The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that dogs bite approximately 4.5 million people in the US annually.
You have to learn a few precautions for keeping yourself safe and healthy if a dog bites you. Assess how serious your injury is. Is it deep? Is it bleeding? Those details really matter. If the bite resulted from the dog owner’s negligence, it’s even more important to take the right steps.
There are some important follow-up actions that you shouldn’t miss. Knowing these steps can make a huge difference for recovery and maybe for your lawyer. Here are what you should do next.
Assess the Severity of the Injury
How do you know if a dog bite is serious? Look at the wound first. Is the injury too deep? Is it bleeding profusely?
The site is grossly exposed if tissue or muscle is visible, necessitating swift action. Swelling and redness become symptoms when they signify infection. Increasing pain or heat around the bite area is bad news.
Consider your health history. Were you ever in the past five or so years vaccinated against tetanus? An aggressive dog or a strange dog could pose a more serious threat than you realize.
Seek Medical Attention
A dog bite requires medical attention depending on how severe the condition looks. Even minor bites can get infected, so never underestimate your condition. Visit a healthcare worker immediately for proper evaluation. They will carry out an evaluation of the wounds, clean them properly, and perhaps wash them further or give you a tetanus injection.
They will also assess whether you need stitches or vaccinations against tetanus and other diseases. You must begin treatment immediately to guarantee your safety if it is a possible rabies exposure.
Your health matters, and by doing so, you guarantee a healthy recovery and a continued life with your furry friends.
Document the Incident
After you were treated, document what happened. Write down the date and time of the bite and the dog and its owner’s details. Take pictures from different angles showing any visible injuries you might have received.
If there are those who witnessed the bite, get their contact details and ask them to tell you what they saw. This documentation will serve as a reminder on your part and will assist you when there are claims you need to pursue.
You should not undervalue the experience, as many people have experienced this condition firsthand.
Consult a Legal Professional
It is necessary to seek out a lawyer to help you work through a claim if you have been injured by a dog bite. You have the right to understand your rights and options, including those relating to medical bills and possible emotional trauma. A dog bite lawyer will let you know the laws in your area and how to file a claim.
After a review of your case, they will gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies for you. You can concentrate on healing while the lawyer handles legal matters. According to dog bite lawyer Troy Morain, you can relax and feel confident that your claim is being handled well when you have a lawyer.
You can achieve a positive outcome with the help of your lawyer. By taking the right steps towards healing, you can be guaranteed that you get compensated for what it is worth.
Report the Bite
Dog bites should be reported to keep others safe and so that the dog owner can be held responsible. Reporting the incident is actually protecting yourself and the entire community in general. You must report the incident to the concerned officer of the local city animal control or police department.
Provide the detail of the incident, a description of the dog, and the name of the suspected owner, if possible, as well as any witnesses present. This information would deter another dog bite and allow for the proper discretion of the dog in question.
You belong to a community that is working for the safety of everyone. Reporting the bite incident means standing up for responsible pet ownership. This may also prevent having another dog bite incident from happening.
