Dog Bite Injury Law In New Hampshire

A dog attack hits fast. The shock hurts as much as the bite. Many people feel fear, pain, and panic in the first few minutes. New Hampshire law gives strong rights to victims. Most dog-bite claims settle for $30,000 to $70,000, and many cases settle for more.

If a dog hurt you in Goffstown, Manchester, Bedford, Nashua, or in a town in Southern New Hampshire, call Apis Law now at (603) 785-1013.

Your Rights Under RSA 466:19

New Hampshire uses a clear rule:

The dog caused the harm.

The owner pays.

This rule gives victims fast and fair relief.

You do not need to prove fault. If a dog hurts you, you can recover money from the person who owns or controls the dog.

NH RSA 466:19 Liability of Owner or Keeper. – "Any person to whom ... damage may be occasioned by a dog not owned or kept by such person shall be entitled to recover damages from the person who owns, keeps, or possesses the dog ..." (Excerpt).

Common Injuries From Dog Attacks

Dog attacks cause many types of harm.

Some wounds show right away.

Some show in the days after the attack.

Common injuries include:

• Cuts

• Deep punctures

• Skin tears

• Broken fingers or hands

• Nerve pain

• Scars

• Infection

• Rabies exposure

A doctor may need to clean the wound.

Some victims need stitches, surgery, or rehab.

Many miss work.

Your claim covers these losses.

Emotional Harm After a Dog Attack

A dog attack leaves more than a scar.

Many victims fear dogs after the event.

Some avoid walks or parks.

Some wake from sleep with fear.

These harms matter.

New Hampshire law lets victims recover money for fear, stress, and pain.

How To Prove a Dog Bite Case

A strong dog-bite claim needs only three points:

1. The dog had an owner or a person in control.

2. The dog acted with force or mischief.

3. The dog caused your injury.

A bite is not required.

A dog can run at you, charge a bike, or cause a fall.

You still have a claim.

In Bohan v. Ritzo, a dog ran at a bike rider.

The rider fell.

The dog never touched him.

The court still ruled in favor of the rider.

This case shows the strength of RSA 466:19.

Dog Bite Case Example

Consider the following facts from an actual case where the victim was not bitten by a dog but, under RSA 466:19 found to be injured:

The victim was riding their bicycle on a public road. As they were passing in front of a house, a small dog came toward the bike rider. Startled and afraid the dog was coming toward his right leg to bite him, the biker instinctively stuck their right leg out to ward off the dog. At the same time, the biker looked down and to the right, toward the dog, and removed his right hand from the handlebar. He lost his balance and fell, as the front tire of the bicycle jackknifed. The entire incident took only a matter of seconds. The dog never bit or made physical contact with the plaintiff. Bohan v. Ritzo, 141 N.H. 210 (1996).

Negligence vs. Strict Liability

Many states use negligence rules.

New Hampshire uses a strict rule.

You do not need to show fault.

You do not need to show that the owner knew the dog could bite.

The dog caused the harm.

The owner owes you compensation.

This gives victims substantial leverage.

When the Victim Shares Blame

A dog owner may claim that the victim acted in a risky way.

This includes teasing a dog, striking a dog, or ignoring warnings.

A jury may cut the award if the victim made things worse.

But most victims show no fault at all.

Most attacks involve no action by the victim.

Rabies Shots Can Raise Case Value

Rabies shots cost a lot of money.

Some victims need both the vaccine and immune shots.

The full treatment often costs more than $10,000.

These shots hurt.

They cause fear.

They add stress.

They raise the value of the claim.

Apis Law settled cases for over $65,000 when the victim needed rabies shots after a bite by an unvaccinated dog. Click here to read about a recent case Apis Law settled for $70,000, where our client, a delivery driver, was bitten by an unvaccinated dog.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Follow these steps fast:

1. Get medical care. Even minor bites can get infected.

2. Get the dog owner’s name and address. Ask for proof of rabies shots.

3. Call the police or animal control. A report helps your case.

Click ---> Here for Manchester Animal Control information

Click ---> Here for Goffstown Animal Control information

Click ---> Here for Bedford Animal Control information

4. Take photos. Show the wounds, the scene, and torn clothing.

5. Save bills and records. These prove your loss.

6. Do not speak with insurance. Adjusters try to cut your claim. Let your lawyer talk for you.

These steps protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Damages You Can Recover

A dog-bite victim can recover money for:

• Medical care

• Future medical care

• Lost wages

• Scars

• Fear and stress

• Pain

• Rabies shots

• Surgery for scars

Each loss adds value to your claim.

How to Preserve Evidence After a Dog Bite

Preserving evidence after a dog bite is critical to protecting your rights and ensuring accurate documentation of the incident. The steps below outline the actions an injured person can take immediately after the attack. These steps help secure photographs, witness information, medical documentation, and official reports that may be necessary to verify what occurred.

Important: These steps are procedural guidance only and do not replace an attorney’s assessment of liability, damages, or applicable laws under RSA 466 and related statutes.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Photograph Injuries and the Scene

Take clear photographs of all visible injuries, torn clothing, blood, and the area where the attack occurred. Capture multiple angles and close-ups.

2. Identify the Dog and Owner

Record the dog’s appearance, collar or tags, and the owner’s name and address if available. If the dog fled, note the direction of travel and any identifying features.

3. Collect Witness Information

Ask bystanders for names and phone numbers. Witness statements help confirm the circumstances of the attack.

4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even minor bites can cause infection. Request copies of intake notes, imaging, and discharge paperwork.

5. Report the Bite to Local Authorities

Notify the local police department or animal control. Provide them with all available details so an official incident report can be generated.

6. Preserve All Damaged Property

Keep clothing, shoes, or personal items torn or stained in the incident. Store them in a clean bag and do not wash them.

7. Write a Personal Account Within 24 Hours

Document what occurred while the details are fresh. Include the time, location, actions of the dog, and the sequence of events leading up to the bite.

8. Maintain Medical and Expense Records

Keep receipts, prescriptions, and billing statements in one location to track expenses related to the bite.