Daniel
Dogs have earned the title of “man’s best friend,” but they can still be incredibly dangerous if their owners do not properly care for them. Dogs bite for several reasons, ranging from innocent playful bites to vicious attacks. Because there are numerous reasons why a dog may bite, it is critical to understand that regardless of how friendly a dog appears, you should not assume that it will not bite.
A dog bite can be a painful and frightening experience. Depending on the circumstances, a victim may suffer from pain, emotional stress, disfigurement, and, in rare cases, a dog attack may be life-threatening. All of these factors, and more, can have an impact on dog bite settlements, which is why it’s important to be well-versed in dog bite laws. A personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases can also assist you with all aspects of the case.
A dog bite can cause a lot of confusion about what steps to take after the attack, in addition to physical and emotional pain. Knowing what to do after a dog bite is important for your health and any legal action you might want to take. The following are crucial first steps after a dog bite:
1. Seek Medical Care
Just like a car accident, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite, especially for puncture wounds and much more serious injuries. Some dogs may not be immunized against rabies, and puncture wounds are susceptible to infection.
In some cases, these infections cause serious medical problems. When a dog bites the skin, the injury should be cleaned and disinfected before being bandaged. Furthermore, the bandage should be changed regularly until the wound has healed completely. Visiting a doctor will also leave a paper trail since your visit will be documented, which will work as evidence for your lawsuit if you decide to pursue one.
2. Photograph The Dog Bite Injuries And The Scene
The second thing to do following a dog bite accident is to photograph the wounds, lacerations, the animal, and also the scene. There can be a great deal of confusion and panic after a vicious attack. Those involved may have missed or forgotten significant facts about the dog bite incident.
As a result, if someone is injured as a result of a dog bite, you should document the incident and the surrounding area. If possible, take pictures of the injury, the dog, and the attack scene with your phone or some other device.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and bills. Having pictures of your dog bite’s puncture marks and other details on hand can assist you and your dog bite attorney in determining the extent of your damages.
3. Exchange Information
Just as you would in the aftermath of an auto accident, you should exchange information with the caretaker or owner of the dog so that you can directly reach them after the mishap, in part to ascertain the dog’s vaccination history. This information must include the person’s name, home address, and phone number.
You should also obtain information about the dog, such as the type of dog that attacked you. This can be helpful since some dog breeds are more prone to aggressive behavior and cause severe injuries. For example – Pitbulls are the top dogs that are most likely to bite humans. If it was indeed a pitbull, it might be easier for you to win a claim.
4. File A Report
Notify animal control about the dog bite. If you or a witness to the attack contact the police, the officer will almost certainly file a report. It is, however, still in your long-term interest to file your report. This extra step will result in additional documentary evidence for your insurance settlement and personal injury case.
Local animal control officials are acquainted with city ordinances and the restrictions that pet owners must follow. Their knowledge can assist in demonstrating a dog owner’s negligence. If the owner of the dog is not at the scene of the attack, animal control officials can safely peruse the dog’s tags and find the owner. Filing a report may also protect other people in the future from that dog.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will ensure that you receive proper medical treatment, that you learn as much as possible about the dog that bit you, and obtain witness statements concerning your attack and the dog’s past behavior, and that you determine the sources of compensation for your damages.
Lawyers for Justice, PC has over a decade of litigation experience and is well-versed in the complexities of the law, and will help you build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
