What Are Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite?

bitten by a dog
Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham Blog April 2, 2024

What Are Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite?

Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years. But, despite their endearing qualities, dogs can also be a source of danger, particularly when they bite. As National Dog Bite Prevention Week approaches, everyone must know their legal rights after a dog bite. Most dog bites can be prevented by responsible pet ownership, but any dog can bite in the right circumstances, especially if they feel threatened or anxious. If a dog has bitten you, you might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Here, the Quad Cities personal injury attorneys at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham Law explain your legal rights after a dog bite.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If a dog has bitten you, there are a few things you need to do before contacting a personal injury attorney: 

  • Exchange information with the owner: make sure to obtain the name and phone number of the dog’s owner and their liability insurance information.
  • Check for witnesses: if there are any witnesses, make sure to get their information as well. Their testimony can corroborate your account of the incident in a personal injury case.
  • Take photos and video: photos and videos of both the accident scene and your injuries are vital evidence for a dog bite personal injury case. Be sure to check for any signs of negligence, such as an unleashed dog, broken fences, dogs without a collar or tag, open gates, etc. 
  • Seek medical attention: even if the bite appears to be minor, it’s essential to have it evaluated by a medical professional to determine if any treatment is necessary. If the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or you or the person who was bitten has a weakened immune system, immediate medical attention is required. A round of antibiotics and anti-rabies medication may be necessary. 
  • Report the incident to animal control: in some locations, dog bites treated at a medical facility will be reported by staff. If the dog is unlicensed or its owner is unknown, animal control authorities may be able to help locate the dog based on your description and find its owner. In addition, many cities and some states require that a dog be quarantined after it bites someone to check for rabies. A local animal control department can also see if the dog has attacked someone before. This information could be vital in a personal injury claim. 

Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite 

After gathering evidence, obtaining medical treatment, and reporting the incident to the proper authorities, starting a dog bite personal injury claim is recommended. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights after a dog bite, including: 

  • Seeking compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the bite.
  • Understanding the actual value of your claim and negotiating with insurance companies or the dog owner’s attorney to obtain fair compensation.
  • Aiding in the investigation by gathering evidence to help build a strong case. 
  • Representing you in court.
  • Negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company or legal representation to reach a settlement to compensate for your losses.

Each state has different laws regarding dog bites and liability. For example, dog owners in Illinois are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous or had reason to suspect it would bite. 

In Iowa, strict liability also applies for dog bites. However, if a dog has rabies, the dog owner will not be held liable for dog bite injuries unless they had prior knowledge of their dog’s condition and failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the dog from attacking or biting someone. Your attorney will review the facts of the case and determine the best course of action to receive the compensation you are entitled to. 

Contact a Quad Cities Dog Bite Lawyer 

Dog owners don’t want to think their pet can cause harm, but it is always possible. If this happens, our team of caring and compassionate Quad Cities dog bite lawyers can help you understand your legal rights after a dog bite. Our team can fight for you while you concentrate on recovery. 

The personal injury attorneys at Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham Law have over 120 years of combined legal experience serving clients in the Quad Cities, including Rock Island, Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Whiteside, and Knox counties in Illinois or Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, Cedar, and Jackson counties in Iowa.

When you hire one of our attorneys, you can be sure they will fight for you. So get started right now by scheduling a free case consultation. Reach us 24/7 by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form

The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.