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At Lipsig, Freund & Wisell, PLLC, our New York City personal injury attorneys have been fighting for accident victims for decades—delivering proven results and dedicated legal representation in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

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Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in the Bronx

July 18, 2026

| Personal Injury

A dog bite can happen in seconds, but the physical and emotional consequences may last much longer. Victims often suffer puncture wounds, infections, nerve damage, scarring, and emotional trauma. Children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries because of their size and proximity to a dog’s face and upper body.

If you were bitten by a dog in the Bronx, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can make all the difference. Our personal injury attorneys at Lipsig, Freund & Wisell understand that dog bite cases can be delicate, particularly when the dog’s owner is a friend or family member, but taking the right steps immediately can help everyone involved.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your priority should always be medical care. Even seemingly minor bites can become infected. Dog bites can damage tissue beneath the skin and may require stitches, surgery, or ongoing treatment.

Prompt medical attention also creates documentation that connects your injuries to the attack, which may become important if you pursue a claim later.

Report the Incident

Dog bites should be reported to local authorities as soon as possible. Reporting helps create an official record and may assist in determining whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.

If possible, obtain the owner’s contact information and information about the dog’s vaccination history.

Gather Evidence

Evidence can become difficult to collect once the scene changes. Helpful evidence may include:

Continue documenting your injuries throughout the recovery process, especially if scarring or permanent damage occurs.

Avoid Quick Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often move quickly after injury claims are reported. This can be magnified when you know the owner, and you’re feeling pressured to resolve the matter quickly.

While an early settlement may sound appealing for any number of reasons, initial offers frequently fail to account for future medical treatment, lost income, permanent scarring, and pain and suffering.

Before accepting compensation, it is important to understand the full extent of your damages.

Understand the Long-Term Effects of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks often involve more than immediate medical treatment. Victims may require:

Dog bites can result in significant physical and psychological consequences, particularly among children. A thorough evaluation of future medical needs is often necessary before resolving a claim.

Every dog bite case presents unique circumstances. Determining liability often requires investigating the dog’s history, the owner’s actions, witness statements, and available evidence.

Meanwhile, insurance companies and the dog’s owner may attempt to minimize the severity of injuries or encourage victims to settle before the full impact of the attack becomes clear.

At Lipsig, Freund & Wisell, PLLC, our attorneys have spent decades representing injury victims throughout the Bronx and across New York City. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Bronx dog bite incident, call (212) 285-3300 or connect with us online to discuss your situation with our team.