Seek medical assistance
You may need to seek medical attention right away depending on the severity of the bite. We do, however, advocate contacting a doctor within eight hours after the dog bite. Seeing a doctor can verify that you are free of any infection.
If the bite was not very serious, wash it with mild soap and let it soak in warm tap water for about five minutes. After that, use an antibiotic cream and cover it with a clean bandage. For the following few days, make sure to replace the bandage multiple times a day.
Regardless of the severity of the injury, you must keep an eye out for any symptoms of infection. Swelling, redness, fever, and increasing discomfort are all signs of infection.
Treat the situation as though it were a car accident
Being bitten by another person’s dog is analogous to being involved in a vehicle accident. You’ll need to share information with the dog’s owner, such as their name, address, and contact information. This information is necessary in order to examine the dog’s immunization history.
Check with any witnesses who may have witnessed the occurrence and make a note of their contact information. If you decide to file a lawsuit against the dog owner, obtaining eyewitness testimony can help you prove your case.
You’ll also need to keep track of the injuries. Take photographs of the damage at each level, save receipts from any doctor appointments, and make a list of any hidden symptoms you may be experiencing, such as pain or limited mobility.
Who is responsible for what?
In California, the dog owner is responsible for any injuries caused by the dog to you, your property, or any other pets you have. However, if the dog was alone at the time of the incident, locating the responsible owner might be difficult.
If the owner is not available, you can contact animal control to have the dog cared for until the owner is discovered. If the dog is a stray, a number of considerations must be made, including whether the harm happened on private or public land.
The city might be held accountable for the dog’s behavior if the harm happened on public grounds. If the bite happened on private property, the owner of the land might be held liable.
Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney with Years of Experience
It’s critical to get medical attention if you’ve been bitten by a dog. Exchange contact information with the dog’s owner and any potential witnesses while you’re on the scene. If the owner was not there, you may need to investigate whose dog caused the harm.
It’s vital to talk with an experienced personal injury attorney after obtaining medical treatment. A lawyer can help you figure out how much your lawsuit is worth and who is to blame for the harm. Contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
