How To Proceed After Being Attacked By A Dog
Being attacked by a dog can be very traumatic and may leave both physical and emotional scars. When a dog attacks a person unprovoked, the dog's owner is almost always held liable. After being attacked by a dog, it is important that you take the proper steps in order to keep the situation under control. How you react can make a big difference in the outcome, to proceeding properly is essential. Make sure that you take the following steps after being bit by a dog owned by someone else:
Collect the Owner's Information
In the event that you're bitten by a dog, it is very important that you get information from the dog's owner. This information should include the owner's first and last name, his or her phone number, and his or her address. Make sure that you ask the dog's owner to provide proof of vaccinations as soon as possible; if the dog that bit you has not been vaccinated for rabies, you may require additional medical treatment.
Document the Injuries
Prior to seeking care for your dog bite, it is in your best interest to document your injuries. Have someone take photographs of the area that was bitten; you may want to have several photos taken from different angles. In addition, take a few minutes to write down the details of the attack while they are still fresh in your memory.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you are bitten by a dog, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Dogs have a lot of bacteria in their saliva, so if you don't have your dog bite properly cleaned and bandaged, you could develop a nasty infection that can cause serious complications. Make sure that you tell your medical provider that you were attacked by a dog that you do not own so that information is mentioned in your medical records.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you sustain injuries after being attacked by a dog that belongs to someone else, you are entitled to a financial settlement to cover the cost of your medical bills and any wages lost from not being able to work. In addition, your settlement may include monetary damages for pain and suffering, as well as psychological trauma. The best way to ensure that you receive the settlement that you deserve is by hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent you. He or she will file a claim with the dog owner's homeowners insurance company and will then negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
For more information, contact a company like Snyder & Wenner, P.C.
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