5 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Accident

Approximately 40% of households own at least one dog, which means that you’ll likely have an encounter with one, even when you’re not expecting it. Dog bite accidents occur with strangers because the dog is afraid, and they may think you’re a threat. The good news is that most dog bites are not severe. If a dog ever bites you, here are the steps you need to take.

1.   Seek medical attention

As Allan Berger & Associates will tell you, the first step after a dog bite is to seek medical attention. Dogs can transmit diseases through their saliva. Even if the bite doesn’t look serious, have it checked out by a doctor. The doctor will likely clean the wound and may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Other concerns after a dog bite are rabies and tetanus. If the dog that bit you was not up to date on its vaccinations, you require rabies shots as a precaution. If you’re not up to date on your tetanus shots, you’ll also need to get them.

If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed. Failing to do so can lead to serious health complications. Follow all other doctor’s instructions as well. It includes returning for follow-up appointments and letting the doctor know if you have any problems.

2.   Report the bite

Next, you need to report the bite to the authorities. Doing so is especially important if the dog that bit you was not yours. You may need to provide information about the dog, such as its breed, to animal control. They may also want to know if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies. Animal control will likely quarantine the dog for ten days to see if it has rabies.

3.   Contact the owner

If the dog that bit you wasn’t yours, contact the owner. Many states have laws that require the owner to have their dog vaccinated for rabies. They may also be liable for any injuries the dog causes. If you plan to file a personal injury claim, get the owner’s contact information, insurance information, and the name of their veterinarian. Contacting the owner also lets you get more information about the dog, whether it’s aggressive or has a history of biting.

4.   Document the bite

It would help if you documented the bite as much as possible. Take pictures of the wound and get the contact information of any witnesses. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, this documentation will be essential. Additionally, document any medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses related to the bite.

5.   Consult an attorney

After a dog bite, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can review your case and advise you of the best legal options. Many dog bite cases are settled out of court, but an attorney can help you get the best possible outcome.

The owner’s insurance company may try to lowball you or deny a claim. An attorney will level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Endnote

If a dog ever bites you, these are some steps you need to take. Have someone take you to the doctor, report the bite to the authorities, and contact the owner. The faster you take action, the sooner you can get back to normal.