When a bite happens—at a home, apartment complex, neighborhood park, or during a delivery—early decisions can shape how your case is handled.
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Get medical care promptly
- Even “minor” puncture wounds can worsen. Seek evaluation right away, especially for bites to the hands, face, or near joints.
- Ask the provider to document wound size, location, treatment, and follow-up plan.
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Write down the incident while it’s fresh
- Include the date/time, exact location (yard, sidewalk, apartment entry, etc.), what you were doing, and how the dog came into contact.
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Collect local, real-world proof
- If it happened near a residence or in a shared area, ask nearby neighbors whether they saw anything.
- If there’s video in the area (doorbells, building cameras), request it quickly—footage can be overwritten.
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Be careful with insurance statements
- Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements early. Don’t rush to “set the record straight” without understanding how your wording could be used.


