I’ve been bitten by a vicious dog.
Now what?

Maybe you don’t want to file a claim just for a dog bite. But in many cases, you can receive a settlement to help offset your medical expenses, permanent disfigurement, and pain and suffering. That’s because dog bites are puncture wounds that can leave a scar, require stitches or even transmit rabies.

If you’ve been attacked by a dog – even one belonging to a friend or a neighbor – you may be able to sue:

• The dog’s owner
• The owner of the property where the dog lives
• The insurance companies (homeowner’s insurance often covers dog bites)

And it’s not just pit bulls and rottweilers that can be vicious. In fact, many attacks come from dalmatians, Labradors and even poodles. Whether it’s a purebred dog, one from the SPCA or one that the dogcatcher has been after for weeks, O’Brien Boyd can help. The dog doesn’t have to be off leash for you to have a case. It doesn’t matter if you’re a postal worker or a small child – or even if the dog has already been put down.

What should I do if I’ve been bitten by a dog?

1. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water, and seek medical attention
2. Write down the dog owner’s name, address and insurance information
3. Write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses
4. Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency, and tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog, including his owner’s name and the address where he lives
5. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control official what the dog looks like, where you saw him, whether you’ve seen him before and in which direction he went
6. Take photos of your injury
7. Do NOT sign any documents from an insurance company before you speak with an attorney. Often, insurance companies will try to get you to sign away your rights in return for a small settlement that may not even cover your future medical bills.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, please call 716-839-7777, e-mail an attorney at O’Brien Boyd, or fill out this form to see if you have a case.