Well, player animations aren't always timed to the point of registering damage either.
But as far as enemy attacks go, as long as you are out of the telegraph as the telegraph itself is removed from view, you're more than likely considered safely out of the attack. I try to let new players know this as soon as I can. I'll even go drag them out to stand infront of some low level wolves to get neck ripped a few times to showcase it.