You’ve Just Been Bitten By A Dog… Now What?

Bill Allen | March 29, 2018 | Gainesville Personal Injury Law News

According to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year. While some of these bites only result in minor scratches, serious dog attacks can result in life-altering injuries, intense and lingering trauma, lifelong phobias, and even death. Too often, dog attacks are the direct result of negligent pet owners who either will not or cannot restrain their dogs.

If you or someone you know was recently injured physically from a dog bite, taking the proper steps in the immediate aftermath is absolutely essential to navigate your case and get the compensation you deserve. Here are just a few critical steps to take immediately after a dog bite.

Seek Medical Care

First and foremost, getting treated for your injuries is the most important step to take after you’ve been bitten by a dog. Dog bites range greatly in size and severity, and depending on the location, you may need more significant treatment than others. But rest assured that laws are in place to protect dog bite victims, and the dog’s owner may be responsible for your medical costs as a result of the incident.

It is also important to note that a rabies vaccines can make the difference between life and death after an animal bite. Your doctor will likely ask you about your vaccination history, but remember that rabies is a serious issue. That’s why you should always seek medical treatment after being bitten by a wild or unknown animal, even if the injuries seem minor.

Document Injuries

Documenting injuries is also an essential component of gathering evidence to build a case after a dog bite. You should keep any and all medical paperwork relating to injury diagnosis and treatment. Gathering visual evidence by taking photographs of your injuries, is important, as well, including the bite marks themselves in addition to any scratching, bruising, or clothes tearing. This undeniable visual evidence can be a major factor when it comes time to negotiate the damages.

Continue To Monitor Injuries

Finally, it’s important to keep an ongoing record of your everyday ailments and afflictions as they relate to the accident. Keep a detailed record of your emotions as well as physical symptoms you’re experiencing on a daily basis. These records can help reveal the true level of pain and suffering you went through as a result of the experience.

Contact A Lawyer

Additionally, it’s essential to find a dog bite attorney who has helped many people navigate through their dog bite injury cases. Searching for a good attorney that handles dog bite cases will begin the legal process.

Ultimately, understanding these steps to take after getting bitten by a dog is the key to getting the compensation you deserve. For more information about injury lawyers or wrongful death attorneys, contact Allen Law Firm.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have two convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258