What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and frightening experience. Know what to do in case this ever happens to you.

First get medical treatment, especially if the bite has broken the skin or the dog has inflicted other injuries. You should go immediately to the doctor or emergency room to have the bite treated. Even if it doesn’t seem serious they will be sure that your tetanus shot is up to date and clean the wound to minimize the chance of infection. Keep receipts for any medical treatment or medications that you have to buy for the treatment of the bite.

If you are able get the contact information from the owner of the dog, or if no owner is present write down the address where this happened and contact information for any witnesses. Ask if anyone knows the dog’s owner.

It is a good idea to call the police or go to the station to make a report about the dog bite so there is a legal record of the incident. Police should be aware of dangerous dogs and may decide to involve animal control. Get a copy of the report or the report number to keep in your files.

You want to have this information in order to file an insurance claim. You may also need to contact an injury attorney to seek recovery of damages that you suffered as a result of the bite. Both the insurance company and the attorney will need detailed information in order to assist you.

Dog bites can cause you to have emotional and physical injuries. You want to be sure that if you hire an injury attorney you find one with the necessary experience and skills to represent you fairly.