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What To Do After A Dog Bite

Many things fall under the category of personal injury, and dog bite attacks are one of them. While dogs are meant to be companions to those around them, some dogs can snap all of a sudden. Millions of people suffer from dog bites each year, and these injuries can cause serious medical, legal, and financial problems. For this reason, you must understand the steps you need to take following a dog bite.

The First Steps


The very first thing you want to do after a dog bite is to seek medical care. Even small puncture wounds from the bite can ultimately cause more serious injuries. Some dogs are not vaccinated against rabies, and the types of wounds they inflict are prone to infection. Wash the wound immediately. If there is bleeding, try to stop it with a clean cloth. You should then keep the wound as clean as possible and bandaged until you can get to the doctor for medical care.

Without proper medical care and attention, a dog bite can result in redness, pain, swelling, and inflammation. You may have an infection as well.

The next step is to exchange information with the owner of the dog just as you would if you were involved in a car accident. This way, you can contact them to get the dog's vaccination history if needed. When obtaining this information, make sure you have the owner's name, address, and other valuable contact information.

Witnesses can also be helpful in these scenarios, so if someone witnessed the dog bite attack, make sure to get their contact information as well. If you need to file a lawsuit or an insurance claim as a result of the bite, eyewitness accounts can provide everyone with a more accurate picture of the events that took place.

Finally, you also need to file a report with your local animal control agency to help prevent future attacks from happening. They may also launch an investigation into the incident.

Proper Documentation


Another critical element of a dog bite attack is ensuring that you keep up with all the appropriate documentation. This includes taking photographs of the dog bite and providing proof of the injury. You can also use journal entries, medical records, and a clear statement of what happened that day.

Most of the time, you will find yourself having to deal with an insurance company as well if there is a lawsuit or claim. Document all the correspondence you have with them and keep detailed records of all the expenses related to the dog bite incident. These types of documentation will help ensure that you get a fair amount of compensation for your injuries.

Dog Bite Attorneys


You will also want to consult with an experienced dog bite attorney about your rights and the processes involved in the incident. They can help you handle the insurance claim, the settlement process, and the lawsuit. An experienced attorney is also helpful when it comes to dealing with insurance companies, and they can navigate you toward a more successful outcome for your claim.

Knowing the steps to take following a dog bite accident can make or break your claim in the long run. Following all these steps and ensuring that you have proper documentation can lead to a more favorable outcome and can result in your receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries.