Navigating Dog Bite Injuries
With the unseasonably warm weather, we bet you’re looking forward to getting out and about. And when you’re at restaurants, on walks, shopping, or visiting parks, it’s all but guaranteed that you’ll run into dogs and other pets.
While many people love petting dogs and stopping to take pictures, not all furry companions are as friendly, sweet, and lovable as they look. Spending time around unfamiliar dogs unfortunately poses the risk of getting bitten—in fact, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. every single year.
While we hope that you are never bitten, we thought we’d take a moment to share some insights on how to navigate the situation should you or someone you know find yourself affected:
1. Seek immediate medical attention
It’s crucial to seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries resulting from a dog (or any animal). Not only can dog bites cause serious damage, but some dogs may not be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases. What’s more, they can carry bacteria that can cause a simple cut to turn into a brutal infection. A doctor will document your injuries in medical records (potentially with photos) that can be used if you go to court.
2. Get contact information from the dog’s owner
When you’re bitten by a dog, it’s stressful. You might try to quickly escape the situation to protect yourself and forget to get contact information for the owner. It’s important to identify the owner of the dog and get their information so that you can follow up regarding medical bills and treatment. It’s also helpful to take a picture of the dog (if it’s safe to do so) for evidence later in court.
3. Give us a call
If you’re bitten by a dog, you should contact the office as soon as possible. While not all dog bites will turn into a lawsuit, it’s common for dog owners to try and avoid responsibility for injuries caused by their dogs.
The sooner that we am looped in on the details of the case, the better your chances are to recover money for your injuries. As always, let us know if you have any questions or need guidance. If you have any questions about a dog bite or any other injury, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can speak with an attorney today by calling us at 508-755-3202.