Legal Blog
What to Do if You're Bitten by a Dog
America is a nation of animal lovers, and it's estimated that there are around 80 million dogs in the United States. Most of those are friendly, loving pets kept under close control, but unfortunately there are instances when dogs attack other animals or even humans, and the results can be catastrophic. If you're attacked by a dog, it can leave physical and mental scars, and it can be difficult to know what actions to take, which is why we've created this guide to help you find the expert advice you need if you're bitten by a dog.
Seek Medical Help
Dog attacks vary in severity, but they can cause serious injuries with long term consequences, so if you've been bitten by a dog, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even wounds or injuries that you may feel are superficial can become infected or be carrying a disease, causing further problems, so never ignore a bite of any kind. At this stage, whenever possible, you should also obtain the name and address of the dog owner, their insurance details, and any details of the dog's physical state, such as any treatment they've been receiving from a veterinary surgeon.
Dog attack law can vary from state to state, but in general it is the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure their animal is kept under control at all times. Once you have received medical attention, your next step should be to report the attack to the relevant authorities, primarily the police. They may in turn direct you also to an animal control agency, if one is in operation in your area.
Seek Expert Help from a Dog Bite AttorneyBeing a victim of a dog attack can bring with it significant costs, as well as trauma. You may have medical bills to pay, or have to take time off work, or even make modifications to your home and life style, so it's important that you seek the compensation you're entitled to. A specialist dog bite attorney should be consulted at the time you report the matter to the police, and certainly before you speak to an insurance company. They will be able to advise you how to proceed in the case, and it's important that they are always present when you talk to a representative of the insurance company. Never enter into written or verbal communications with them, and don't allow them to take photographs of your injuries. It's also important that you only accept a compensation offer after talking to a dog attack attorney, as in this way you can get what you really need and deserve.
Being the victim of a dog bite can be a painful, scary and confusing experience, but you don't have to face the aftermath on your own. Expert attorneys will be able to guide you through the claims process, showing you what you can claim for and helping you attain the best possible compensation awards. You can't turn back the clock, but you can look forward to a better future.
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