What to do if You Have Been Attacked by a Dog

Dog bite attacks often happen quickly and unexpectedly and can result in devastating trauma for the victims. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that every year over four million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. If you or a loved one is attacked by a dog there are a few immediate steps you should take to protect your physical well-being and your legal claim to compensation. Talk to a lawyer in your area today to learn more about your legal options after a dog bite attack.

Seek Medical Attention

The most important thing that you need to do after a dog bite is to seek immediate medical treatment. This is important for a number of reasons, with the first being that your wounds need to be treated right away. A doctor can also check for any other injuries that may have occurred during the attack. The second reason is that seeking medical assistance creates contemporaneous documentation of the attack and the extent of the victim’s injuries, which can be incredibly helpful later in a legal case.

Identify the Dog and the Owner

The next step is to identify the dog that attacked you and the dog’s owner. Find out where the animal lives and write down any characteristics you can recall about the animal. Get the name and address of the dog’s owner in addition to any license information about the animal. Find out if there is a past history of biting. This information is critical when it comes to filing for compensation for injuries and to determine whether the victim needs to undergo testing for rabies.

Report the Dog Bite

 You should report the dog bite to your local health department as well as your local animal control office and the police. This will create reports about the incident that can be relied upon later in a lawsuit for damages. This also puts the local authorities on notice about a dangerous animal in the area.

 Collect Evidence

 If possible, collect evidence and document the dog bite attack to the best of your ability. This includes taking photos and videos of the scene as well as the injuries sustained. If there were any witnesses to the attack, get their names and contact information. Write down as many details as you can about the attack because this will all factor into a case for compensation.

 Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney

 Finally, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case. Be sure to hire an attorney with experience handling dog bite attacks who understands the law and the scope of your damages. A knowledgeable lawyer is your best opportunity for securing the compensation you or your loved one deserves after a vicious dog bite attack.

 Call or Contact a Lawyer Today

 Dog bite attacks are scary and traumatic experiences for the victim and their loved ones. Call or contact us today if you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite attack.