You understand that dogs can be excellent pets and can even friends. But it’s also a fact that they can be dangerous if owners are not taking care of them, especially when in public areas – and you were able to prove this point as you’ve been bitten by a dog. You were merely walking down the street when a leashed dog came out of nowhere and bit you aggressively. But because this was your first time in a situation like this, you basically don’t have any idea about what to do and what not to do. You don’t have to worry though because this article will provide you with information about the do’s and don’ts when you are involved in a dog bite accident.
After the dog bite accident, you should do the following:
- Seek medical attention right away. Don’t think that just because you were able to stand up or you “feel okay” after the bite, you’re safe. Dogs can transmit several infections from their bite and these can be deadly if untreated.
- Contact the dog owner and animal control. You need to contact the dog owner immediately after the dog bite accident. They should know what happened as they are responsible for the behavior of their pets. Although uncommon, you should also contact animal control because they have records of dogs. This records will allow you to determine if the dog bit someone in the past and what happened to the victim.
- Get insurance information. Don’t forget to secure the information of the dog owner’s insurance company if they have insurance.
- Take pictures. You should take pictures of the injuries you’ve sustained and the dog as well. All of these will serve as evidence when the accident is taken to court.
- Contact witnesses: Most often than not, dog bite accidents happen in public places, where there are several people present. You can approach the people who were there when the accident happened and ask them to be your witnesses. Make sure that you collect their full names and contact details too.
But there also some don’ts:
- Don’t discuss the case. After the accident, an insurance adjuster might appear to ask for your statement. Don’t give out any information unless approved by your attorney as this can cause more harm than good in your case.
- Don’t assume that the dog is healthy. Again, never assume anything after the dog bite accident. Have yourself checked to determine if you have acquired rabies or other infections from the dog because this can also affect liabilities in the case.
When you’re involved in situations like these, it’s best that you seek professional help from an attorney who specializes in dog bite accidents like this one here. Hiring one to work for you can help you get through the case easier while giving you the time to take care of other things in your life like your family and career.
Knowledge Is Power
Dogs and other pets can bring happiness to their owners, but they can also pose risks when left unattended. People can get severely hurt from their bites and can be affected by infections that can be transmitted from dogs. And when you are faced with suffering from all of these because of a dog bite, it’s just right that you take actions legally. And for you to have better chances of winning the lawsuit, make sure that you’re aware of your state laws about dog bite accidents. That information, along with the contents of this article, can help you get through the accident faster.
