Taking a walk is a healthy way to clear your mind, get some fresh air, and exercise at the same time. However, a dog bite can put a stop to your enjoyment in a major way. To find out what you should do after a dog bite, read on.
Taking Action
Depending on the severity of your injuries, the sooner you gather information about the dog and owner the better. Get the owner's contact information and address. Find out if the dog has been vaccinated and the name of the dog's vet so that the information can be verified. Photo the dog if possible.
Seek medical treatment right away, even if you believe the wound to be minor. Dogs carry several types of bacteria in their mouths. Even if they are vaccinated against rabies, you could get a nasty infection in what might at first appear to be a small wound. In some cases, you will need stitches and antibiotic treatment to guard against infections. Go to the nearest emergency room or see your doctor and save all paperwork from the visit. In the case of severe wounds, you may need surgery now and in the future. Severe dog bites can cause debilitating and disfiguring wounds.
Report the bite to the local animal enforcement agency. Often, dog bites are logged and monitored. Action may be taken once the animal has several marks against them for biting. Reporting the bite could help prevent someone else, such as a young child, from being bit by the same dog and causing even more harm.
Know About Damages
For a dog bite, the damages are what is owed to you because of the dog bite. Dog owners are responsible for the behavior of their dogs, particularly while out in public. The dog's owner might be personally responsible for your damages but many dog owners are covered by their homeowner's policies. The amount of your damages will matter since a deductible will be met by the owner. In most cases, your damages will include:
- Medical expenses
- Ruined clothing or other personal items
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Keep up with your damages and present them to a personal injury lawyer if the owner of the dog is not willing to pay you what you are owed. You could be owed a lot of money for pain and suffering alone. Imagine how you now feel about taking a walk now that you have suffered the surprise and trauma of a dog bite. That is pain and suffering and you can be paid for it.
Speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out more.
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