What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. Not every person in California agrees with this sentiment and for various reasons. Even the most well-trained dog can wind up having a lapse and bite someone. Maybe the dog was spooked. Maybe the dog was frightened by the person. Whatever the reason, a dog bite attack is frightening. Our dog bite lawyer offers the following tips that explain what it is you should do after you’ve been bitten by a dog.

Seek Medical Attention

First and foremost, you need to seek medical attention. Even if the dog did not break the skin you should get evaluated at the hospital. The doctors in the emergency room will be able to run various tests, take x-rays, and administer you shots so that you do not wind up with rabies. Ignoring a dog bite attack can only cause you further anguish if you develop injuries at a later time. When you are evaluated for your injuries you will have documentation that can be used for any claim you file against the dog owner.

Notify or Find the Dog’s Owner

If you were bitten by a loose dog you need to find the owner and notify them about the incident. If the dog was loose you should call animal control or the police immediately so that the dog does not bite someone else or hurt a child. If the attack occurred in front of the dog’s owner, they will obviously know what happened since they witnessed it.
Should you know the owner of the dog or the owner was present during the attack you should exchange information. Take down their name, phone number, address and any insurance information they can offer. You will need this to file a claim against the dog owner’s insurance company.

Speak to Witnesses

It’s likely that there were witnesses to the dog bite attack that injured you. If this is the case you need to speak to these witnesses as soon as possible. Get their contact information so you can call them once you are out of the hospital. You will want to ask them to speak with the police about what they saw. Some witnesses might stay at the scene with you until emergency care arrives. This will then give them an opportunity to speak with the police.

Follow the Doctor’s Orders

After you return home from the hospital you need to follow the doctor’s orders to the letter. If you deviate from the orders given to you upon your release it could jeopardize your shot at a lawsuit. It could also wind up causing your injuries to worsen. You don’t want to have either of these two things happen following a dog bite attack.

File a Report with Animal Control

It is your responsibility to file a report with the local animal control office. The office deserves to know that a dog bite attack occurred so that it can contact the owners and take the necessary precautions.

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