Dog bite claims: what to do and how a claim works
Last updated: November 10, 2026
After a dog bite, get to safety, get the owner's name and contact details, report the bite to animal control, and take photos. Dog bite claims are usually paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not out of the owner's pocket.
What to do after a dog bite
Get safe and call 911 if needed
Put distance between you and the dog and call 911 if you need help.
Get the owner's details
Ask for the owner's name, address and phone, and whether they have homeowner's or renter's insurance.
Report the bite
Report it to local animal control or the police and ask for the report number.
Take photos
Photograph the dog, where it happened, any broken fence or open gate, and your torn clothes or belongings.
Find witnesses
Take the names and numbers of anyone who saw what happened, and neighbors who know the dog.
Tell your insurer if it was at home
If the bite happened on your own property, tell your insurer and keep the claim number.
Keep records and receipts
Save receipts, records of time missed from work and every message with the owner or insurers.
Check the deadline
Find out how long you have to bring a claim in your state, and act well before it.
Who pays
Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, which often covers bites that happen on or off the owner's property. Some policies leave out certain breeds or dogs with a history of biting.
If the dog was at a landlord's property or in someone else's care, that person's insurance may be involved too. Each state sets its own rules on when an owner is responsible.
How long you have
Every state limits how long you have to bring an accident claim. In most states the deadline is two to three years from the accident, some states allow less, and claims against a city, county or state agency often need a written notice within months.
Once the deadline passes, you can lose the right to be paid at all, so check yours early. The state guides list the deadlines in Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and New York, with the law each comes from.
How CaseHelp helps
Start with the free case check: a few questions about what happened. Then Sarah, CaseHelp's AI assistant, or a member of our team calls to go over your answers and your options.
If you have a claim, we introduce you to an independent partner law firm. Accident lawyers usually work on contingency, which means no fee unless they win; case costs may apply. There is no obligation at any step.
Deadlines and fault rules by state
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to prove the dog bit before?
It depends on your state, and the rules differ from state to state. A lawyer can tell you what applies where you live.
The owner is a friend or neighbor. Will they pay?
Usually their homeowner's or renter's insurance pays, not them personally. That is what the policy is for.
What if the dog knocked me down but did not bite?
You may still have a claim. Being knocked over by a dog can lead to the same kind of claim as a bite.
Should I report the bite?
Yes. A report to animal control creates a record of what happened and helps keep others safe.
CaseHelp is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed lawyer in your state.