Five Things You Should Do If a Dog Bite Breaks the Skin

Five Things You Should Do If a Dog Bite Breaks the Skin

Dog bites can be a serious and traumatic experience, and it’s important to take appropriate action if bitten. Not only can they result in physical injuries and emotional distress, but there can also be financial implications that can add to the stress of the situation.

If you have suffered a dog bite that breaks the skin, there are steps that you should take to protect your health and your legal rights. This article will help you to understand what to do next.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Seeking medical attention after a dog bite is a critical step to take, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can result in serious injuries, including lacerations, puncture wounds, and even bone fractures. If you experience any symptoms after a dog bite, such as fever, swelling, or redness around the wound, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms may be signs of an infection, which can be serious if left untreated.

Medical documentation is also an important aspect of a personal injury claim. The documentation can also be used as evidence when claiming compensation for being attacked by a dog while also establishing the extent of your damages. This may include medical bills, hospital records, and doctor’s notes. 

2. Document The Incident

You might think that you’ll remember everything that happened, but in such a stressful experience, it’s easy to forget what may prove to be key details.

Take photos of your injuries, the location where the incident occurred, and any identifying information about the dog and its owner. If anybody witnessed what happened, ask for their contact details so that they can verify what happened should there be a legal case or if you make a personal injury claim.

3. Identify the Dog and Owner

Identifying the dog and its owner after a dog bite is crucial for both your health and your legal rights. Knowing the identity of the dog and its owner can help prevent future incidents and ensure that the owner takes responsibility for the dog’s actions. Here are some important steps to take when identifying the dog and its owner:

Get the dog owner’s contact information: If possible, ask the dog owner for their name, address, and phone number. This information can be used to contact them in the future if needed. If the dog was a stray or the owner could not be identified, contact animal control. They can help locate the dog and identify its owner.

Identifying the dog and its owner is important for your personal injury claim. If the dog was owned by someone else, that person might be held responsible for your damages. Additionally, identifying the dog and its owner can help prevent future incidents and ensure that the dog is properly restrained or removed from the area.

If you are unable to identify the dog and its owner, it may be more difficult to pursue a personal injury claim. However, this does not mean that you are without options. A personal injury advisor can help you navigate the legal process and explore other options for compensation.

4. Report the Incident

Reporting a dog bite to the appropriate authorities is an important step to take after a dog bite incident. Depending on the location of the incident, there may be different authorities to contact including – 

• Animal Control

Contact your local animal control agency to report the incident. They can help investigate the incident and take appropriate action, such as impounding the dog, issuing a citation to the owner, or ordering the owner to take specific actions to prevent future incidents.

• Police

Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you may need to contact the police. For example, if the dog was aggressive or the owner was negligent in controlling the dog, the police may need to be involved.

Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities can help prevent future incidents and ensure that the dog owner takes responsibility for their dog’s actions. In addition, reporting the incident can help protect other individuals from being bitten by the same dog.

When reporting the incident, it’s important to provide as much detail as possible. This may include the location of the incident, the date and time, the breed of the dog, and any identifying information about the owner. Providing accurate and detailed information can help authorities investigate the incident and take appropriate action.

5. Seek Legal Advice

Here are some specific reasons why you should consider contacting a personal injury lawyer after a dog bite incident:

Understanding your legal rights: A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights under the law. They can explain the legal concepts of negligence, liability, and damages, and help you determine if you have a valid personal injury claim.

Dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company: In many cases, the dog owner’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached with the dog owner’s insurance company, a personal injury lawyer can represent you in court. They can gather evidence, call witnesses, and present your case to a judge and jury.

Helping you get the compensation you deserve: A personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Providing peace of mind: A personal injury lawyer can provide peace of mind during a difficult and stressful time. They can handle the legal details of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Guest Article.