If a dog bites you in Baton Rouge, take immediate action: stop the bleeding, clean the wound with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with a bandage, and seek medical attention. Even minor bites require medical evaluation, as 10-15% of dog bites become infected. Document the incident with photos and gather information about the dog and its owner for potential legal action.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite
Take the following actions if a dog bite breaks the skin:
- Stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound using sterile gauze or a clean towel. If the bleeding is severe, contact 911 immediately.
- Cleanse the wound immediately with soap and water if the bleeding is minor.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the affected area once the bleeding has stopped.
- Cover the wound with a bandage or sterile gauze.
- Take pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Seek medical attention right away.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
| Minor Dog Bite | Severe Dog Bite |
|---|---|
| Surface puncture wounds | Deep tissue damage |
| Minimal bleeding | Heavy bleeding |
| Clean with soap and water | Call 911 immediately |
| Visit doctor’s office or urgent care | Go to emergency room |
| May need bandage | May require surgery |
Small bites can be treated at your local doctor’s office, walk-in clinic, or urgent care center. However, contact 911 immediately if bleeding is severe or the wound shows signs of deep tissue damage.
Signs of Infection from Dog Bites
Watch for these infection symptoms at the bite site:
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Pus or fluid leaking from the wound
Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms persist longer than 24 hours. Infection symptoms typically appear within 3-5 days of a dog bite. In some cases, symptoms may take 1-14 days to develop.
Common Bacteria in Dog Bite Infections
Pasteurella multocida causes up to 50% of dog bite infections, typically presenting within 24 hours. Other common bacteria include Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus species, and Capnocytophaga. Most infected wounds contain multiple types of bacteria, which is why medical evaluation is critical.
Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite?
You need a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one in the past 10 years. Get the shot within 72 hours of the bite if you’re unsure of your vaccination history.
Rabies Treatment and Vaccination
Rabies treatment consists of a dose of immune globulin and four doses of rabies vaccine administered over 14 days. Your healthcare provider should administer rabies immune globulin and the initial dose of rabies vaccine as soon as possible after exposure.
Louisiana has had no indigenous human rabies cases since 1953, but approximately 300-600 people receive post-exposure treatment annually in Louisiana. While rabies is rare, it is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making prompt treatment essential if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
Documenting Your Dog Bite Injury
Documentation is critical for both medical and legal purposes.
Take Photographs Immediately
Document the bite by taking pictures with your cell phone immediately after the incident. Photograph the extent of the injury, especially facial injuries. Continue documenting any bruising or swelling that develops in the days following the bite.
Gather Information About the Dog
Collect as much information about the dog as possible:
- Owner’s name and contact information
- Dog’s vaccination records
- Whether the dog has bitten or threatened anyone before
- The dog’s behavior leading up to the attack
Document the Circumstances
Write down the exact circumstances leading up to the dog bite while the details are fresh. Dog owners often claim the victim provoked the attack after speaking with insurance companies. Your written account protects your legal rights.
Record Witness Information
Record the names and contact information of all witnesses present during the incident.
Louisiana Dog Bite Laws
Louisiana follows modified strict liability for dog bites under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2321. Dog owners are liable for damages their dogs cause that the owner could have prevented and that did not result from the injured person’s provocation. You don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had bitten before.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
The statute of limitations for dog bite personal injury cases in Louisiana is two years from the date of injury, effective July 1, 2024. Contact an attorney immediately to ensure all deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies provide liability coverage for dog bites, typically ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. This coverage applies both on and off the owner’s property. However, many policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with documented bite histories.
If your medical expenses and damages exceed the policy limits, the dog owner is personally responsible for the remaining amount.
Dog Bite Statistics in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge ranked #16 nationally with 20 dog attacks on postal employees in 2023, according to the U.S. Postal Service. Louisiana recorded 113 dog attacks on USPS employees statewide.
Nationally, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, with about 800,000 requiring medical care.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bites can result in extensive medical bills, surgeries, and long-term treatment. Hospital stays for severe dog bite injuries average $18,200-$23,680, 50% higher than other injury-related hospitalizations. These costs don’t include plastic surgery, psychological counseling, or lost wages.
Insurance companies often minimize settlements or claim you provoked the attack. An experienced attorney maximizes your compensation and protects your rights throughout the process.
Our Track Record
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we’ve successfully represented dog bite victims throughout Baton Rouge. We secured a $360,000 jury verdict for a child attacked by a dog—more than 3.5 times the insurance company’s maximum settlement offer of $100,000.
We gathered evidence about the dog’s aggressive behavior from multiple neighbors, worked with the client’s plastic surgeons to document physical injuries, and collaborated with social workers to determine the extent of emotional trauma.
Contact a Baton Rouge Dog Bite Lawyer
Don’t assume you can secure adequate compensation without experienced legal representation. Insurance companies have lawyers protecting their interests. You need an advocate protecting yours.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we’ve represented dog bite victims for over 20 years. We understand Louisiana’s strict liability laws and know how to build cases that maximize compensation for our clients.
We offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact our personal injury team at (225) 303-0455 to discuss your case with an experienced attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.