Approximately 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year, and there are over 12,000 dog bite injury cases annually. The incidents are on the rise in major cities, where dog bites rank as the first cause of nonfatal injuries in children.
Therefore, this poses a great risk, with most people unaware of the impending danger. If you ever find yourself in this situation, you can report the dog bite with the help of a credible lawyer. They might also have contacts of credible dog bite doctors or animal control authorities.
The following write-up reviews the details of dog bites and what to do if you are involved in such injury cases. Read on for more information.
1. Identify What Triggered the Dog Bite
To avoid future incidents, you should understand why a dog bit you in the first place. Various factors can trigger an animal to attack, including you being at fault. Here are reasons why dogs bite:
●Scaring or disturbing a resting dog. This can involve approaching it from the back.
●If the dog acts in self-defense. Canines can protect their space or puppies.
●Due to sickness or boredom, thus needing to be left alone.
●Playfulness. A dog’s play may be too aggressive for your liking.
2. Mandatory Medical Check-ups
Immediate medical attention is a must after a dog bite. You’re at risk of contracting rabies, which can spread if not promptly treated. Therefore, you should get a rabies shot and get tested for other infections.
First Aid Solutions for Dog Bites
Some contexts might make it challenging to reach a hospital. You can perform certain DIY solutions, like cleaning and covering the scar immediately after the bite.
Running water eliminates excess germs that were probably harbored in the dog’s teeth while covering them eliminates dirt and debris.
3. Prepare for a Lawsuit: Collect Evidence
You’re eligible for compensation if you can prove damages suffered. Therefore, it’s essential to have hard evidence from the bite scene. You can record data by taking photos of the wound, the dog, and the owner. Third-party witnesses can also come in handy in justifying your damages in court.
Ensure you also get the dog owner’s details for follow-up purposes. The information might come in handy when officially suing them.
Here are the details you should collect from the bite location:
●Dog’s breed. It’s important to note that some breeds, like Pitbulls, have high risks of infections.
●The owner’s personal contact or address.
●Location of the incident.
●Dog’s behavior at the time of the attack (witnesses can help with this information).
4. Reporting and Contacting a Lawyer
Involving the authorities can help apprehend a rude and arrogant dog owner. You can also contact animal control to restrain the canine if it’s acting erratically. Moreover, the police can help take more evidence, such as recording statements, to use during a trial.
Reporting or contacting a personal injury lawyer is also crucial. You’ll receive legal advice regarding the best way to settle the case and assist you during investigations and negotiation processes.
5. Record Your Treatment Progress
Dog bites are sensitive, requiring regular checkups and a high medication intake. You should also check for signs of infection. You might still be sick if the wound is taking too long to heal.
Recording your medication progress helps when filing for compensation. You can share the information with your lawyer as part of the collective evidence.
Conclusion
That’s all you should do if it’s your first time sustaining a dog bite. You should prioritize getting medical attention to avoid the effects of rabies and other dog-related infections. Due to the complexity of dog bite cases, contact a lawyer for legal advice and help during the trial process.