Dog bites happen quickly, often without warning, and the injuries they leave behind can be far more serious than people expect. In New Hampshire, victims frequently face puncture wounds, torn skin, infections, and emotional trauma that can last long after the attack. Because these incidents often involve a neighbor or someone the victim knows, many people hesitate to take legal action or are unsure how to begin.
Understanding how New Hampshire law treats dog bites and what steps strengthen an injury claim can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Understanding New Hampshire’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
A strong claim begins with knowing your legal rights. New Hampshire is a strict liability state for dog bite cases. This means a dog owner is automatically responsible when their dog causes injury, regardless of whether the animal had bitten before or shown signs of aggression. Unlike states that require victims to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous, New Hampshire law removes that hurdle entirely.
Strict liability applies not only to bites but also to injuries caused by a dog’s behavior, such as jumping, knocking someone down, or chasing a cyclist. This broad protection gives victims a clear legal path, but the strength of a claim still depends on proper documentation and timely action.
Seek Prompt Medical Care and Document Every Injury
After a dog bite in Portsmouth, medical attention is essential for both health and legal reasons. Even a minor-looking puncture can develop a severe infection, and deeper wounds may require stitches, surgery, or follow-up care. Medical records serve as foundational evidence, linking the incident directly to your injuries and outlining the treatment you needed.
Victims should photograph wounds at every stage of healing, keep discharge papers, save all medication receipts, and follow every recommended treatment plan. Gaps in medical care allow insurance adjusters to argue that the injuries were less severe than claimed or unrelated to the dog attack.
Identify the Dog and Get an Official Report
A strong injury claim relies on precise identification of the dog and its owner. If possible, gather the owner’s name, contact information, and any available vaccination records, particularly rabies documentation. Reporting the incident to local authorities, such as animal control or the police, creates an official record that strengthens your claim. These reports often include details about the dog’s behavior history and whether the owner violated leash laws or containment requirements.
Witness statements can also be valuable. Anyone who witnessed the attack, observed the dog roaming at large, or noticed aggressive behavior before the incident can help establish how the bite occurred and who was responsible.
Avoid Quick Settlement Offers from Insurance Companies
Dog bite claims often involve a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Insurance adjusters may contact victims quickly, sometimes encouraging fast settlements before the full extent of the injury is known. Early offers rarely account for future medical treatment, scarring, emotional distress, or long-term complications.
Before giving a statement or signing any paperwork, victims should speak with an attorney who can objectively evaluate the claim. Once a settlement is signed, there is no opportunity to request more compensation later, even if complications arise.
Understand What Compensation May Include
A well-supported dog bite claim can compensate victims for a wide range of losses. These may include medical bills, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Children are especially vulnerable to long-term psychological effects, and those damages should be documented and evaluated carefully.
Our experienced attorney can calculate the full value of a claim, taking into account the specific facts of the attack, the severity of the injuries, and the long-term impact on daily life.
How Elmore Law Office Helps Dog Bite Victims in New Hampshire
Building a strong dog bite injury claim requires careful evidence collection, clear documentation, and an understanding of New Hampshire’s strict liability law. Elmore Law Office guides victims through each step, from reporting the incident to negotiating with insurance companies and, when necessary, preparing a lawsuit. Our Trusted Portsmouth personal injury attorney understands the physical and emotional toll of these cases and works to secure the compensation victims need to heal and move forward.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in New Hampshire, contact Elmore Law Office today at (603) 929-1117 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We are here to protect your rights and help you pursue the recovery you deserve.