Dogs are considered man’s best friend and, in the hands of a responsible owner, they often can be. Unfortunately, not every dog owner is responsible and, as a result, the wellbeing of others is put at risk. In fact, millions of individuals suffer dog bite injuries every year, ranging from minor to incredibly severe. Given how surprisingly common these injuries can be, especially among children, it is important to know exactly what steps you should take in the aftermath of such a traumatic incident.
Below are the steps you need to take after you or a loved one is bitten by a dog:
- Seek medical care: Seeking medical care after a dog bite injury is crucial regardless of the level of severity, but it can be particularly vital to your health if you suffered a puncture wound. These types of injuries are prone to infections and you should always keep in mind that not all dogs are vaccinated and might carry diseases. Additionally, you should try to take photos of the bite prior to receiving treatment to properly document them.
- Exchange information: This step will feel much like what you would do in the event of a car accident. Exchange contact information with the dog’s caretaker, including his or her name, address, and other contact information. This will also be useful for when you need to verify the dog’s vaccination history.
- Witnesses: Did someone watch the incident occur? If there were any witnesses, you need to be sure to acquire their contact information as well since this will provide a more accurate picture of what happened and back up your own account of how the incident occurred.
- Animal Control: It is also incredibly important to report the dog bite incident to your local animal control agency. Not only will this potentially help prevent future dog bites, it can also assist with an investigation into your own case.
Document the Healing Process
Keeping thorough records of a dog bite injury is a crucial part of the injury claims process. Make sure you take photos of the injury and document their effects, such as pain, reduced mobility. This can be accomplished by writing these details in a journal, which you can provide as evidence along with your medical records. Be sure to also write down everything you can recall regarding the incident itself while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Oneonta Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you were recently bitten by a dog, you are going to need skilled legal assistance to get you through this experience, so you can obtain the fair and just compensation you deserve. At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC, our knowledgeable dog bite injury attorneys are dedicated to representing those who have been wrongfully injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. We work hard to defend our client’s rights and will do what it takes to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Get started on your case today and contact our office at (607) 228-8404 to request your free initial case evaluation with one of our experienced dog bite injury attorneys.