What to Do After a Dog Bite: Immediate Steps & Legal Advice

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Utah County: Your Legal & Medical Guide

If “What to do after a dog bite” has been a question on your mind, this article gives detailed direction on your next steps. A dog bite can be a frightening and painful experience, leaving you unsure of what to do next. Whether you were bitten while jogging in Provo Canyon, visiting a friend’s home in Orem, or walking your child near a park in American Fork, knowing the right steps to take immediately can protect your health and legal rights.

Dog bites can lead to serious infections, permanent scarring, and even legal complications—especially if the dog’s owner is uncooperative or denies responsibility. In Utah County, local laws require that dog bites be reported to the authorities, and in many cases, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after a dog bite, including:
✔️ How to properly clean and treat the wound to avoid infections.
✔️ When to see a doctor and what medical records to keep.
✔️ How to report the bite to local authorities in Utah County.
✔️ Understanding your legal rights and potential for compensation.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, our law firm is here to help. We offer free consultations to assess your case and help you understand your options. Contact us today to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Guide

Step 1: Clean the Wound Properly

Proper wound care is the first and most crucial step after a dog bite. Even if the injury appears minor, dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria that may lead to infections, such as tetanus or rabies in rare cases. Immediate and thorough cleaning can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Start by washing your hands to avoid introducing additional bacteria into the wound. Then, rinse the bite area under warm running water for at least 5 to 10 minutes to flush out dirt, saliva, and bacteria. Use mild soap to gently clean around the wound, but avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can further damage the tissue.

Once the wound is rinsed, apply an antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol, to disinfect the area. However, be cautious—some antiseptics can slow healing if overused. After disinfecting, gently pat the wound dry with a clean towel or gauze.

Next, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) to prevent infection and cover the wound with a sterile bandage. If the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or located on the face, hands, or joints, seek immediate medical attention.

Even if the bite seems minor, monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If any of these symptoms develop, visit a doctor right away.

Proper wound cleaning is the first step in protecting your health and building a strong legal case if you decide to pursue compensation for medical expenses.

Step 2: Watch for Signs of Infection

Even after properly cleaning a dog bite, infection remains a serious risk, especially if the wound is deep or was caused by an unfamiliar dog. Dog bites introduce bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella, which can cause infections that may spread quickly if left untreated. Knowing the warning signs can help you take action before complications arise.

In the hours and days following the bite, carefully monitor the wound for symptoms of infection. Redness and swelling around the bite site are early warning signs, but if the redness starts spreading outward or you notice streaks running from the wound, this could indicate a more serious infection. Increased pain, warmth, and tenderness around the area are also signs to watch for.

If the wound begins to ooze pus, has a foul odor, or develops a hard lump, seek immediate medical attention. Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, or flu-like symptoms may indicate a systemic infection, which can be dangerous if bacteria enter the bloodstream. In rare cases, infections from dog bites can lead to cellulitis, abscesses, or even sepsis, requiring emergency treatment.

To minimize infection risk, keep the wound clean and change bandages regularly. If symptoms of infection appear, don’t wait—see a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also strengthens any legal claim you may pursue, as documented infections and medical expenses may factor into compensation for your injury.

Step 3: Seek Medical Help (If Needed)

Not all dog bites require emergency medical attention, but some situations demand immediate care to prevent infections, long-term complications, or even life-threatening conditions. Knowing when to seek medical help is crucial for both your health and legal protection.

You should see a doctor right away if the bite is deep, bleeding excessively, or located on a sensitive area such as the face, hands, feet, or joints. Dog bites to these areas have a higher risk of infection and may require stitches or even surgical intervention. Additionally, if the bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of pressure, seek emergency care immediately.

Another critical reason to seek medical attention is uncertainty about the dog’s vaccination history. If you were bitten by a stray dog or an unfamiliar pet, you may need a rabies vaccine as a precaution. Rabies is rare but fatal if left untreated, making immediate medical evaluation essential.

If you develop redness, swelling, pus, fever, or flu-like symptoms in the days after the bite, you could have an infection requiring antibiotics. Left untreated, dog bite infections can lead to serious conditions like cellulitis or sepsis.

Finally, obtaining medical documentation is important for any potential legal claim. Medical records provide evidence of your injuries and treatment costs, which could impact your ability to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. If in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional—it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Dog Bite Prevention Infographic & Facts | Scott Goodwin Law

Step 4: Report the Dog Bite

After seeking medical care, it’s crucial to report the dog bite to the proper authorities, especially in Utah County, where local laws require documentation of such incidents. Reporting a bite helps protect public safety, ensures the dog is properly monitored for rabies or aggressive behavior, and can support any legal claims you may pursue.

If the bite occurred in Provo, Orem, American Fork, or surrounding areas, contact your local animal control office or the Utah County Health Department. Provide details about the dog, including its breed, color, size, owner (if known), and any unusual behavior before the attack. If the dog is a stray or has no known vaccination records, reporting the bite becomes even more critical.

The authorities may place the dog under a mandatory quarantine to monitor for rabies and assess its behavior. In cases of repeated attacks or severe injuries, local officials might determine whether the dog poses a danger to the community.

Reporting the bite also strengthens your legal case if you need to seek compensation. Official records from animal control or law enforcement serve as valuable evidence in proving the incident occurred, which can be essential if the dog owner disputes your claim.

Even if you’re unsure about legal action, filing a report ensures the dog’s behavior is documented and helps prevent future attacks. If you need guidance on reporting procedures or filing a claim, contact our law firm for a free consultation.

Step 5: Understand Legal Implications

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Utah County, you may have legal grounds to seek compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Utah follows a strict liability law for dog bites, meaning that in most cases, the dog owner is responsible for the injuries their pet causes—regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression.

Under Utah Code § 18-1-1, dog owners are liable for any damage their dog causes to a person or property, even if the attack happened in the owner’s home or yard. Unlike some states that require proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous, Utah law does not require this proof—making it easier for victims to file claims.

However, there are exceptions. If the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the bite, liability may be challenged. This is why having strong evidence—such as medical records, witness statements, photos of injuries, and the official report from animal control—is crucial for building a successful case.

If you’ve been bitten, it’s wise to consult an attorney to understand your legal options. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Our firm specializes in dog bite cases in Provo, Orem, and American Fork—contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Step 6: Compensation & Legal Claims

If you’ve suffered a dog bite in Utah County, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even emotional distress can add up quickly. Fortunately, Utah’s strict liability law makes it easier for victims to file a claim against a dog owner for damages.

The compensation you may receive depends on the severity of the injury, medical treatment required, and the impact on your daily life. Typical damages in a dog bite case include:
Medical expenses – Emergency care, doctor visits, stitches, rabies shots, or surgery.
Lost wages – If the injury prevents you from working.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma from the attack.
Scarring and disfigurement – If the bite leaves permanent marks or requires cosmetic procedures.

To file a successful claim, you’ll need strong evidence, including:
📌 Medical records and bills documenting your treatment.
📌 Photos of the injury immediately after the attack.
📌 Witness statements if anyone saw the incident.
📌 The official report from animal control or law enforcement.

Most dog bite claims are handled through homeowner’s insurance, meaning you may be compensated without the owner paying out of pocket. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts—this is where having a personal injury attorney can make a big difference.

If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Provo, Orem, or American Fork, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

What to Do After a Dog Bite : Key Takeaways

A dog bite can be a traumatic experience, but knowing exactly what to do can help protect your health, rights, and financial well-being. Whether the bite occurred in Provo, Orem, American Fork, or anywhere in Utah County, following the right steps is crucial.

Clean the wound immediately to reduce the risk of infection.
Watch for signs of infection and seek medical care if symptoms appear.
Seek medical attention if the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or from an unknown dog.
Report the bite to local animal control to ensure proper documentation.
Understand Utah’s strict liability law, which holds dog owners responsible for injuries.
Know your legal rights—you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Even if the injury seems minor, taking the right actions now can prevent long-term complications. Medical care, legal documentation, and understanding your right to compensation are all key steps in recovering physically and financially after a dog bite.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Utah County, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our law firm specializes in dog bite cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss your options. Your health and legal rights matter—don’t wait to take action.

What to Do After a Dog Bite: How to Report It | First4Lawyers

Learn More About Utah Dog Bite Lawyer Jake Gunter Jacob S. Gunter | Personal Injury Attorney in Provo

For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:

These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.