Being bitten by a dog can be traumatic and, in some cases, a life-altering experience. It’s likely you’ll have questions about what to do next. Dealing with medical bills, calculating lost wages, and trying to understand your legal rights and options while healing can feel overwhelming, but having the knowledge of what to do when a dog bites you helps protect both you and your legal rights.
While dog bites can obviously cause serious physical injuries, such as lacerations and puncture wounds, they can also lead to long-term emotional trauma. The physical pain combined with emotional distress can be debilitating, manifesting as fear, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all of which make it difficult to work, socialize, and enjoy your regular everyday activities.
Use this article as a valuable resource to help you understand your legal options and the steps you need to take so you can make informed decisions and focus on your recovery.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
When a dog bites you, one of the first and most important steps you should take is to seek immediate medical care. Dog bites can be unpredictable and require prompt attention, especially since they can lead to a range of other health complications if they are left untreated.
When bacteria enter the wound, it can become infected, causing redness, swelling, and pain. In severe cases, infections can spread to other parts of the body, leading to life-threatening conditions, like sepsis. Typically, a medical professional will clean and dress the wound and may prescribe antibiotics to prevent such complications. They’re also able to assess the risk of rabies transmission and provide post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), if necessary.
If the dog’s vaccination history is unknown, or if the wound is deep or dirty, a tetanus shot might also be necessary. In some cases, stitches or other surgical interventions may be required to close the wounds so that they heal properly.
It’s important to follow medical advice and attend follow-up appointments to make sure the wound is healing the way it should and to identify any potential complications that need to be treated right away. When you know what to do when a dog bites you, you reduce the risk of further health complications, ensuring that you receive the best outcome possible.
Proper Documentation
What to do when a dog bites you includes gathering and thoroughly recording as much information as possible about the incident. One of the most effective ways to do so is by taking photos of your injuries and of the location where the incident occurred. Visual records can provide valuable evidence of the severity of your injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
If possible, try to get the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and any information about the dog’s vaccination history. Witness statements can also be incredibly helpful, as they can provide an objective account of the incident and help to corroborate your version of events.
Be sure to keep all medical records pertaining to the incident, including details about your medical appointments, treatments, and medications, as well as any medical bills or out-of-pocket expenses you incur. Keep track of your lost wages, if applicable, and any other expenses related to the incident, as these can all be factored into your claim.
Report the Attack
By reporting the incident, you are protecting yourself and others from potential future attacks. Even if you don’t think the dog is aggressive or if you’re not sure what the consequences will be, by reporting the attack, you can ensure that the dog’s owner takes responsibility for their pet’s actions. When reporting the incident, give as much detail as possible, including the dog’s breed, size, and vaccination history. You should also include the owner’s contact information and any details about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
If you don’t report the incident, the dog may be free to roam and potentially bite someone else, which could possibly lead to more severe injuries or even fatalities. Failing to report the incident may also make it more difficult for you to pursue a claim for compensation, as there will be no official record of the attack.
Consult with a Legal Professional
Part of knowing what to do when a dog bites you is understanding that the aftermath of the incident can be extremely complex, and consulting with an attorney can be advantageous in helping you get the compensation you deserve. When selecting a potential attorney, you should ask detailed questions to make sure that you find the right fit for your case. You may want to ask about their experience with dog bite cases, their approach to handling your claim, their communication style, and their fees and payment structures.
An experienced attorney will help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of pursuing a claim. They can also help you deal with insurance companies and negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary.
The steps you take after a dog bite incident can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional recovery, as well as your ability to seek justice and compensation. The long-term consequences of a dog bite incident can be far-reaching, affecting not only your physical health but also your emotional and financial stability. Without proper medical attention and legal guidance, dog bite victims may be left to deal with ongoing health issues, financial burdens, and emotional trauma.
With experienced attorneys who understand the complexities of dog bite cases, personal injury law firms, such as Warren Allen LLP in Portland, OR, can help dog bite victims understand their rights and options and work towards achieving a fair and just outcome. Once you know what to do when a dog bites you, you can take the first step toward healing and recovery.
