Personal Injury Lawyer

Even the friendliest of dogs can become aggressive in certain situations. If a dog is feeling scared, threatened, stressed, or territorial, they can suddenly bite. If a dog bites a victim and that victim sustains injuries, the owner of the dog is liable for those injuries, even if the owner did not know their dog could be dangerous. If the owner did know that the dog was dangerous, this could have a significant effect on how much they may be ordered to pay the victim in damages.

What to Do After You Are Bitten by a Dog

Unlike other types of personal injury cases, when a victim is bitten by a dog, they are not required to prove the dog owner was negligent in order to be awarded damages in a dog injury lawsuit. However, there are still certain steps a victim should take in order to protect your case. A dog bite injury attorney can explain in detail what those steps are, however, the following is a brief overview of the steps a victim should take if they are bitten:

  • Make sure to apply direct pressure to the bite, using a clean washcloth. This will help stop any bleeding.
  • Rinse the bite wound with warm water. Then apply antibiotic ointment before covering the wound with a bandage.
  • If the bleeding does not stop or if the wounds looks like it is becoming infected, see a medical doctor immediately.
  • Once you have addressed and treated the bite wound, sit and write down all the details of the dog bite incident. Include details about where the incident occurred, what time of day it was, what the dog looked like, and how the dog was behaving.
  • Obtain the dog owner’s contact information.
  • Contact law enforcement and animal control and let them know the details of the incident.
  • Call a dog bite lawyer from name of firm to discuss what legal options you may have.

Depending on the severity of the bite, you may need to concentrate on recovering from the incident. Filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit can be complex and should be handled by an experienced dog bite attorney. An attorney can go over dog bite laws and how they apply to your situation. Your attorney can evaluate your case and determine what types of damages you may be able to sue for the dog owner for. Some of the more common damages include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Permanent disfigurement

Let a Dog Bite Attorney Help You

If you or a family member has suffered a dog bite injury or attack, contact a dog bite law firm to schedule a consultation and find out how a lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries.