What to Do When You Have Been Bitten by a Dog

People love their pets, and they also have the responsibility to ensure their dogs and cats don’t attack and cause injury to others. When a dog bites you, it is essential to take action immediately to ensure you are safe, that the dog does not bite other people, and that your rights are protected. If the bite causes injury, you should be compensated for the damage, and you should make sure the dog does not do the same to others. That is when legal action should come into play.

When a dog bites you, find out who the owner is and the dog. It is helpful if you have witnesses. Write down all names and addresses.

The next step involves getting medical care, even if you feel the bite is minor of there is only a little bit of swelling or pain. A dog bite that is dangerous may not show major symptoms at first, so have a medical professional look at the bite.

Photograph the area where you were bitten and have written records from the doctor concerning the results of the examination. You will then want to contact the owner and ask if the dog has had its shots, particularly rabies. Do some investigation and ask neighbors if the dog was known to be dangerous, if the dog bit anyone else or if the owner was warned about the dog. These people could be valuable witnesses if the matter goes to court.

Keep in mind that injuries are not just physical. You might be traumatized by the event and find it difficult to walk past the area on your way to work or go jogging or do other things you enjoy for fear you may be bitten by a dog. You may be able to receive compensation for the difficulties that may arise due to the trauma surrounding the event. It is therefore imperative to receive psychological counseling if you show signs of anxiety around dogs.

Contact an attorney and discuss your rights and the laws in your area concerning people who have been bitten by dogs and other domesticated animals.

File a dog bite report to the police and notify them that there is a dog in the area that is dangerous. Keep a journal detailing your physical and emotional symptoms. Even if the effect is not intense, a refusal to deal with a dog that bites is a community issue, and it may be worth taking action. For more information concerning a personal injury attorney in Clinton, click through this website.