Being attacked by a dog can be a terrifying experience. Handling the situation in the best way possible, however, can help the recovery process go as smoothly as possible. These are a few things that you should do immediately after being bitten by someone else's dog.
1. Ask for the Dog's Veterinary Information
When you seek treatment for your dog bite, you will need to know the dog's veterinary information, such as whether or not it has received the rabies vaccination. Ask for the dog's shot records and information about the veterinarian that it is taken to; then, you'll be able to provide this information to the appropriate authorities and medical professionals.
2. Contact Animal Control
The animal that bit you will need to be handled properly after your dog bite; for example, it may need to be kept in quarantine until it is ensured that it does not have rabies. Animal control needs to know about any vicious animals in your community so that it can take proper action, so contact them as soon as possible after the dog bite. Many dog owners do not want their animals to be quarantined, so it is best to handle this yourself rather than leaving the responsibility up to the owner.
3. Clean the Wound
If possible, clean the wound with soap and water. Dog bites can carry a lot of bacteria, so keeping the wound clean can help prevent an infection and can help aid the healing process.
4. Seek Medical Treatment
Never avoid medical treatment after a dog bite, no matter how minor it might seem. The injury could be more serious than you think, and you may need to receive a series of rabies shots or other treatment to stay safe. Plus, you will need to have documentation of your dog bite if you are planning on filing a claim.
5. Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
You are probably going to need help with medical bills and other expenses after your dog bite, and you shouldn't have to struggle or pay for these things yourself. Hiring a personal injury lawyer will help ensure that you get all of the money that you are entitled to.
It can be tough to think clearly when dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, but following these tips can help. If you need more information about the legal aspects of this injury, visit Whiting, Hagg, Hagg, Dorsey & Hagg.
Share1 May 2015
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