Next Steps After a Dog Bite
Dog Bite Injuries
Aggressive dogs injure about 885,000 people in the U.S. every year, the majority of which are children. Dog bites and other canine-inflicted injuries are among the top reasons homeowners file home insurance claims. Dog attacks sometimes result in very serious injuries. Permanent disfigurement, nerve and tissue damage, brain and organ damage, broken bones, head injuries, and even death are possible.
State law requires pet owners to assume responsibility for their animal’s behavior. If a dog attacks you, his owner will be “strictly liable” for the injuries and damages you have incurred. This is true even if the dog showed no previous signs of aggression. If you, your child, or a loved one has dog bite injuries, you may be able to recover compensation. In these cases it is wise to talk to a dog bite attorney. This post explains what to do after a dog attack.
Seek Medical Attention
After a dog bite, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention right away. Even if you believe your injuries are superficial and treatable with first aid, it is best to have a medical professional take a look. Dogs can carry rabies and other diseases, which may require vaccination or other treatment. Aggression is a sign of rabies in canines. Sometimes, an injury will not be immediately apparent and may develop over several days after a dog bite. One risk with bite wounds is that they could become infected, and the victim could develop sepsis. If an injury suddenly appears or gets worse, see a doctor as soon as you are aware of the injury.
Document Your Injuries
Take photographs of your injuries. You may want to photograph the progression of your injuries over several days. That way you can document swelling, bruising, and other injuries that gradually worsen. You can also ensure your injuries are accurately represented in your medical records by communicating clearly and thoroughly with your physician and other medical professionals.
Report the Incident to Animal Control
If there is a medical emergency, report the incident by dialing 911. Otherwise, you can report a dog attack to animal control in your city. Do not attempt to capture or hold the dog for the authorities. If possible, exchange contact information with the dog’s owner. Take a photo of the dog and ask for vaccination records. If the owner doesn’t comply, don’t worry; animal control services will investigate the incident.
Call a Dog Attack Attorney
An experienced dog bite attorney can help you obtain a fair settlement for your pain, suffering, and economic losses incurred after a dog attack. Reach out to Tittle & Perlmuter as soon as possible after you suffer injuries. We have won millions of dollars for victims of dog attacks and will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Tittle & Perlmuter offers a no-obligation case review free of charge. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at our Cleveland, Chardon, Sandusky, or Elyria locations.
