I Was Bitten by a Neighbor’s Dog. What Should I Do?

Being bitten by a dog, especially one owned by a neighbor, can be a stressful and unsettling experience. Beyond the immediate pain and discomfort, you may find yourself uncertain about the next steps. 

Ellis & Thomas, PLLC is here to help explain what to do after a dog bite in Houston, Texas, including medical treatment, legal considerations, and how to deal with your neighbor. Understanding how to respond appropriately can help protect your health and your legal rights.

Seek Medical Attention for Your Injury

No matter how small the bite seems, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider. Dog bites can cause more than just superficial wounds. A bite could puncture deeper tissues, potentially leading to infections, nerve damage, or other medical concerns. 

In some cases, bacteria from a dog’s mouth can infect the wound, resulting in complications that could require long-term treatment. Even if the dog appears healthy, there’s a chance it could transmit diseases. Rabies is one of the most serious risks associated with dog bites, although it is rare in many places due to widespread vaccination programs. 

Your doctor will assess the risk of infection, evaluate whether you need a tetanus shot or rabies vaccine, and determine if any other treatments are necessary. The severity of the personal injury will dictate the course of action taken, so getting medical advice promptly is important.

Additionally, medical records of your injury can play a critical role if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. Detailed documentation of your injuries, treatments, and recovery time will be essential in establishing the impact of the bite on your life.

Assess the Risk of Rabies and Other Diseases

One of the primary concerns after a dog bite is the potential transmission of rabies. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. As mentioned, while rabies is rare in many developed areas, it’s still a risk, particularly if the dog wasn’t vaccinated or if its vaccination status is unknown.

If the dog that bit you is a neighbor's pet, you may be able to obtain information about its rabies vaccination status. The dog owner should be able to provide you with vaccination records, which will help your doctor assess the need for a rabies shot. If the dog’s vaccination history is unclear, or if the dog is a stray, your doctor may recommend a series of post-exposure rabies vaccinations to prevent the onset of the disease.

In addition to rabies, other infections like tetanus, Lyme disease, or parasites could also be transmitted through a dog bite. Some of these infections can be serious, and depending on the location and depth of the bite, they may require more extensive treatment.

Report the Incident to Local Authorities

After seeking medical attention, you should report the dog bite to local authorities, such as animal control or the police. Reporting the incident is important for several reasons. First, it helps authorities track dangerous dogs in the community and can prevent future attacks. 

If the dog was behaving aggressively or showed signs of being a danger to others, authorities may need to investigate its behavior and determine whether it should be quarantined or assessed for rabies.

Second, a formal report can serve as documentation of the incident. In some cases, having a record of the bite can be helpful if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. 

Authorities may also investigate whether the dog owner was in violation of local leash laws or other regulations related to pet safety. While this might not directly affect your medical care, it could impact the legal aspect of your case.

Communication With the Dog Owner

Once you have addressed the immediate medical needs and reported the incident, it’s important to have a conversation with the dog’s owner. This can be difficult, especially if the bite was severe or the injury is causing you significant distress, but it’s a necessary step. 

Start by discussing the situation calmly and gathering information about the dog, including its vaccination history and any previous incidents involving aggressive behavior. You should ask the owner for the dog’s medical records, particularly regarding rabies and other vaccinations. This information will help you make informed decisions about your treatment. 

Additionally, the dog owner may be responsible for your medical expenses and other damages caused by the bite, so understanding the owner’s willingness to cover those costs is an important part of resolving the situation.

If the dog owner is uncooperative or refuses to provide necessary information, you may need to take further action. It’s essential to keep a record of all communication with the dog owner, including any written correspondence and notes from in-person conversations.

Legal Considerations for Personal Injury and Dog Bites

If you have sustained significant injuries from the dog bite, you may want to consider filing a personal injury claim. Personal injury law allows individuals to seek compensation for damages resulting from accidents, including injuries caused by dog bites. 

When pursuing a personal injury claim for a dog bite, several factors are considered. These include the severity of the injury, the costs of medical treatment, any lost wages, and the emotional and psychological impact of the bite.

In many jurisdictions, dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets, especially if the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner was negligent in controlling the animal. However, laws can vary depending on the location and specific circumstances of the attack. In some places, a dog’s breed, prior behavior, or the location of the bite may influence the legal outcome.

For example, if the dog was off-leash in an area where leash laws apply, the dog owner may be held liable for your injuries. Similarly, if the dog had previously exhibited aggressive behavior and the owner failed to take precautions, such as keeping the dog contained or muzzling it, the owner may be deemed negligent.

Consulting with an attorney who handles personal injury cases involving dog bites can help you understand your legal rights and options. An attorney can assess the circumstances of your case, advise you on how to proceed, and help you determine the best course of action to take in pursuit of compensation.

Reach Out to Our Firm Today

Being bitten by a neighbor’s dog is a traumatic event that requires prompt attention to your physical and legal needs. Taking immediate steps to care for your injury and seek medical treatment is the first priority. 

As the situation progresses, documenting the details, communicating with the dog owner, and understanding the legal implications of the bite are all crucial. At Ellis & Thomas, PLLC, we provide services to Houston, Texas, as well as Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, and Harris County. We can help you with every step of this process. 

By taking the right steps early, you can help protect both your health and your legal position, seeing that you receive the necessary representation for your injury and its long-term effects. Give Ellis & Thomas, PLLC a call today to get connected with an experienced personal injury attorney you can depend on.