Did you know that dog bites occur every 75 seconds in the United States? This number may be shocking to hear, but this type of incident can happen very easily. Whether you are walking down a street, in someone’s home, or in your own home, a dog attack is a terrifying and serious experience. Since it is something that is not often thought about, many do not know what to do when this situation arises. To help you get an understanding of how serious dog bites can be, here is a list of what to do after being attacked by a dog.
The first step to take is to identify the dog and its owner. Obtain the names and addresses of who was in charge of the dog when you were attacked. Also get the name and addresses of anyone who witnessed the attack. It is important to find out who the dog belongs to, so you are aware of what shots the dog has gotten. If you cannot identify the dogs owner, you should look into getting a rabies shot. If you can, take pictures.
The second step is to seek medical attention. Depending on how bad the bite is, you may need to call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room. Make sure you do not wait too long before seeking medical attention, for the bite could worsen over time. When receiving medical attention, make sure you give the medics all the information you can. Remember, there is a huge risk of infection from dog bites, so get medical attention as fast as you can.
The third step is to file a dog bite report. After your medical situation is figured out, make sure you file a report with the proper authorities. This will legally document your attack, which could help someone else who is attacked by the same dog after you. If you do not file this report, it will be difficult for the authorities to properly deal with the attack.
The fourth step is to photograph your injuries. Take as many pictures as you can. Even if you need to unwrap gauze to get a good picture. If stitches were necessary, take a picture of them. This will give you physical evidence of what happened to you, as well as the needs it took to heal the wounds. Also photograph any bruises, torn clothing, and blood spatter that was involved in the attack.
The fifth step is to gather more information. After identifying the dog and the owner, try to gather more information about the dog. Try to obtain any documented history about the dog. Such as if the dog has attacked anyone else, has the dog been legally designated as dangerous, if the dog has had all of its correct shots, and if the dog has had multiple owners. This information can help you see some background of the dog. For example, if the dog has had multiple owners, this could be a recurring problem that has never been documented.
The final step is to contact an attorney. Call us! There are many legal issues that dog attacks concern. These issues are always very complex and hard to navigate on your own. Having us on your side will make your process easier. We look out for your best interest and will help you get the ending you deserve. Dog attacks are a stressful and scary time, make sure you are prepared for if this tragic event happens to you. Give us a call if you have any questions or need help with a dog attack case 209-900-8200.