How We Help After a Dog Bites
 

Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional injuries. We move quickly to identify the dog and owner, preserve evidence, and open the right insurance claims (often homeowner’s or renter’s policies). Our team coordinates medical records and bills, documents scarring and infection risk, calculates wage loss and future care (including revision surgery), and builds a fact-driven demand. You get clear, straightforward updates, timelines, and honest expectations. If an insurer won’t be reasonable, we’re prepared to file suit and press your case in court. Hablamos español.

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Common Scenarios – Why Facts Matter

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Unrestrained dogs • Attacks in public spaces • Bites on private property • Dogs escaping yards • “Friendly” dogs that bite without warning • Child injuries
We document ownership/control, the location and circumstances, prior incidents or complaints, and the medical course (ER, antibiotics, rabies protocol, plastics/dermatology follow-up).

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Evidence we secure

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• Incident report (animal control/police) and rabies/vaccination info

• Photos of wounds immediately and during healing (with scale)

• Witness statements and neighbor/surveillance video

• Prior complaints or leash/containment violations (where available)

• Medical records, bills, and employer documentation

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Idaho Rules 

 

• Dog bite claims can arise under negligence and, in some situations, statutory liability depending on the facts. We evaluate the best path for recovery.

• Comparative negligence may reduce recovery if a claimant shares fault (case-specific).

• Deadlines (general guidance): Injury claims are usually about 2 years; claims involving a government entity can require a notice within ~180 days.
  Deadlines and liability rules have exceptions—ask us to confirm yours.

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Medical Scarring Considerations

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• Infection risk: Bites often require antibiotics and careful follow-up.

• Scarring: Photograph the injury at stages (initial, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3–6 months). We may consult plastics/dermatology for prognosis and revision options.

• Nerve/tendon damage: Hand, face, and joint bites need thorough documentation.

• Psychological impact: Nightmares, anxiety, or trauma—consider counseling notes.

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What To Do After a Dog Bite 

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• Get medical care; follow provider instructions and complete antibiotics if prescribed

• Report to animal control or police; request an incident number

• Photograph wounds right away and over time; keep damaged clothing

• Gather dog owner info and any witnesses

• Avoid detailed statements to insurers without counsel

• Track bills, prescriptions, mileage, and missed work

• Call CRL—we take it from here

 

Not legal advice; for emergencies, call 911.
 

Our Process 

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1. Intake & Strategy — Identify owners, policies, and deadlines; map the plan

2. Evidence & Records — Secure reports, vaccination proof, photos, and witness info; gather medical and wage documentation

3. Valuation — Medical costs (past/future), scarring/disfigurement, counseling, lost income/earning capacity, out-of-pocket losses

4. Demand & Negotiation — Present a comprehensive claim; address liens/subrogation; push for full value

5. Litigation, if needed — File suit, discovery, experts (medical/scar), and trial-readiness

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Damages You Can Recover

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• Medical expenses (ER, urgent care, antibiotics, plastics/derm)

• Future care (scar revision, therapy, counseling)

• Lost wages & diminished earning capacity

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Out-of-pocket costs (co-pays, prescriptions, mileage)

• Household/childcare services you had to hire

• Scarring & disfigurement (photograph progression)

• Loss of consortium

• Punitive damages (limited, egregious conduct)

• Wrongful death damages (when applicable)

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Insurance Notes

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• Coverage often comes from homeowner’s or renter’s policies; sometimes landlord or business policies can be implicated.

• We manage medical payment (“med-pay”) benefits where available, and coordinate subrogation so surprises don’t eat your settlement.

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