Essential Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
Dog bites are often frightening and painful experiences. Many people struggle with sudden injuries, unexpected medical bills, and the uncertainty of what steps to take next. These experiences can leave lasting physical scars as well as emotional stress, including anxiety, sleepless nights, or fear of animals.
It’s normal to feel anxious or unsure about your options after a dog bite. Taking care of both your health and emotional well-being is an integral part of moving forward safely and confidently.
At Townsend Law, LLC, we assist clients in Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri in understanding the necessary steps to take after a dog bite. From gathering documentation to communicating with authorities and insurers, we can guide you through the process with care. Contact our Overland Park, Kansas, office to discuss your case and explore your options.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Care
If a dog has bitten you, it's essential to obtain prompt medical attention as soon as possible. Even minor wounds can become infected or require a tetanus or rabies shot. Delaying care may worsen injuries and impact documentation for potential claims. When seeking treatment, include these actions:
Describe the incident in detail: Include the dog’s behavior and the circumstances that led to the bite.
Follow all medical instructions: Take all prescribed medications and attend medical follow-ups as instructed.
Keep detailed records: Save all bills, receipts, test results, and written advice from healthcare providers.
Timely medical care can help protect your health and provide critical documentation for any legal action.
Step 2: Report the Dog Bite to the Authorities
Reporting a dog bite to local authorities is required by Kansas law. Animal control and law enforcement records create an official account of the incident. Prompt reporting also helps prevent future injuries to others. When filing a report, be sure to provide the following information:
Dog owner details: Include their name, address, and contact information.
Incident specifics: Include the date, time, location, and description of the circumstances that led up to the bite.
Witness statements: Include the names and contact information of any observers in case they need to be contacted in the future.
Properly documenting a dog bite incident with the authorities doesn't just strengthen your case. It allows you to hold the dog owner accountable for their actions or negligence.
Step 3: Collect Evidence After a Bite
Following a dog bite, it's crucial to collect sufficient evidence. This should include photos or videos (where applicable) of the bite and the location of the incident, witness statements, environmental factors or signage, and any clothing or personal items that were affected by the bite.
Strong evidence can help demonstrate the severity and context of the incident, in addition to accurately reflecting the circumstances that led up to the bite.
Step 4: Communicate Carefully With Insurers
After a dog bite, you will likely need to file an insurance claim. However, it's important to be careful when speaking with an insurance company or adjuster. Avoid making statements that could suggest fault, and do not accept early offers for settlements.
Instead, provide organized documentation of your medical treatment and expenses. Being clear, factual, and organized helps protect your interests and prevents unnecessary disputes with insurers.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to consult an experienced dog bite attorney before speaking with the insurance company. An attorney can often handle these negotiations on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Step 5: Monitor Your Health After Your Initial Treatment
Even after receiving a medical evaluation, you will need to monitor your wounds carefully. Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, or fever. Follow medical guidance for care and avoid exposing yourself to further risk from the animal. Ongoing care helps your injuries heal properly and strengthens the documentation you need to pursue a claim.
Step 6: File a Claim for Compensation
Once you have received medical care and gathered detailed evidence, you have the right to file a claim for compensation against the dog owner. In Kansas, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. However, in Missouri, you must file a claim within five years.
Liability Considerations for Dog Bites
Kansas and Missouri both follow a "strict liability" policy for dog bites. This means that you can hold dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their animals even if the dog showed no prior signs of aggression. Liability can also extend to caretakers or renters in some cases.
Understanding these responsibilities enables you to take the proper steps after a dog bite and make informed decisions about your recovery.
Potential Compensation for a Dog Bite
Dog bites often result in medical bills, property damage, or rehabilitation costs. Knowing your options for managing these expenses reduces stress. Accurate documentation and careful communication with insurers are essential. The primary types of compensation you might be eligible to pursue include:
Medical costs: This includes any costs associated with emergency care, follow-ups, medications, and physical therapy.
Property damage: This includes any clothing or personal items that were damaged in the incident.
Rehabilitation expenses: This includes counseling, therapy, or mobility aids that were required during your physical or emotional rehabilitation.
Long-Term Health Considerations
Some dog bite injuries require long-term care, especially if infections, nerve damage, or scarring occur. In these cases, you may need to undergo ongoing medical appointments, physical therapy, or reconstructive treatments. Therefore, monitoring your long-term recovery can help you maintain accurate records that support your legal claims.
Steps Parents with Children Should Take After a Dog Bite
In cases where a child has been bitten, parents should remain calm and reassure the child while taking photographs of the injuries and reporting the bite immediately. Emotional support in these situations is as important as physical treatment.
However, it's essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. Even minor bites can lead to infection or long-term scarring. Keeping thorough records, including witness statements from neighbors or teachers, helps make sure the incident is fully documented.
Parents should also watch for behavioral changes in children. Fear of animals, nightmares, or reluctance to go outside are common after dog bites. Consulting a counselor or child psychologist can help children process the experience and regain confidence.
How Townsend Law, LLC Can Help
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, our firm is committed to guiding you through every part of the process. Our attorney, Michael D. Townsend, will review your medical records, evidence, and reports to help you understand your eligibility to pursue a claim under Kansas or Missouri law.
By keeping detailed records and communicating effectively with insurers, we will help you take informed and careful steps after a dog bite, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, we are ready to discuss your case and help you move forward.
Taking Action Today With Townsend Law, LLC
Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. Prompt, careful action is critical for your health, documentation, and legal options. We encourage clients in Kansas and Missouri to contact our Overland Park office to review their case.
Our firm at Townsend Law, LLC can help you take informed steps after a dog bite. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
