Dog bites can be unexpected and can leave physical and emotional scars. Even minor bites may cause infection, nerve damage, or permanent trauma. It’s crucial to act swiftly and with care in the aftermath of the incident. Not only will this protect your health, but it will also preserve your legal rights.
What You Need To Do After a Dog Bite Injury?
1. Take Safety to Heart
The first thing you should do is remove yourself from any danger. Find a safe place and notify the owner or authorities if the dog is still aggressive. Staying calm and avoiding sudden movement can help to prevent further attacks.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If not treated correctly, even small punctures can cause serious infections. Even small puncture wounds can become serious if not treated properly. Apply a sterile dressing to the wound, clean it gently with soap and warm water, and visit a doctor as soon as you can.
A healthcare professional will clean the wound and disinfect it, determine if stitches are needed, and assess if you require a tetanus or rabies vaccine. The medical records of this visit can be used as evidence in any legal or insurance claim.
3. You Can Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Ask as many questions as you can about the dog, its owner, and any other relevant information. You should ask for the owner’s name, their address, and any proof of vaccination – especially rabies. If you think the dog may be a stray and it is not a pet, note its location and appearance so that animal control can find it.
4. Report the Bite
Report the incident to the local police or animal control. It will create an official record and help authorities to monitor dangerous animals. Reporting a dog attack is required by law in some places.
5. Document Everything
Take pictures of your injuries and torn clothes, as well as the location where the attack occurred. While the details are still fresh, write down the information, including the location, the time, the witnesses, and the conversation with the owner.
6. Do Not Speak With Insurance Companies Before Consulting a Lawyer
You may be contacted by the homeowner’s insurer if the dog owner has such insurance. Do not give statements or accept settlements until you have spoken with an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. A lawyer can help you protect your rights and determine the value of your case.
This article was written by Alla Tenina. Alla is one of the best bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles, California, and the founder of Tenina Law. She has experience in bankruptcies, real estate planning, and complex tax matters. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser; the ABA and its members do not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
