Accepting an offer is wise only after you have a realistic understanding of what your claim is worth. This often requires researching similar cases or, for significant claims, consulting a legal professional for a valuation. Insurance companies often start with a low offer. Knowing the potential range of fair compensation prevents you from accepting far less than you deserve, especially for complex damages like long-term pain and suffering or disability.

Secure the property to prevent further damage or injury, such as covering a broken window or turning off water. Document everything with photos and videos before cleaning up. Report the damage to your insurance company promptly to start the claims process. Keep a detailed list of all damaged or destroyed items. Avoid making permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster has assessed the damage, as this could affect your claim.

This common defense is often irrelevant. Many states have “strict liability” laws where the owner is responsible for a bite even if the dog had no prior vicious history. In other states, you can still prove the owner was negligent—for example, by violating a leash law or failing to control their pet in a situation where any reasonable owner would have. The focus is on the owner’s duty of care at the time of the incident, not solely the dog’s past.