While most dogs are happy to provide endless companionship to the people around them, even the most docile canine can snap under certain circumstances. According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States every year. Since dog bite injuries can have significant medical, legal, and financial ramifications, it's important to know what to do after a dog bite.
Read on to learn what steps to take after these types of incidents.
Immediate medical attention should be sought for any dog bite. Many dog bites cause nerve damage, become infected, or cause permanent scarring. Even if the bite is "just a scratch" or doesn't seem serious, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Infection can set in rapidly and take a bite from non-serious to life-threatening without treatment. Once you have arrived at a hospital for medical attention, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, as well as a tetanus shot or rabies vaccination.
Just as you would after a Car Accident, you should exchange information with the dog's owner or caretaker so you can easily contact them after the incident, in part to verify the dog's vaccination history (should you need to be treated for a disease such as rabies.) You will also need this information in order to recoup damages for the costs of obtaining medical treatment, lost wages, reconstructive surgery if needed, and to help recover from the pain and fear the event caused you.
Whether you were bitten or your dog bit someone else, be sure to get contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident. If there is a need for a lawsuit or an insurance claim, eye witness accounts can provide a more accurate picture of what happened.
Because dog bites are such a common occurrence, there are attorneys with extensive experience handling dog bite insurance claims, settlements, and lawsuits. If you or someone you love has been injured from a dog bite, the team at Dugan & Associates is here for you, and we're ready to look at your case. Our team of dog bite lawyers will make sure you receive the maximum monetary compensation available to you. Contact us for your free consultation.
"*" indicates required fields
