Your Neighbor’s Dog Bites Your Child: What to Do Legally, Medically, and Emotionally

It’s a nightmare scenario for any parent—your child is playing outside, perhaps in your own yard or on a neighborhood sidewalk, when suddenly a neighbor’s dog lunges and bites. The shock, pain, and fear are immediate. Your first instinct is to protect your child, but in the days that follow, you’ll also have to navigate medical care, legal responsibility, and how to hold the dog owner accountable.

Dog bites aren’t just scary—they can lead to serious infections, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and long-term medical expenses. Fortunately, you have rights. If a neighbor’s dog has bitten your child, you may be entitled to compensation, and the dog’s owner may face legal consequences.

Here’s what to do step-by-step, from the moment the bite occurs to resolving the situation legally and emotionally.

Step 1: Get Immediate Medical Attention

No matter how small the bite seems, seek medical care right away.

Dog bites can cause:

• Deep tissue damage
• Infections (like staph or rabies)
• Nerve injury
• Scarring
• Psychological trauma

Clean the wound with water and soap if you can, but don’t delay a trip to the doctor or ER. Your child may need:

• A tetanus shot
• Antibiotics
• Stitches or wound dressing
• Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown)

Be sure to document the injury with photos before it’s treated.

Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Immediately confirm the dog’s:

• Owner’s name and contact info
• Vaccination history, especially rabies
• Breed and size
• History of aggression (if known)

If the dog’s owner is not present or uncooperative, ask neighbors or witnesses. You’ll need this information for medical, legal, and animal control reports.

Step 3: Report the Incident to Animal Control or Local Authorities

File an official report with animal control, your local police department, or the health department, depending on your jurisdiction. This ensures:

• The dog’s vaccination records are verified
• The incident is legally documented
• The dog may be quarantined or evaluated for aggression
• The community is protected from future attacks

Be honest and provide any photos, medical records, or witness statements. Authorities may also decide whether the dog should be labeled dangerous or vicious, which carries specific legal consequences.

Step 4: Gather Documentation

Start a file to collect all related documents and evidence:

• Medical records and bills
• Photos of the wound (before and after treatment)
• Photos or video of the scene and the dog (if available)
• Witness statements
• A copy of the animal control report
• Communication with the dog owner

Keep track of time missed from work, emotional distress, or any changes in your child’s behavior or mood following the bite.

Step 5: Understand Dog Bite Liability Laws in Your State

Dog bite laws vary by state, but generally fall into two categories:

1. Strict Liability

In states with strict liability, a dog’s owner is responsible for a bite regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before.

States with strict liability include California, Florida, Illinois, and many others.

2. “One Bite” Rule or Negligence

Other states follow the “one bite rule,” which may require proving that the owner:

• Knew the dog was dangerous
• Was negligent in controlling the animal
• Allowed the dog to roam or escape

Even in “one bite” states, leash law violations or poor supervision can result in owner liability.

Check your local laws or consult an attorney to understand your legal position.

Step 6: File a Claim with the Dog Owner’s Homeowners Insurance

Most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bites, up to policy limits (typically $100,000–$300,000).

To file a claim:

• Contact the dog owner and request their insurance provider and policy number.
• Submit your child’s medical bills, photos, and a written account of the incident.
• The insurance company may assign an adjuster to investigate and determine compensation.

Damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Future therapy or reconstructive procedures
• Lost wages (if you missed work to care for your child)

If the insurer denies the claim or offers too little, consult a personal injury attorney.

Step 7: Consider Legal Action if Necessary

If insurance is unavailable or insufficient, or if the dog owner is uncooperative, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

You can sue for:

• Medical and mental health expenses
• Disfigurement or permanent scars
• Ongoing trauma (nightmares, anxiety, fear of animals)
• Lost income or future care costs

A personal injury attorney can help you:

• Determine liability
• Negotiate a settlement
• File and pursue the case in court

Most attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—you pay only if you win or settle.

Step 8: Support Your Child’s Emotional Recovery

A dog bite can cause emotional trauma, especially in young children. Your child may experience:

• Nightmares
• Anxiety or panic
• Fear of animals or going outside
• Post-traumatic stress symptoms

Watch for behavioral changes like clinginess, aggression, or withdrawal. If needed, seek a therapist or child psychologist who specializes in trauma or animal-related incidents.

Healing involves both the body and the mind—treating both is essential.

Step 9: Strengthen Your Home and Neighborhood Safety

To prevent future attacks:

• Talk with your neighbor about better control of their pet (stronger leash, fencing, or muzzle when in public).
• If the dog was loose, request enforcement of leash laws or fencing requirements.
• Encourage other neighbors to report aggressive dog behavior.
• Educate your children on safe behavior around dogs, such as:
  • Never approaching an unfamiliar dog
  • Avoiding eye contact or running from dogs
  • Asking permission before petting even familiar dogs

Prevention starts with awareness and communication.




Final Thoughts

When a neighbor’s dog bites your child, it’s natural to feel shaken and angry. But beyond the initial fear, there are clear legal and medical steps you can take to protect your child’s health, emotional wellbeing, and your family’s financial interests.

Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets do not harm others. When they fail to do so, you are fully within your rights to seek accountability and support your child’s full recovery—physically, emotionally, and legally.




Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.