The Legal Steps You Should Take When Bitten by A Dog
What should you know if you are bitten by a dog? Are there any special legal steps you should take? You might have tried researching this online but got lost in an endless sea of information. This article will remove some of the confusion on these matters by listing out some necessary steps.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If a dog bites you, seek medical attention immediately. The bite may have broken the skin and exposed you to rabies or other diseases that can be transmitted through animal bites. You should also tell the doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions that could be affected by the injury. For example, if you have diabetes or heart disease, your doctor will want to know this to monitor you for complications resulting from the injury.
Get a Copy of the Veterinarian’s Report
This will be important for two reasons: First, it will show that the dog indeed bit you. Second, it may contain information about whether or not the dog has any pre-existing health problems or behavioral issues that could be relevant to your case.
Take Photographs of Your Injuries
After being bitten by a dog, it’s important to take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible. These photos will provide evidence if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner later down the road. The pictures should show close-up and wide-angle views of the injuries for maximum impact in court.
Collect the Dog Owner’s Contact Information
If possible, collect the name and address of the owner of the dog that bit you. If the owner is not present when you are bitten, get as much information as possible about where they live and what type of dog bit you. You may need this information later if you file a civil lawsuit against them for damages.
Identify Any Witnesses to the Attack
If you were attacked by a dog and want to pursue legal action against its owner, it’s important that you identify any witnesses to the attack. Witnesses can help your case because they can testify about what happened during the attack and what actions the dog’s owner took after the attack occurred. In addition, witnesses may be able to provide information about whether there were any previous attacks involving this particular dog that have not been reported to authorities or insurance companies.
Report the Attack to Animal Control or the Police
Animal control officials will investigate the incident and determine whether there was any violation of local ordinances that apply to dogs and owners in your area, such as leash laws or requirements that owners keep their pets from attacking others in public places or parks. Police officers will investigate whether someone broke any laws during the incident, such as assault or reckless endangerment laws that may apply depending on how badly injured you were by the dog bite.
Contact a Qualified Attorney Immediately
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be left with physical and emotional scars. In addition to seeking medical treatment, you should contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options. Here are some of the things that a dog bite attorney can do for you:
A lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim against the owner of the dog that bit you. In most cases, this is required before you can receive compensation for your injuries.
They can negotiate with the dog’s owner to reduce your medical bills and lost wages. If the dog owner refuses to cover your medical expenses and lost wages, you may have to sue them in court. A lawyer can negotiate with them on your behalf and reduce those costs to make them more manageable for you.
The lawyer will also provide legal representation during a civil trial if needed. If negotiations don’t work out and it’s necessary to proceed with legal action against someone who owns a dangerous dog, an attorney can help provide legal representation during a civil trial if needed.
Document Everything
Take photos of any injuries and save them digitally so they can be accessed later if necessary. Also, keep track of all medical expenses related to your injuries, such as doctor visits or prescriptions you fill at the pharmacy. You’ll want to keep these records for at least three years after your case resolves so that you can provide proof of your damages if necessary.
Conclusion
If you have any further questions or concerns about what to do when bitten by a dog, be sure to speak with a personal injury lawyer to learn more. A lawyer can guide you through filing your claim and ensure that you get the help and compensation you deserve.