Dogs are excellent companions and many owners frequently consider them members of the family and treat them with the love and care they deserve. In the wrong hands, however, some dogs can become a danger to others, resulting in severe injuries. Millions of individuals, most of whom are children, are bitten by dogs every year, resulting in substantial medical, financial, and legal consequences. These incidents are often incredibly traumatic and you might not know what to do in the aftermath, which is why we compiled a list of helpful tips in case this ever happens to you.
Taking the Right Steps After a Dog Bite Injury
Understanding which steps to take in the aftermath of a dog bite injury can protect your health and improve your chances of successfully taking legal action against the negligent party who allowed this incident to occur.
Here are some steps you need to remember to take after sustaining a dog bite injury:
- Go to the hospital as soon as possible, especially if the wounds you sustained pierced the skin. Dog owners are not always responsible enough to vaccinate their pets and serious wounds are particularly prone to developing infections, so it is essential to receive treatment right away. You should also take a few pictures of your wounds before receiving treatment to accurately document them for your personal injury claim.
- Not unlike a car accident, you should collect the dog owner’s information after a dog bite injury. You will need this information for your claim and to verify the dog’s vaccination history.
- If any witnesses watched the incident occur, you need to obtain their contact information as well. The more evidence you have for your personal injury claim, the greater your chances will be of maximizing compensation.
- Reach out to animal control services to file a report. Doing so will help prevent future dog bite injuries and an investigation might even contribute to the success of your case.
In the days and weeks following your dog bite injury, you should document the effects of it by keeping a pain journal and noting how the injury affected your ability to perform day-to-day functions. You should also keep copies of your medical records, including receipts for any medications prescribed to you.
Schedule a Case Review with a Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today!
If you were bitten by a dog, you can hold the dog owner liable for your injuries and recover fair compensation for the expenses and losses associated with the injury. At the Law Office of James M. Stanley, our personal injury team has the experience and knowledge necessary to handle your case.
Contact our law firm today at (817) 591-4222 to schedule a free case review with a skilled and compassionate member of our legal team. Let us be your voice in or out of court.