Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Dogs Vets
A dog bite doesn’t just leave a mark on your skin. It changes your whole life in seconds. One minute, you’re minding your own business. The next, you’re in pain, bleeding, maybe even in shock. The medical bills start stacking up. You miss work. You’re left wondering, What now?
If this happened to you, you have the right to hold the dog’s owner responsible. But here’s the hard truth: getting fair compensation isn’t as simple as it should be.
Insurance companies will fight to pay you as little as possible. The dog’s owner might deny fault. And if you make the wrong moves, you could lose out on the money you need to recover. To seek compensation from the dog’s owner, you need to prove what happened, and that’s not always easy without legal help.
This isn’t just about a check. It’s about making sure you don’t get stuck with medical debt. It’s about holding negligent owners accountable. It’s about justice. But to get there, you have to avoid these costly mistakes.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Act
You’re in pain. You’re overwhelmed. It’s easy to put off legal stuff when you’re just trying to heal. But time is not on your side.
The statute of limitations gives you a specific number of years (like two or three) to file a claim. That sounds like plenty of time—until you realize how fast evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. The dog’s owner might move. Surveillance footage gets erased. And if you wait too long, the courts might refuse to hear your case at all.
Do this as soon as possible:
- Get medical care—even if the bite seems “small.” Infections and nerve damage don’t always show up right away.
- Take pictures of your injuries. Bruising, swelling, stitches—document everything.
- Report the bite to animal control. This creates an official record, which can help your case.
- Keep track of medical bills, missed workdays, and anything else that costs you money.
And most importantly, don’t try to handle this alone.
Mistake #2: Talking to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters sound nice. They act like they care. They’ll tell you they “just need a statement to process your claim.” But here’s what they won’t tell you:
- Everything you say is being recorded—and could be used against you.
- They’re trained to get you to downplay your injuries.
- Their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
You might say something as simple as, “I’m feeling a little better today.” They’ll use that to argue that your injuries aren’t that bad. Or they’ll ask a tricky question, and before you know it, they twist your words to blame you for the bite.
Don’t fall for it. Let a lawyer handle those conversations. They know how to push back when the insurance company tries to lowball or deny your claim.
Mistake #3: Not Knowing the Law
Some states have a strict liability rule for dog bites. That means the owner is responsible for their dog—no matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before. They don’t get a free pass just because it’s the first time.
Sounds simple, right? Except there are exceptions.
- If you provoked the dog, the owner might not be liable.
- If you were trespassing, they could argue you had no right to be there.
This is why a local attorney matters. They understand state and city-specific laws. They know how to prove liability when the dog owner tries to make excuses.
Mistake #4: Accepting the First Settlement Offer
The first offer from the insurance company might feel like a relief. You’re stressed. You need money. You just want this to be over.
But here’s the thing: that first offer is almost never fair.
Dog bites can cause long-term issues—nerve damage, scarring, emotional trauma. Some people develop PTSD. Some need surgery. What if your injuries get worse? Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more later.
A good lawyer will look at the big picture. They’ll factor in future medical costs, lost wages, and the pain you’ve endured. They’ll fight for the full amount you actually deserve, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Mistake #5: Thinking You Can Handle It Alone
Some people avoid calling a lawyer because they think it’ll cost too much. But here’s the truth: most dog bite lawyers work on contingency. That means they don’t get paid unless you win.
Think of it this way—insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting for you?
A lawyer will:
- Gather the right evidence to prove your case
- Handle the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Make sure you’re not getting shortchanged in a settlement
Final Thoughts
A dog bite is more than just a physical injury. It’s medical bills, lost wages, stress, and uncertainty. The law is supposed to protect you, but making mistakes can cost you the money you need to move forward.
Take action. Get help. And don’t settle for less than you deserve.
