What to Do if You Are Bitten By a Dog

Oct 23,2017

If you are bitten by a dog, you will likely have many thoughts and emotions in the immediate moments afterward. However, there are several things you’ll need to do right away in order to prevent infection and ensure the appropriate parties are held liable for your injuries.

First, you will of course want to physically take care of the injury. Next, you also want to be sure to take the appropriate steps to establish liability for the dog attack.

Here are 7 steps to take after you have been bitten by a dog:

Treat: If the attack was particularly severe, you might need to call 911 for emergency help. If not, then the first thing you should do is reduce the risk of infection by treating the wound. To do this, you should press on the wound gently to help flush out as much bacteria as possible. Next, wash the wound with mild soap and water. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth, and apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream. Then wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
Photograph: Take photos of your injuries. These will be important when filing a claim with the insurance company or taking your case to court.
Talk to witnesses: Take down information and statements of anyone who witnessed the dog bite.
Find the owner: Identify the dog’s owner. This is important not only for liability purposes, but for your health as well. If the dog is a stray, you might need to undergo rabies treatment. Your doctor will determine whether this is necessary
See a doctor: Have your bite wound examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Infection is the No. 1 concern with dog bites. Thus, you should visit your primary care provider or an urgent care center right away to determine whether the bite is infected.
Report the attack: File a report to your local animal control agency. They should then investigate the case, including speaking with witnesses and the dog owner.
Contact a personal injury attorney: Dog bites leave both physical and emotional scars. Often they require expensive medical treatment, missed work days and other inconveniences. A personal injury attorney will help you determine what steps to take to hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries and suffering.

“Being bitten by a dog can be a painful incident both physically and emotionally. It’s important to take these immediate action steps to prevent further harm and ensure the responsible parties are held liable,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a dog attack and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.