Have you recently suffered a dog bite? Learn the immediate legal steps required to safeguard your rights and health.
Owning dogs may feel like a luxury, but these canines are our daily companions. They bring joy and happiness into our homes. While a man’s best friends are undeniably loyal and adorable, their unexpected bite can cause severe injuries, especially if it targets the neck or face.
Unfortunately, more than 4.4 million Americans, including children, suffer pain caused by dog bites. It’s this bitter truth that compels us to weigh the options of owning a pet and the burden of ensuring public safety.
However, a dog bite fear shouldn’t prevent you from owning a canine. If the unexpected happens, and you’re bitten, knowing the right option to take is crucial.
Let’s break it down.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
A dog bite can be horrifying, but staying cool is key. Remain composed, especially during the initial chaotic moments after the incident. To make better decisions, you need to think clearly and avoid making sudden movements. An aggressive dog will continue attacking if provoked further, so it’s crucial to walk away from the animal.
Once you’re at a safe distance away from the dog, ensure to examine the extent of your injuries. Knowing how severe the bite is will guide your next steps.
Document the Dog Bite
After a dog bite, the last thing you’d want to work on is paperwork. But recording the incident is key. Here’s why:
- Proof of Injury: Taking photos of the wound provides valuable evidence, especially when you want to prove the extent of your injuries.
- Legal Rights: If you plan to pursue legal action, your documentation will help you build a strong case.
- Insurance Claims: A well documented dog bite injury case stands a high chance of receiving fair compensation from the dog owner’s insurance.
- Medical Treatment: Healthcare providers will rely on accurate documentation to understand the extent of your injury and offer appropriate care.
Take Immediate Medical Interventions
Even if the bite appears minor, it’s essential to seek medical care. A healthcare expert can examine the wound for any indication of infection and administer the necessary wound care.
A medical professional may offer first aid by cleaning the bite area thoroughly with water and soap to remove germs. They may also apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth to manage any bleeding. Once bleeding stops, the wound will be wrapped in a sterile bandage to keep it safe.
Report the Incident to Animal Control
When you’ve been bitten by an unknown dog, it’s critical to contact animal control. It helps to keep track of the incident, which is necessary when pursuing legal actions. Also, it warns authorities to a likely dangerous animal. Animal Control will also:
- Investigate the incident
- Establish if the dog presents a persistent threat
- Enforce relevant regulations
All these actions are aimed at preventing future bites and protecting the community. Moreover, reporting such incidences helps to add more data on dog bites and aid in research and the development.
File an Official Report
If you plan to take a legal action against the dog owner, you need to submit an official report with animal control or the police. This will compel the dog owner to take the necessary precautions to prevent the canine from biting someone else. When filing your report, ensure to provide more details about the attack and any witnesses.
Investigate the Dog’s History
Notably, some homeowners keep unvaccinated animals. Unfortunately, that action exposes them to harmful diseases such as rabies and canine parvovirus. As mentioned, if a stray dog bites you, seek immediate medical intervention to avoid the risk of further complications.
In addition, you need to contact the dog’s caregiver or owner and obtain vaccination records. If that information isn’t readily available, follow up with animal control or the dog’s veterinarian to help in tracking down those details.
Behavioral Analysis
Dog bite incidences should be thoroughly investigated. That’s because such observations help to prevent more attacks from occurring in the future. You need to establish if the canine was provoked or if it had a record of aggressive behavior. This information can be useful for legal and preventive reasons. If a neighbor is present, collect more details about the dog’s habits.
Gather Insurance Information
If the dog bite causes severe injuries, insurance coverage can be a key means of receiving compensation. Luckily, most homeowners’ insurance policies handle dog bites, and can help cover medical costs and other damages.
If the dog owner is available, gather their insurance details and contact the insurer. Having the necessary information can streamline the claims handling process and minimize delays in receiving redress. Insurance adjusters can expertly handle claims and other complex issues. In many cases, the providers offer just settlements, unlike when dealing directly with the dog owner.
Legal Assistance
Cases involving dog bites are often complex and require a specialized personal injury lawyer. That’s because establishing fault can be challenging. Is it the victim or is it the dog owner? Additionally, proof of negligence by the dog owner may be required. Without sufficient evidence, this may not be possible.
Fortunately, contacting an experienced attorney familiar with dog bite liability laws can help you handle legal proceedings. Here’s why you need a lawyer for your case:
Attorneys thoroughly understand relevant dog bite legislation including liability, statutes of limitations, and damages
- Lawyers can help gather key evidence required to handle your claim.
- They can negotiate with insurance agents on your behalf.
- Lawyers seek fair compensation for your injuries.
- They ensure your rights are guaranteed during the legal process.
Conclusion
A dog may be a man’s beloved companion, but its attack can leave victims shocked and traumatized. However, what matters is what you do immediately after the incident. While the physical injuries may heal with time, the financial and emotional wounds can remain for long. At Husain Law + Associates — Houston Car Accident, Personal Injury and Truck Accident Lawyers, P.C., we support dog bite victims. Our team is well-equipped to fight all the legal battles involved in your case, and ensure you receive your deserved compensation. Call us and schedule a free consultation to explore your options.
