In the US, 83 to 88 million dogs are owned as pets. Cases of dog bites are growing and every year, more than 30 to 50 people die from them.
One reason why dogs bite can be very surprising. If a friendly dog is scared, intimidated, or surprised, it might bite. The dog could knock someone down, causing serious head injuries when they fall.
According to Pomona dog bite lawyer Christian Amendt, if a dog bites a victim’s face, the injury can easily result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. Getting attacked by a dog can also be very scary.
If a dog bites you, you need to be calm and undertake specific steps to preserve your health and your rights.
Assess the Severity of the Injury
The severity of wounds must be immediately evaluated after a dog bite. So look closely at the wound. Check for bleeding or how deep the puncture may be, and see if there is tissue damage. Is the bite wound breaking the skin?
According to a personal injury claims lawyer, dogs are capable of inflicting painful and damaging injuries. Bites can cause puncture wounds, traumatic soft tissue damage, and severe bleeding. Check to see if the bite went through the skin. You must try to find out whether the situation needs a personal intervention on your part or requires a medical professional.
If you notice swelling, redness in the area, or warmth around it, that may mean that an infection has set in. Always remember to take care of yourself. Dizziness or pain may be the sign of something serious.
If you see any of those problems, don’t wait before taking action to protect your health and safety.
Seek Medical Attention
If there are signs of infection on the wound or a bite that looks dangerous, you should see a doctor right away. Infections can happen very quickly.
Consult a doctor about a bite, regardless of its size. The doctor looks at the affected area, cleans it, and judges its severity. A doctor will then decide about the need for stitches and antibiotics.
The doctor also checks your tetanus status. He or she may tell you to get a rabies shot. Immediate treatment keeps problems from happening and helps the patient get better, so don’t wait to see your family doctor or urgent care center.
Acting now holds a lot of weight in helping you heal.
Document the Incident
After getting medical care, keep all records of a dog bite for both legal and personal reasons.
Keeping details of the dog bite is important. Narrate the dog attack, noting down the names of any witnesses present. If you can, take clear photos of your injuries and the actual place where the dog bit you.
Gathering data regarding the dog’s owner, like their name and contact numbers, is necessary. Obtaining the dog’s vaccination records is also important. Other documents that should be secured and kept are medical records, receipts, and bills incurred for treatment.
This information will be very useful if you want to sue for damages or later file a claim. Being as detailed as possible can greatly help your cause.
Report the Dog Bite
Having documented the incident, report the dog bite to the relevant agencies.
A complaint about the incidents should be lodged with the nearest animal control unit or law enforcement office. Not only does the report cement the issue of public safety, but it also holds the dog owner accountable.
Wherever possible, include all information relevant to the event while making a report. Your report should include the place where the event occurred, the time of day, possible witnesses, and so forth. These facts could be helpful in an investigation.
Authorities may want to check the dog’s vaccination status and past aggression.
Understand Your Legal Rights
Keep yourself safe from further harm after the dog bite. Be aware that you might be able to get paid for your injuries.
Keep track of your medical records since these documents will serve as supporting evidence in making a claim. Notify the local authorities and also your insurance provider about the incident.
Consulting a personal injury lawyer can educate you regarding your rights, and it can simplify all the legal dilemmas connected with this process. This should not be delayed, as the statute of limitations could prevent a claim from being filed at a certain point.
You can better protect yourself when you know what legal options might be available to you.
