From Our Resource Center
Explore general information about dog bite laws, state rules, and the legal process.
What Happens to a Dog After It Bites Someone?
September 17, 2026
It is understandable to worry about what will happen to the dog, especially if it belongs to someone you know. However, reporting a bite does not automatically mean the dog will be in trouble. In most cases, the dog is confined and observed for about 10 days to rule out rabies. Depending on the circumstances,
How to Respond to a Dog Bite Settlement Offer
August 30, 2026
You do not have to accept a dog bite settlement offer. A first offer is normally a starting point rather than the insurer’s final position, and rejecting it or asking questions about it is a routine part of the process. Before you respond, do not sign the release form and do not deposit any check
Can You Sue a Friend, Neighbor or Family Member for a Dog Bite?
August 27, 2026
Yes, you can generally make a claim after a dog bite even if the dog belongs to someone you know. In most cases, compensation comes from the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance rather than from their own pocket. It is also important to understand that making a claim does not necessarily mean taking the dog
Who Pays Medical Bills After a Dog Bite?
August 23, 2026
In most cases, you pay your medical bills through your own health insurance, and the dog owner’s insurance repays those costs later as part of a settlement. Below, we explain who pays now, what the dog owner’s insurance covers, what to do if you cannot afford the bills, and how everything is repaid once your
Dog Bite Settlements for Children: What Parents Need to Know
August 16, 2026
A dog bite can be especially upsetting when it happens to your child. While you’re focused on helping them recover, you may also have questions about what their claim could be worth and what happens to any settlement. Below, we explain what can affect the value of a child’s claim, how the settlement process works,
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
August 13, 2026
In most cases homeowners insurance does cover dog bites. Renters insurance usually works the same way. Below, we explain which parts of a policy pay, how much money is usually available, when coverage does not apply, and what to do if the owner turns out to have no insurance. The Two Parts of a Policy
How Long Does a Dog Bite Settlement Take?
August 9, 2026
How long a dog bite settlement takes depends mostly on two things: how serious the injury is and whether anyone disputes who was at fault. A minor bite with a cooperative dog owner may settle in a few months, while a more serious injury usually takes several months to a year or longer. Below, we
What Proof Do You Need for a Dog Bite Claim?
August 4, 2026
If you were bitten by a dog and want to make a claim, gathering the right evidence is one of the most important steps. A strong claim is usually built using medical records, an animal control report, photographs of your injuries, and other documents that support what happened. Below, we explain what counts as evidence
What to Do After a Dog Bite (Step-by-Step)
July 30, 2026
After a dog bite, prioritize getting to safety first and seeking medical care. Once you are safe and have received treatment, it is worth understanding your legal options, since you may be owed compensation. Below, we walk you through what to do step by step, so you can protect both your health and your claim.
Dog Bite Laws by State: Who Is Responsible When a Dog Bites?
July 26, 2026
In most states, the dog’s owner is automatically at fault when a bite happens. This usually applies as long as you were lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. A smaller group of states only holds the owner responsible if they knew the dog was dangerous. Below, you can check your state, see what