FAQ

Questions people ask after a bite

Is After Dog Bite a law firm?

No. We publish research on what to do after a dog bite and match qualifying cases with independent attorneys who already want that kind of work. We do not represent you. We do not give legal advice.

How does matching work?

You describe what happened. We qualify the file honestly. Licensed attorneys who have been approved, and who set criteria that match your case, compete for a small number of introduction slots. You see the attorneys who were placed — their credentials, not what they paid to be there.

Will lawyers spam me?

Placement is capped at three attorneys. They receive your contact only after they are placed on your file. You can ignore anyone you do not want to hire. There is no public listing of your case.

What does it cost me?

The site and the case review are free. If you hire an attorney, you hire them on their terms, almost always a contingency fee you agree with them in writing. We are not paid by you.

Do I have a case?

Often, if there is a documented injury and you were allowed to be where the bite happened. Strict-liability states do not require a prior bite. One-bite states usually need knowledge or a restraint failure. No injury and no medical visit is usually not a case. Start with your state’s page and the qualification in case review.

How long do I have to sue?

Most states: two years from the bite. Kentucky and Tennessee: one year. A few states give three to six. Claims involving a government dog or agency can require written notice in a matter of months. Look at the table on your state page.

What is the average dog bite settlement?

Homeowners insurers paid an average of $65,450 per dog-related injury claim in 2025, according to research from the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm. That is an average across all severities, not a quote. Faces, children, surgery, and policy limits move the number more than the average does.

Should I talk to the owner’s insurance adjuster?

You can confirm who you are and the date. You should be slow to give a recorded narrative and slower to sign a release. The first check is often the whole claim, including the scar that has not finished forming.