What Should You Do If a Dog Attacks You in New Hampshire?
Dog bites in New Hampshire can leave lasting injuries and emotional scars. To protect your health and your legal rights, seek immediate medical care, report the bite to authorities, and document everything. State law holds dog owners strictly liable, which means you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Table of Contents
- What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in New Hampshire?
- How Should You Document a Dog Bite Injury?
- Why Is It Important to Report the Dog Bite?
- What Does Strict Liability Mean in New Hampshire Dog Bite Cases?
- What Types of Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
- Can You File a Claim for Non-Bite Dog Injuries in New Hampshire?
- What Should You Do If You’ve Been Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in New Hampshire?
- FAQs
What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in New Hampshire?
Dog bites happen more often than many people realize, and they can leave more than just physical scars. The shock of the attack, the pain of the injury, and the worry about what comes next can be overwhelming. In New Hampshire, state law gives victims important protections, but you must take the right steps from the moment the bite occurs. Acting quickly can make a huge difference in your recovery—both physically and financially.
Whether the bite came from a neighbor’s pet, a loose dog running through a park, or even a friend’s animal that seemed friendly before, you have legal rights. New Hampshire’s dog bite laws are designed to hold owners responsible and ensure victims have a way to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. But the process isn’t automatic. You need to know what to do, who to contact, and how to protect your claim from the start.
How Should You Document a Dog Bite Injury?
Your health is the top priority after a dog bite. Even if the wound looks small, don’t take chances. Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to infections like cellulitis, abscesses, or even life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. Some bites can also damage tendons, ligaments, or nerves.
Seek immediate care. If you’re bleeding heavily or the bite is on your face, head, or neck, call 911. Emergency personnel can provide first aid and get you to a hospital quickly. For less severe bites, visit urgent care or your doctor as soon as possible. Delaying treatment increases the risk of infection and can make your injury worse.
Follow medical advice. You may need a tetanus booster, antibiotics, or stitches. In some cases, doctors will recommend rabies shots if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Rabies is rare but deadly, so take your doctor’s recommendations seriously.
Document everything. Before the wound is cleaned or stitched, take clear photos of the injury from multiple angles. Continue to take pictures throughout your recovery to show bruising, swelling, scarring, or limited mobility. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and prescriptions—these documents will be vital if you pursue a claim.
Don’t forget about emotional injuries. Dog bites can be traumatic, and some victims develop anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you’re experiencing nightmares, fear of dogs, or other emotional symptoms, seek professional help. These impacts are also compensable in many cases.
Why Is It Important to Report the Dog Bite?
New Hampshire requires certain dog bites to be reported, especially if rabies is a concern. This step protects both your health and public safety.
- Contact local animal control or the police to file a report. This ensures there’s an official record of the attack.
- Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and contact details.
- Ask for proof of rabies vaccination. This is critical to determine whether you need rabies shots.
- Collect witness statements. If anyone saw the incident, write down their names and phone numbers.
The more information you gather now, the stronger your potential case will be. Without a clear record, the dog owner may deny the attack occurred or dispute the details.
What Does Strict Liability Mean in New Hampshire Dog Bite Cases?
In New Hampshire strict liability applies in most dog bite cases. This means the dog’s owner is usually responsible for your injuries whether the dog has bitten before, as long as you weren’t trespassing or provoking the animal.
What Types of Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital visits, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages if you miss work during recovery
- Pain and suffering caused by the attack
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety or fear of animals
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Importantly, New Hampshire law also covers injuries caused by a dog without a bite. If a dog knocks you over, scratches you, or causes you to fall and break a bone, you may still have a claim.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in New Hampshire?
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in New Hampshire, don’t wait to understand your rights. The legal process can move quickly, and evidence can disappear. Buckley Law Offices helps injured clients hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursue the compensation they need to recover. Contact us right now for a free consultation.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in New Hampshire?
You generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
What if the dog owner says the attack was my fault?
New Hampshire law applies strict liability, meaning owners are usually responsible unless you were trespassing or provoking the dog. Don’t assume you have no case just because the owner tries to blame you.
Will my medical bills be covered if I was bitten by a dog?
Yes, medical expenses are typically recoverable in dog bite cases. Compensation may cover hospital visits, surgery, medications, and follow-up care.
Can I sue if a dog caused me to fall but didn’t actually bite me?
Yes. New Hampshire law allows claims for injuries caused by a dog’s actions, even without a bite. If a dog knocks you over or causes a fall, you may still recover damages.
What should I do if I don’t know who owns the dog?
Report the incident to local authorities immediately. Animal control may be able to identify the dog and owner, and your report creates an important legal record.
Can I recover damages for emotional trauma after a dog attack?
Yes. Victims may be compensated for emotional distress such as anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress symptoms, in addition to physical injuries.
Should I talk to the dog owner’s insurance company?
It’s best not to speak directly with the other party’s insurer. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. Let an attorney handle those communications to protect your rights.
