Dogs aren’t only man’s best friend, but also America’s number one favorite pet, based on pet owner statistics. While it’s in a dog’s nature to protect its owner, some dogs are more violent and anxious than others and cause harm by unprovoked bites. Getting bit by a dog can not only be painful but traumatic and life-altering depending on the extent of the injury. If you find yourself the victim of a dog bite, here’s what you should do.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Don’t assume because a dog bite is minor and didn’t cause much pain or bloodshed that you shouldn’t go to a doctor. A dog bite can later result in infections, nerve damage, and in the worst cases, rabies. As a result, you may need to get antibiotics, stitches to sew up a wound, or a rabies shot, depending on the dog who bit you.
You must know if the dog who bit you was rabid since rabies is a serious disease. According to the CDC, a dog that has rabies will be euthanized. That’s because rabies is an incurable virus that attacks the nervous system, such as the brain and spinal cord. You can treat it when you catch it early on, which is why you shouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor. However, if you become infected by rabies and don’t seek immediate medical care, you may seal your medical fate. The virus is fatal when symptoms begin to show up.
Call Animal Control or Police
If there is a dangerous dog out there that bit you unprovoked, the odds are it would do so to anyone else. Report the attack to your local or state animal control agency or your Police Department. Doing so will guarantee that the dangerous dog will receive the necessary testing for rabies, has quarantine, and their owner is checked out to see if they’re training dogs to be dangerous to other people. Even if you’re unaware of who owns the dog, giving a general description of the dog and its location can help track down the owner for further information.
Keep Documentation
After the dog bite, take photos of any injuries and of the dog in question. Document the scene of the attack as much as possible so you have more information to report to the authorities. Track what you spend on medical care, such as prescription medication, and visits to the doctor. All this documentation will be handy for your next step, which should involve seeking legal aid.
Find a Legal Professional
If you are wrongfully trespassing on someone else’s property and a dog attacked you to protect its owner, you were in the wrong during the incident. However, in the event of an unprovoked dog attack, you are eligible for compensation from the dog owner or their insurance. If you suffered an injury, medical costs, lost wages, pain, or an altered lifestyle due to a dog bite, a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. They’ll explain your legal rights and the best options to pursue. Your legal professional can help negotiate any settlement or represent you if the incident has to go to trial.
A dog bite can be painful for anyone. However, you don’t have to suffer in silence if you’re a victim of such an attack. Let our accident injury attorneys help get you the compensation and care you deserve. Call our firm today for a consultation.
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