A dog bite can happen in seconds, leaving your child injured and you scrambling to respond. In the moments and hours that follow, the steps you take can affect your child’s recovery and your ability to document what happened. Your first priority should be your child’s medical care, followed by documenting the incident and preserving important information.
Get medical care and address the wound
Wash the bite area gently with soap and water and apply a clean bandage. If the wound is deep, the bleeding does not stop or your child shows signs of shock, seek emergency care right away.
Tell the medical provider that a dog caused the injury. The CDC recommends addressing the dog’s rabies vaccination status and your child’s tetanus vaccination status. Doctors may recommend a tetanus booster or consult public health authorities about rabies treatment based on the exposure and vaccination history.
Document what happened before leaving the scene
If your child needs urgent medical attention, get medical care first and document the scene afterward when possible. Photograph the injury and surrounding area. Identify the dog and its owner if possible and note the dog’s breed, color and size.
Collect contact information from witnesses. They may provide information about how the incident occurred, whether the dog was restrained and whether the owner was present. These details can help preserve important information about the incident.
Report the bite and get vaccination information
Contact local animal control or law enforcement to file an official report. Get the dog owner’s name, address and homeowner’s insurance details if available. Request proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination.
Delaware has quarantine requirements after a dog, cat or ferret is known or suspected to have exposed a person to rabies. The animal’s vaccination status can affect where and how the quarantine is conducted.
Preserve records from the first day
Keep copies of medical records, photographs, the animal control report, witness information, bills and receipts. Document communications with the dog owner or their insurance company to help preserve the timeline of the incident.
Why the first hour matters for your claim
The first hour after a dog bite is critical. Getting medical care, documenting the scene and reporting the incident can help protect your child’s health and preserve important information about what happened. Speaking with a Delaware personal injury attorney can help you understand your options and what compensation may be available for your child’s injuries and other losses.