What to Do After a Dog Bite in Washington, DC: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

Dog bites can happen suddenly — in a neighborhood park, a friend’s home, or even on a city sidewalk. When they do, victims often face painful injuries, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about what to do next.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in the Washington, DC area, knowing how to respond can protect both your health and your legal rights.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even a small puncture wound from a dog bite can lead to serious infections such as rabies, tetanus, or MRSA. Seek medical care right away — either from an emergency room, urgent care center, or your primary doctor.
Your healthcare provider will:

• Clean and treat the wound to prevent infection
• Document the injury in your medical records (important for your claim)
• Determine whether rabies vaccination or antibiotics are needed

Prompt treatment not only ensures your safety but also creates an official record that can support your injury case.

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Try to determine who owns the dog that bit you. Collect the owner’s:

• Full name and contact information
• Dog license or vaccination details (if available)
• Any homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information

If the dog was unaccompanied or stray, note its appearance and location. Contact DC Animal Care and Control by calling (202) 888-7387 to report the incident. Their records can assist in locating the animal and verifying vaccination status.

Step 3: Report the Incident

In Washington, DC, all dog bites should be reported to DC Health or Animal Control.
This step is crucial because:

• It ensures the dog is properly quarantined or monitored
• It creates an official report of the incident
• It helps prevent future attacks

You can find instructions for reporting a bite on the DC Health Animal Services website.

Step 4: Gather Evidence

Documentation is key in proving negligence and damages. If possible:

• Take photos of your injuries and the location where the bite occurred
• Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses
• Keep copies of medical records, hospital bills, and communications with the dog owner

If the bite occurred on someone else’s property — such as a friend’s home, apartment complex, or public park — note those details. They may determine who is liable.

Step 5: Avoid Discussing Fault or Accepting Settlements

After a dog bite, insurance representatives or property owners might contact you quickly. Avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or signing any paperwork before speaking to a lawyer.
Even friendly or apologetic conversations can be used against you later. A personal injury attorney can handle communications on your behalf and protect your claim’s value.

Step 6: Contact a Washington, DC Dog Bite Attorney

A dog bite can result in medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, and long-term pain. Under DC personal injury law, victims may be entitled to compensation if the dog’s owner acted negligently — such as failing to leash, restrain, or warn others about a dangerous pet.

An experienced attorney can:

• Investigate the incident and gather evidence
• Determine liability under DC’s dog bite laws
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Pursue fair compensation for your injuries and emotional distress

---

Legal Help for Dog Bite Victims in Washington, DC

Dog bite cases can be complex — especially when liability is disputed or injuries are severe. If you’ve been attacked by a dog in Washington, DC, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Contact Roeser Law Firm for a free consultation. Our legal team understands the local laws that govern animal attacks and works to secure justice for injured victims across the District and surrounding areas.
Call (202) 660-4070 or contact us online to schedule a case evaluation today.