What to do after a dog bite
With the weather getting warmer and days getting longer, everyone is slowly stretching out of their winter blues and heading back outdoors, including our furry friends. With this, comes an increased risk of dog bites. It is important for dog owners to follow the necessary precautions to ensure that their dog does not injure other pedestrians.
Tips to avoid dog bites for dog owners
To keep you, your pet, and other pedestrians safe it is necessary to use precaution when in public with your dog.
Stay with your dog
If your dog is outside of your property it is important that you are with your dog at all times. If you leave your pup unsupervised, even for a moment, there could be an accident.
Properly train your dog
Before you take your dog to a public place it is important that he/she is trained. Puppies tend to get overly excited while in public and will bite people or other dogs.
Dogs that are not trained to deal with other humans or animals can become scared or violent and attack out of defense. Before injuring others, make sure your pup is comfortable in a public environment and knows that biting is not allowed.
Keep your pet on a leash
A leash will help control your pet so that she/he does not attack other pets or people. This will not only help secure your animal, but it will also help you avoid anything that may excite or scare them.
Muzzle if necessary
If your dog is prone to biting, a muzzle may be necessary to make sure that they do not injure anyone. Muzzles are perfectly safe and comfortable for your pup and will help protect them from injuring others unintentionally. This tactic should not be used all the time, but during situations where your dog may feel threatened.
Communicate with others
If your dog is easily scared or does not like interaction, warn others as they approach you. Many times children will come up to your dog and want to pet or play with her/him. If the dog is not friendly, tell the person no to avoid them getting bit.
What to do after a dog bite
Unfortunately not everyone uses precautions in public settings and dog bites do still occur. This can be a very frantic and confusing scenario when you are in the middle of it.
If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog:
- Get the owner’s contact information if they are present
- Document the incident
- Clean wound(s) with soap and water immediately
- Go to a doctor to examine the injury as soon as possible
- If injury is severe, call a dog bite lawyer
If your dog has bitten or attacked someone:
- Restrain your dog and remove them from the victim
- Document the victim’s injuries
- Advise them to wash the wound(s) immediately and get checked out by a medical provider
- Provide your contact information and any vet records
- Obey laws regarding dog bites
- Talk to a vet or trainer on preventing your dog from biting
Dog attacks are scary and confusing for both parties. If you have been injured due a dog attack, call Rob Levine & Associates today.
Though our furry friends are usually kind and loyal, there are circumstances where dogs can become unpredictable. Around 1,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room due to a dog bite. These types of injuries include but are not limited to:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Bruising
- Broken Bones
- Psychological Trauma
- Scaring
- Disfigurement
- Wounds from falling or being dragged
Just like any personal injury case, there are steps to follow after a dog attack incident. These steps will allow you to get the compensation from your injury that you deserve.
- Seek medical attention
It is first very important to get medical attention for the victim attacked. If there is an open wound put pressure on the wound to avoid blood loss. Seek a doctor to assure there is no infection and to obtain treatment
- Collect names and addresses of witnesses
Anyone who saw the accident can help tell the story of what happened and will help in your claim. If the dog’s owner or guardian is known their information should be collected as well (Whether they were at the scene or not).
- Take photographs of the wounds
Photo evidence will help with your claim. It is important to record all injuries and damages so that you are compensated accordingly.
- Report the incident to animal control
File a report with animal control so you have a written record of the incident that can be used as evidence in court.
- Seek Legal consultation
Though some accidents may seem minor, they can still result in serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured or bitten by a dog call Rob Levine & Associates for a free consultation. You deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will review your case to help you understand what your next steps should be. Getting legal help can put your mind at ease and let you focus on getting better.
At Rob Levine & Associates we are experienced in personal injury cases in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Our team is available 24/7 to help you. Contact us at 888-533-7507 or visit our website for more information.
The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 800,000 people receive medical attention for dog bites each year. Even more surprising, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 334,000 of those bites are severe enough to seek treatment at a hospital. Breaking it down into smaller increments makes the facts easier to understand. There are 2,400 dog attacks each day which constitutes 100 each hour or once every 36 seconds according to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg. It is important to realize that while each victim’s injuries are different, it is not an isolated incident, nor it is unique.
Common Causes Of Dog Bites
Dogs may bite when they might feel threatened by a trespasser, a change in environment, or sometimes the presence of another animal might cause the dog to react in such a manner. Dogs often feel territorial over their food, masters, and their puppies. If the dog feels that one of those things is in danger, they might lash out to defend themselves or territory. Lastly, dogs may bite if they are sick since they are prone to irritability or irritation. It is important to note that there are a few steps people can take to avoid being the victim of a dog bite.
What Humans Can Do
Avoiding unfamiliar dogs is key. While a dog might appear friendly, they can lash out in fear, or when its territorial instinct kicks in. Children also play a critical role. If they are outside playing and see a stray dog rather than approach it, they should alert an adult so proper precautions can be put in place. Dogs, much like people, thrive on routine and should not be interrupted while they are eating, sleeping, and especially caring for their puppies. Do not approach a menacing dog for any reason. If you find yourself faced with one, avoid direct eye contact, and do not make any sudden movements that might aggravate the dog.
Injuries Resulting from A Dog Bite
While we can try to prevent getting bit by a dog, sometimes the inevitable happens. Injuries sustained from a dog bite can be serious and medical attention might be required. Dog bite injuries can consist of puncture wounds, lacerations, infection, broken bones, scarring, and disfigurement. If a victim falls while trying to escape from the dog additional injures might occur.
The Victim Of A Dog Attack
If you or someone you know is a victim of a dog bite, there are some steps you should take. First, obtain the names and addresses of any witnesses. Most importantly, get the owner’s name or the person who had custody of the dog when it bit you. Secondly, get a copy of the dog’s vaccination records (this will be important when filing a lawsuit). Take photos of the actual wound and the area around it. Be sure to take photos of any “beaware of dog” signs or lack of signs. Seek medical attention from a healthcare professional regarding the bite and any follow-up treatment if necessary. Finally, contact the animal control office in your jurisdiction and file a report with investigating officials. You must cooperate with all parties involved, including the investigating officials and be truthful.
Rob Levine & Associates is an experienced dog bite attorney. If you are the victim of a dog bite, contact us today. We will advocate for your rights and ensure you recover damages for your lost wages as well as pain and suffering. Call us today for a free case evaluation. And remember, there is no fee unless we win your case.
