What Happens When the Dog That Bit You Is Unvaccinated? Your Health and Legal Guide

Getting bitten by a dog is frightening enough, but what if the dog that attacked you wasn’t vaccinated against rabies? Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and it’s nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. While rabies is rare, a dog bite from an unvaccinated animal can lead to serious health risks, and the potential for rabies exposure is one of the most critical concerns.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, there are important steps you must take to protect yourself—both legally and medically. At DuFault Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite, especially if the dog wasn’t vaccinated. Let’s break down what happens when the dog that bit you wasn’t vaccinated and what you need to do to safeguard your health and your legal rights.

The Risk of Rabies Exposure

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects mammals, and in the U.S., it’s most commonly spread through bites from infected animals. While rabies in domestic pets is uncommon due to widespread vaccination programs, the risks are still significant when dealing with an unvaccinated dog.

If the dog that bit you has not been vaccinated against rabies, the first and most pressing concern is the risk of rabies transmission. Rabies is transmitted through saliva when a dog bites, scratches, or even licks an open wound. Symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, nausea, anxiety, and eventually, paralysis and death. Once clinical symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

While rabies vaccinations are required for most pets in many states, including Florida and Georgia, some owners neglect to follow the law, leaving you vulnerable to a serious health risk.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to take immediate action, especially if there’s a chance the dog isn’t vaccinated. Here’s what you need to do:

Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Even if the bite seems minor, you should always seek medical attention after a dog bite. A doctor will assess the wound, clean it thoroughly, and determine if you need a rabies vaccination or other treatment, such as a tetanus shot or antibiotics.

Get Information About the Dog: Try to gather as much information about the dog as possible, including the dog’s breed, appearance, and, most importantly, whether the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination. If the dog is a stray or you can’t identify the owner, this could complicate things, and your doctor may recommend a rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment.

Report the Incident: In Florida and Georgia, it’s important to report a dog bite to local animal control authorities. This will help them track any rabies-related cases and potentially locate the dog for quarantine or observation. This step is crucial for determining the dog’s vaccination status.

Monitor Your Health: Even if you receive initial treatment, it’s essential to monitor your health for any signs of infection or rabies symptoms, especially within the first few weeks after the bite. If you notice any changes, contact your doctor immediately.

Legal Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

Beyond the medical concerns, a dog bite from an unvaccinated dog raises important legal issues that need to be addressed to protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation for any injuries or suffering. Here’s how you can move forward:

Determine the Dog’s Ownership and Vaccination Status: If the dog that bit you is a pet, try to get the owner’s contact information and determine whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. If the owner can’t provide proof of vaccination, you may need to pursue legal action to ensure they are held accountable for the dog’s behavior and your medical expenses.

File a Personal Injury Claim: If you were bitten by a dog due to the owner’s negligence (for example, if the dog was allowed to roam free, or the owner failed to take proper precautions), you may be entitled to compensation. In some states, the strict liability rule applies to dog bite cases, meaning the owner is automatically responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.

Consider Rabies Exposure Laws: In some cases, if a dog bite involves potential rabies exposure, the responsible party may face legal consequences for not vaccinating their dog or failing to take proper steps to control their pet. Rabies-related litigation is rare but possible, especially if the victim contracts rabies and the dog’s vaccination status is in question.

Consult an Attorney: If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal options. An attorney can help determine whether the dog owner was negligent, assist with gathering evidence, and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and any future treatment costs.

Protecting Yourself and Others

To prevent a dog bite from occurring in the first place, it’s essential to take precautions around unfamiliar dogs. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

• Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs, especially if they are alone or showing signs of aggression.
• Stay calm and avoid making sudden movements around a dog, as this may provoke them.
• Do not try to break up a fight between two dogs—this can be dangerous for you and others involved.
• Advocate for pet vaccination—encourage pet owners to keep their dogs vaccinated against rabies to protect themselves and others in the community.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Take Action

A dog bite from an unvaccinated dog poses serious risks, especially when rabies exposure is a concern. If you’ve been bitten, it’s important to act quickly by seeking medical attention, reporting the bite to authorities, and taking the necessary legal steps to protect yourself. At DuFault Law, we understand the stress and trauma that comes with a dog bite injury, and we’re here to help you navigate both the legal and medical challenges.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, especially one that may not have been vaccinated, don’t wait—contact us for a consultation. We can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Get the Legal Help You Deserve

If you’ve been bitten by a dog and are concerned about rabies exposure or the legal implications of the bite, contact DuFault Law at (239) 422-6400 or email us at contact@dufaultlaw.com. We’re here to help you navigate your case with expertise and compassion.