What to do After a Dog Bite
Dogs are thought of as part of the family, valued for their loyalty and company. In the case of a negligent owner, however, a dog could pose a very real risk to others. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. every year. Sadly, children make up the majority of these victims. We’ve included a few tips on what to do in the event of a dog bite, but it’s still a good idea to go over your legal options with an experienced Tucson dog bite lawyer.
Seek Medical Care
According to the CDC, as many as one in five of people who are bitten by dogs require some sort of treatment afterwards. Seeking treatment is always a good idea after a dog bite, especially if someone sustained a puncture wound, as these kinds of wounds put victims at a much greater risk of infection. It’s important to keep records of all medical treatment, including invoices, bills, and doctor’s recommendations.
Exchange Information with the Dog’s Owner
It’s also important for dog bite victims to exchange information with the dog’s owner or caretaker. This will make it easier to contact that person after receiving medical care, not only to obtain the animal’s vaccination history, but also to report the animal and begin the process of filing a claim for damages.
Take Note of Any Witnesses
If an animal’s attack was witnessed by others, it’s a good idea to obtain their contact information. These individuals may be able to provide witness statements, detailing what happened on the date in question and helping solidify the owner’s fault in failing to restrain his or her animal.
File a Report with Animal Control
Dog bite victims should also consider filing a report with the local animal control agency. This can help prevent future dog bites and can even strengthen a person’s claim if he or she discovers an earlier complaint regarding a particular animal.
Documenting the Dog Bite Injury
Recording the details of the attack that led to a victim’s injury is also a vital part of a person’s claim, as it will help dictate how much compensation he or she is entitled to. To help give an insurer, judge, or jury a better idea of the extent of the injuries, victims should think about taking photos of visible injuries and making note of any pain or decreased mobility. Photos, medical records, and even journal entries can all help establish damages.
Call Today for Help with Your Dog Bite Claim
If you recently sustained a dog bite injury, you have the right to pursue fair compensation. For a better idea of your own legal needs, feel free to call the dedicated Tucson dog bite lawyers at Karnas Law Firm, PLLC today. You can set up a free consultation by contacting a member of our legal team at (520) 462-2593 or by filling out one of our online contact forms. We look forward to working with you through each stage of your case.