Dog bites can leave more than just a temporary mark – they can cause lasting injuries, infection, and emotional distress, especially if the wounds are deep or a child is involved. Acting quickly isn’t just about protecting your health. It’s also essential for your legal rights. Contacting our St. Louis dog bite injury lawyer can help guide your through the legal process.
In Missouri, the law generally holds dog owners strictly liable, meaning they may be responsible for your medical bills and other losses even if the dog never bit anyone before. Immediate steps after the bite can help you recover faster and make it easier to hold the owner accountable for what happened. Here are some of the most important things you can do after being bitten by a dog:
Step 1: Get to a Safe Location
Your first concern should always be safety. Move away from the dog as soon as you can to prevent additional bites or injuries. If the animal is still acting aggressively and can’t be contained, don’t hesitate to call animal control or law enforcement for help. They’re trained to handle these situations and prevent the dog from hurting someone else or from hurting you even more.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
Even a bite that looks minor can turn serious fast. Dog saliva can cause infections, and deep wounds may need stitches or additional care. See a doctor or visit urgent care as soon as possible. Medical providers will document your injuries (which is important for a legal claim) and determine if you need a tetanus shot, antibiotics, or treatment for possible rabies exposure.
Step 3: Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Try to get the name, phone number, and address of the dog’s owner right away. Find out if the dog’s vaccinations are current. If you can do so safely, take a photo of the dog and its surroundings
Step 4: Report the Bite
Contact local animal control or the police and file an official report. This step creates a public record documenting the bite, which can be very helpful for your health, your St. Louis dog bite claim, and for protecting the community from future incidents.
Step 5: Document Everything
Take clear photos of your injuries, the location where you were bitten, and any torn or bloodied clothing. Write down every detail about how the bite happened while your memory is still fresh. Make sure you obtain or keep your medical records, receipts, bills, and any written communication with the dog owner or their insurance company.
Step 6: Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone
You might get a call from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company. Be polite, but don’t agree to give a recorded statement or accept any offer until you’ve had a chance to speak to a lawyer. Insurers are looking to settle quickly, often for less than your case is worth.
Step 7: Contact a Missouri Dog Bite Attorney
A knowledgeable dog bite injury attorney in St. Louis can step in to investigate the bite, track down witnesses, and interpret Missouri’s strict liability dog bite laws. Your lawyer will work to get you fair compensation for medical expenses, missed work, and the pain you’ve suffered. The legal process can be confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Taking these actions is the best way to stay safe and give you the strongest position to file a personal injury claim in St. Louis. If you have questions or you’re ready to get started, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.