Dogs, even though they are best friends of human beings, can cause fatal problems at times. The effect of a dog bite can vary depending on the severity of the bite suffered by the victim. Though the dog bite accident can be a traumatic experience, one must surely know what to do and what not to do soon after the dog bite. Otherwise, some wrong decisions or actions by the victim can lead to some unexpected fatalities.
In a normal case of a dog bite, the victim will be eligible to sue the owner of the dog for the dog bite injuries he/she suffered. Though this can vary depending on the individual case, this is commonly true in most of the dog bite cases. However, if the victim does not take some necessary actions or on the other hand do something wrong, he/she may lose some of the benefits that can come their way otherwise.
If a dog has bitten you, it will be in your best interest to seek the help of a dog bite attorney so that you can have proper knowledge about the dog bite claim that you can raise. However, here are some essential guidelines on what to do and what not to do after a dog bite.
Things you Must Do after a Dog Bite
Seek Medical Attention: It is very important to get proper medical attention after a dog bite. Usually, if the injury suffered is a minor one, people hesitate to seek medical help for the same. However, this can turn out to be the wrong decision later. In the dog bite claim that you raise, the medical assistance you have sought after the dog attack can be of valuable help. It will show the seriousness of the injury that you have suffered. The statement of the doctor who treated you and the medical bills can also be pivotal in earning the compensation that you are entitled to receive. Hence, if you have suffered a dog bite make sure that you seek medical help as soon as possible.
Contact The Animal Control And The Dog Owner: After a dog bite incident, you must contact the owner of the dog and inform him of the accident that has happened. You must also check with him about the rabies vaccinations. It is very important to let the animal control know about the incident. They keep a record of the dogs, and hence, they can keep a note of the history of the dog. Many victims hesitate to do this, thinking that they will ruin the relationship with the dog owner, especially if the owner is a neighbor or a close one. However, this may not affect your relationship unless it happens in a strict liability state.
Get To Know The Insurance Company: You should take this important step towards receiving the compensation for the dog bite injury you suffered. Find out if the dog owner’s insurance covers dog bite cases.
Take And Keep Pictures: Taking and keeping pictures of the dog and the injury is very important. If in the future the case goes to trial, this will be useful to you. Usually, people consider dogs as pets, and they cannot imagine them as a fierce animal, which can bite. Therefore, take and keep the picture of the dog, which bit you so that it can serve as a proof for the aggressive behavior of the dog. Keeping a picture of the injury will also serve to show the seriousness of the injury.
Contact Witnesses: Assure that you get the details of the people who witnessed this accident. The statements of the victims will be needed if in the future the case goes to a trial. In this way, you will be able to get an accurate record of the incident. Your dog bite attorney can be of help in doing this.
Things you Should Not Do after a Dog Bite
Do Not Discuss The Case With The Insurance Adjustor: Discussing your case with the insurance adjuster can be the most foolish decision you take after you suffer injuries in a dog bite. The insurance company tries its best to avoid paying you the compensation you are entitled to receive. If that is not possible, they will try to avoid paying you the right amount of compensation, which means they will try to settle the case with a meager amount. The insurance adjuster works for this cause, and hence, he may use your talk with him against your favor. Therefore, hesitate to discuss the details of the case with him.
Do Not Think That The Dog Is Healthy: The dog, which bit you, may or may not have taken vaccinations. Understand the history of the dog to have a clear idea about this. This will determine the medical care that you need to take.
Keep these things in your mind so that you can have a successful dog bite claim if a dog bites you. An experienced dog bite attorney can guide you through the case.