from mild injuries to life-altering attacks. We understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents can take, and we work diligently to ensure that our clients are treated fairly and receive full compensation. If you or a loved one has been bitten, don’t wait. Reach out to a Bergen County dog bite lawyer who can guide you every step of the way.