Simple steps to take to preserve your ability to seek compensation after a dog bite
Almost everyone knows someone who loves dogs. Often, dogs are a part of one’s family. However, no matter how much you love dogs, if you are bitten by someone’s dog you should take steps to ensure that you recover from that bite as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
If you are bit by a dog the first step is to clean the wound. The safest approach, no matter how small the injury may seem, is to seek the care of a medical professional. Only a medical professional can give you expert advice on how to care for your wound in order to ensure that it heals as completely and safely as possible.
After taking care of your wound you should seek out the owner of the dog. You must be able to identify the owner of the dog in order to file a claim. Often, the dog’s owner’s insurance will include coverage for your injuries. You should also talk to anyone who saw the dog bite you and collect their statements and contact information from them.
Regardless of whether you were able to locate the dog’s owner or not, you should notify the proper authorities (local animal control and/or local law enforcement). If you know the name and contact information of the owner you should share that with the authorities. If you were unable to track down the owner you could give the authorities a detailed description of the dog and where you last saw it.
Documenting your wound is an important part of being sure you are properly assisted during and after the healing process. Take pictures of the wound as soon after the bite as is safe. You should continue to take pictures of the wound as it heals and after it heals. This will help communicate the amount of pain and suffering the bite has caused you, as well as show if the bite has left any permanent scarring, which will also deserve compensation.
And of course, if you want to get compensation for a dog bite injury, you need to contact an attorney. Dog bite injury claims often need to be taken through litigation in order to recover the significant damages the victim requires to become whole.
Regardless of whether you love dogs or not, if someone else’s dog caused you injury you have a right to expect them to help you get better. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker you can find the assistance you need to file a claim and get the compensation you deserve after a dog bite injury.
